Pahalgam is a top tourist destination and is located in the Jammu and Kashmir district. Situated on the banks of river Lidder, this famous hill station attracts tourists throughout the year. It is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level. This place is only 45 kilometers away from the main district headquarters of Anantnag district. It is also one of the most highlighted destinations in Kashmir Tour Packages. Couples and solo backpackers often look for places to cherish some moments amidst the serene nature, Pahalgam is a perfect place to embrace tranquility. In this blog, we will know about 14 Places To Visit In Pahalgam which are the most popular and attractive.
List Of The Best Places To Visit In Pahalgam
- Betaab Valley
- Aru Valley
- Chandanwari
- Lidder Amusement Park
- Kolahoi Glacier
- Baisaran
- Tulian Lake
- Pahalgam Golf Course
- Mamleshwar Temple
- Sheshnag Lake
- Tarsar Marsar Lake
- Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
- Martand Sun Temple
- Lidder River
1. Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley of Pahalgam is one of the most beautiful and peaceful valleys of Jammu and Kashmir. It is just 7 km from Pahalgam town in the Anantnag region of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier it was called Hagen Valley. But after the famous Bollywood movie Betaab was filmed here in the early 1980s, it was named Betaab Valley Pahalgam.
The valley is surrounded by snowy mountains and is filled with lush green meadows, waterfalls and forests. It is a favorite place to visit in Pahalgam and it’s famous for its stunning and picturesque views. The valley is also home to wildlife such as snow leopards and brown bears. During winter, the Betaab Valley of Kashmir is covered with thick snow.
2. Aru Valley
Aru Valley is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Pahalgam. This peaceful and stunning village is situated amidst lush green meadows, which attracts nature lovers and relaxation seekers with its picturesque views. This village is where treks to Kolahoi Glacier usually begin. Those looking for thrill and adventure can go on a three-day trip to Sonamarg. The valley has a great camping site, offering cool and pleasant summer weather for visitors to enjoy. In winter, when the ground freezes, the village turns into a skiing paradise.
3. Chandanwari
The beautiful Chandanwari in Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2895 meters above sea level in Anantnag district of Kashmir division. It is famous for its stunning scenery and is a popular holiday destination for people from all over the world. The area is famous for its peaceful environment, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind. The sacred Amarnath Yatra, an annual pilgrimage of Hindus, passes through the Chandanwari Valley.
4. Lidder Amusement Park
Lidder Amusement Park is one of the highest amusement parks globally and offers stunning views due to its beautiful location amidst picturesque landscapes. There are lush green meadows, a winding river that exudes peace and a high mountain in the background. Lidder Recreation Park is a must-visit on the list of places to visit in Pahalgam.
5. Kolahoi Glacier
Kolahoi Glacier is located below Kolahoi Mountain and above the Lidder Valley. This 5 km long Hanging Valley Glacier is located just 5 km from Pahalgam city. Its area is 11 square km. Situated at an altitude of 4700 meters, this glacier is the largest in Kashmir. It is a part of the Kolahoi Peak and serves as the source of the Lidder River. A popular trekking destination and it offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
6. Baisaran Valley
Due to its breathtaking beauty, the Baisaran Valley is often called Mini-Switzerland. It is a popular tourist destination located just 5 km from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. It is a gorgeous green meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains and adorned with dense pine forests. This popular, unique tourist place to visit in Pahalgam is perfect for those seeking relaxation amidst nature.
7. Tulian Lake
Tullian Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located at an altitude of 3,684 meters (12,087 ft) above sea level, about 16 km (9.9 mi) southwest of Pahalgam and 11 km (6.8 mi) from Baisaran. Surrounded by high mountains rising more than 4,800 meters (15,700 ft) that are often snow-capped, it lies amid the vast Himalayan range, amidst grasslands dotted with deodar forests. This lake is a must-see attraction in Pahalgam.
8. Pahalgam Golf Course
Pahalgam Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses globally. Situated at an altitude of about 8000 feet above sea level, this golf course is situated in the Himalayas, which boasts of its unique attraction. If you like golf, you can enjoy playing a few rounds on this 18-hole golf course. Even if you’re not a fan of golf, you can still learn some basic skills here and have a good time.
Additionally, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the high mountains on one side and the flowing Lidder River on the other. You can also explore the refreshments available on-site to satisfy your hunger. This increases the attraction of this beautiful place of Pahalgam even more.
9. Mamleshwar Temple
Mamleshwar Temple also known as Mamal Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Pahalgam in the Kashmir Valley. It is situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 ft) on the banks of the Lidder River. According to legend, this temple is the place where Parvati kept Ganesha as her guardian and entry is allowed only with his permission. It is here that the story goes that Shiva cut off the head of Ganesha, who later replaced it with the head of an elephant. “Mamal” means “do not go” hence this temple is also known as Mamal Temple.
10. Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake is located about 17 km from Pahalgam and at an altitude of about 3,590 meters. Its vibrant green waters are home to a variety of fish including brown trout, while it is surrounded by mountains and snow-clad peaks. The lake’s water is renowned for its high quality with low algae production. The trekking route to Sheshnag Lake is exceptionally beautiful and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and vast grasslands. This lake is associated with several mythological stories, one of which suggests that it is of Sheshnag, the god of snakes himself.
11. Tarsar Marsar Lake
Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek is an alpine lake located in the Tral Valley of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is famous for its natural beauty. It is a popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam. The lake is separated from another similar lake, Tarsar Lake, by a mountain with a minimum elevation of 4,000 meters (13,000 ft). Due to their proximity and similar characteristics, the two lakes are often referred to as “twin sisters”. Tarsar-Marsar Trek is one of the most favorite treks in Kashmir Valley.
12. Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area near Pahalgam and is famous for its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. It falls within the range of the highly endangered Hangul (Cervus elaphus Hangul), which is currently found only in Dachigam National Park. It is connected to Dachigam through Lidder Forest. With its abundant flora and fauna, this sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife lovers who want an immersive experience in natural surroundings.
13. Martand Sun Temple
Martand Sun Temple is also known as Pandou Laidan and is a Hindu temple honoring Surya, the principal solar deity of Hinduism. It dates back to the eighth century B.C. Is of. Martand is another name for the Sun in Sanskrit. This temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida, the third ruler of the Karkota dynasty. This temple is now in ruins, as it was destroyed on the orders of the Muslim ruler Sikandar Shah Miri. It is located about five miles from Anantnag in the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
14. Lidder River
Lidder River is an important river in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a 73 km long river that starts from the Kolahoi Glacier at an altitude of 4653 meters and flows through the alpine meadows of Lidderwat. It is the second most important tributary of the Jhelum River after the Sindh River. Lidder joins Jhelum at Girnar Khanabal village situated at an altitude of 1615 meters above sea level.
A must-see place in Pahalgam is the Central Lidder Valley, where the river spreads over an area of 30 km, which adds to the attraction of this tourist destination. The river water is a beautiful shade of blue. It adds to the attraction of Pahalgam and Aru Valley. This river is perfect for activities like river rafting and trout fishing. Adventure tourists come here not only for these activities but also to enjoy the unique beauty of Lidder Valley.
Best Time To Visit Pahalgam
The best time to visit Pahalgam and visit these attractions is during the summer months of April to June when the weather is pleasant and best for outdoor activities. The spring season from March to April also presents a beautiful display of flowering meadows.
Things to do in Pahalgam
Here is a list of other fun things to do in Pahalgam apart from visiting the places mentioned above.
- Trekking
- Skiing
- Shopping
- White Water Rafting
- Photography
- Camping
- Fishing in Lidder River
- Angling
- Horse Riding
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What Are Some Must-See Places To Visit In Pahalgam?
Ans. Some of the must-see places in Pahalgam include Betab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwadi, Lidder Recreation Park and Kolahoi Glacier.
Q.2 What Is The Best Time To Visit Pahalgam To See Its Attractions?
The best time to visit Pahalgam and explore its attractions is during the summer months of April to June when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Q.3 Are There Any Religious Places Worth Visiting In Pahalgam?
Ans. Yes, Pahalgam is home to many religious places including Mamleshwar Temple and Martand Sun Temple, which are known for their architectural beauty and religious significance.
Q.4 Are There Any Wildlife Sanctuaries Or Parks In Pahalgam?
Yes, tourists can visit the Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its diverse wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear, musk deer and various bird species.
Q.5 Are There Any Water Bodies Or Lakes Worth Visiting In Pahalgam?
Ans. Pahalgam has many breathtaking lakes and water bodies, such as Tulian Lake, Sheshnag Lake and Tarsar Marsar Lake, which are known for their serene beauty and panoramic views.
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