Kashmir is said to be a Paradise. It seems that we are in heaven. Pahalgam is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir that is surrounded by hills on all sides. The sparkling rivers and the lush meadows have always attracted tourists from all over the world.
If anyone asks you for your dream destination, the only answer is Kashmir. Pahalgam is one of the most common choices among people. Let us try to find out some of the best places to visit in and around Pahalgam.
Here is the list of Top 10 Places to Visit Near Pahalgam:
1. Betaab Valley
It is one of the most popular Bollywood destinations for films. You must have seen a lot of films that have been shot in this place. It is a charming valley with snow-clad mountains.
It will give you a great feeling to walk across the valleys and cherish the sunshine. You can sit in this valley along with a cup of coffee.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Things to do Activities:
- Enjoy scenic walks through lush green landscapes.
- Have a picnic by the Lidder River.
- Capture photographs in this popular Bollywood filming location.
- Trek along nearby trails for panoramic views.
How to Reach: Situated 15 km from Pahalgam, it’s easily accessible by taxi or private car, offering scenic views along the way.
Nearby Attractions: Baisaran Valley, often called “Mini Switzerland”, and Lidder River for peaceful riverside walks.
2. Sheshnag Valley
It is another beautiful place in Pahalgam. The place is so serene that you can hear the sound of silence. This lake comes in the way of Amarnath.
The snow-clad mountains surround the lake from all sides. People also come here to offer prayers to Sheshnag. They believe that Sheshnag still resides here.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Things to do Activities:
- Trek to Sheshnag Lake and enjoy its emerald waters.
- Set up a camping spot with stunning valley views.
- Experience the natural beauty on the Amarnath Yatra route.
- Photograph the serene lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
How to Reach: Accessible via a trekking path on the Amarnath Yatra route, about 23 km from Pahalgam.
Nearby Attractions: Panchtarni, a beautiful meadow en route to Amarnath Cave.
Popular Packages for Kashmir:
3. Mamal Temple
It is an ancient Shiva temple that is famous in the entire area. It is believed that people who come here get an amazing spiritual vibe.
The age of the temple dates back to 400CE. The shiva lingam present here is known as Mamaleshwar. Most people who come here visit this temple.
Best time to visit: April to June, September to November.
Things to do Activities:
- Explore the ancient 5th-century stone architecture.
- Offer prayers at one of Kashmir’s oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Enjoy the peaceful surroundings along the Lidder River.
- Take photos of this historic and spiritual site.
How to Reach: Located just 1.5 km from Pahalgam’s town center, it’s accessible on foot or by taxi.
Nearby Attractions: Pahalgam main market for local handicrafts, Lidder River for leisurely strolls.
Read also:
4. Aru Village and Valley
Once you are in Pahalgam you should come to this mesmerizing village named Aru village. It is popular for its lush meadows. You can come across various types of ponds that are located in various parts of the village. The charming village of Aru always attracts people for trekking.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Things to do Activities:
- Go trekking or horse riding along scenic routes.
- Experience the culture of this quaint Kashmiri village.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Start treks to Kolahoi Glacier or Tarsar Lake.
How to Reach: Situated 12 km from Pahalgam, accessible by taxi or by hiking.
Nearby Attractions: Lidderwat Valley, a serene camping site for trekkers, and Kolahoi Glacier trek starting point.
5. Avantipur Temple
It is located on the Srinagar and Pahalgam Highway. The majestic pillars of the temple are still a fantastic thing that should be visited by tourists. You will find the two main structures that are the main tourist points.
You can also get good photography spots in this area. You can also offer worship to this temple to get complete peace of mind.
Best time to visit: April to October.
Things to do Activities:
- Explore the ruins and intricate carvings from the 9th century.
- Learn about the history and significance of the temple in Hindu culture.
- Take photographs of the detailed stonework and architecture.
- Visit nearby historical sites for a deeper cultural experience.
How to Reach: Located about 57 km from Pahalgam on the Srinagar-Pahalgam highway, accessible by car or taxi.
Nearby Attractions: Anantnag town, Awantipora Ruins, offering further glimpses into Kashmir’s historical heritage.
Read other articles Sri Nagar:
6. Tulian Lake
It is one of the most preferred places in Pahalgam for tourists. If you are passionate about trekking and adventure, you should come to this place. It is located above 12000 feet above sea level.
The lake is situated in the meadows with pine forests. You can come here to relish the winter months. Read Also: 10 Most Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Srinagar.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Things to do Activities:
- Trek through challenging terrain from Baisaran Valley.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the lake surrounded by snowy peaks.
- Set up camp near the lake for a unique outdoor experience.
- Take stunning photos of the lake’s clear blue waters.
How to Reach: The trek to Tulian Lake starts from Baisaran Valley, which is accessible by horse or on foot from Pahalgam.
Nearby Attractions: Baisaran Valley for additional hiking trails and scenic views, and Aru Valley.
7. Kolahoi Glacier
One of the best places in Pahalgam that are known for the hanging glaciers. It is the best place for trekking. People from various corners of the world come here for trekking. Trekking in this glacier will be a lifetime experience for you.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Things to do Activities:
- Embark on a multi-day trek from Aru Village to the glacier.
- Camp along the trekking route to experience untouched nature.
- Enjoy the view of Kashmir’s largest glacier and its surroundings.
- Photograph the expansive glacier and nearby landscapes.
How to Reach: Starting from Aru Village, the trek requires several days, ideal for experienced trekkers with a guide.
Nearby Attractions: Lidder River, offering camping spots for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
8. Lolab Valley
Another famous place in Pahalgam is the Lolab Valley. The valley is located in the northern district of Kupwara. It is also famous for its beautiful nature and view.
The best time to come here is from April to June. You can also do a lot of adventurous activities during this period.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Things to do Activities:
- Take nature walks in lush meadows and forests.
- Set up a campsite to fully experience the valley’s natural beauty.
- Enjoy birdwatching and spot local wildlife.
- Capture photographs of clear streams and picturesque landscapes.
How to Reach: Located in Kupwara district, about 114 km from Pahalgam; reachable by car from Srinagar.
Nearby Attractions: Bangus Valley, another scenic valley nearby with similar natural beauty, and Kupwara town.
Discover other articles of Kashmir for more Information:
9. Tarsar Lake
Another renowned place in Pahalgam is Tarsar Lake. This almond-shaped lake is located in the Aru District of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake freezes during the winter months. Even the whole area freezes and people cannot come to this place. The best time to come to this place is during the summer months.
It is the time when you will see that the birds are sitting by the side of the lake. The water remains crystal clear during this part of the year. The majority of the tourists visit this lake during this part of the year. Read Also: Top 5 Lakes in Jammu and Kashmir
Best time to visit: June to September.
Things to do Activities:
- Trek to the high-altitude lake from Aru Valley.
- Camp by the lake for peaceful nights under the stars.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the clear lake and surrounding mountains.
- Photograph the serene beauty and reflections in the lake.
How to Reach: Accessible via a trek starting from Aru Valley, suitable for seasoned trekkers.
Nearby Attractions: Marsar Lake, a twin lake accessible by further trekking, and Lidder River for camping sites.
10. Chandanwari
Yet another famous place in Pahalgam is Chandanwadi. This place is significant in the sense that the trekking of Holy Amarnath commences from this place. Once you reach this place, you can discover the snow-clad mountains everywhere.
It is close to Pahalgam where you can catch a beautiful natural view of the mountains. This place is highly popular for Snow Sledging. It is another important part of this place.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Things to do Activities:
- Begin the Amarnath Yatra or enjoy scenic trails in the area.
- Participate in snow sports in winter, like sledding and snowball fights.
- Set up a riverside picnic spot.
- Photograph the lush valley and river views.
How to Reach: Located 16 km from Pahalgam, easily accessible by taxi or shared transportation.
Nearby Attractions: Betaab Valley, known for its lush greenery and river views, and Sheshnag Lake.
Thus it can be well-said that Pahalgam is one of the heavenly places in India that must be visited. If you are a trekker in the true sense you will get ample such places in Pahalgam that can be used for trekking. It will give you a wonderful feeling to come to these places. The famous Amarnath Yatra commences from Pahalgam. Just pack your bags and plan for a fantastic trip to Pahalgam. It will be a memorable experience.
More Information on Kashmir:
- Places to Visit & Things to do Kashmir in August
- Jammu & Kashmir 6 Most Beautiful Waterfalls
- 11 Interesting facts about Jammu & Kashmir
- Jammu & Kashmir Popular Folk Dances
- Famous Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir
- Jammu and Kashmir Famous Food and Cuisine
- Best Places to Visit Srinagar, Kashmir in May
- Travel Guide Gondola Cable Ride in Gulmarg- Fare, Timing, Booking Ticket
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the top places to visit near Pahalgam?
Top spots include Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari, Sheshnag Lake, and Tulian Lake.
2. How far is Betaab Valley from Pahalgam?
Betaab Valley is located around 7 km from Pahalgam and is known for its scenic beauty and Bollywood movie settings.
3. What is special about Aru Valley?
Aru Valley is famous for its lush meadows, trekking trails, and views of the Himalayan peaks. It’s located about 12 km from Pahalgam.
4. What can I do at Chandanwari?
Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra and offers views of the Lidder River, along with snow-covered landscapes in winter.
5. Is Sheshnag Lake a good place to visit?
Yes, Sheshnag Lake is known for its crystal-clear blue water and surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for nature lovers and trekkers.
6. Can we visit Tulian Lake from Pahalgam?
Yes, Tulian Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, accessible by trekking from Pahalgam.
7. How far is Mamal Temple from Pahalgam?
Mamal Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located about 1 km from Pahalgam and is one of the area’s oldest temples.
8. What activities can we do at Baisaran Valley?
At Baisaran Valley, you can enjoy pony rides, zorbing, and picnics amidst green meadows surrounded by pine forests.
9. Are there any adventure activities near Pahalgam?
Yes, popular adventure activities include river rafting in the Lidder River, trekking, and horse riding in the surrounding valleys.
10. What is special about the Lidder River?
The Lidder River offers river rafting, fishing, and serene riverbank picnics with beautiful views.
11. Can I visit Lolab Valley from Pahalgam?
Yes, Lolab Valley, known for its scenic landscapes and apple orchards, is a peaceful spot and can be visited on a day trip from Pahalgam.
12. How far is Avantipur Temple from Pahalgam?
Avantipur Temple is around 55 km from Pahalgam and is famous for its ancient ruins and historical significance.
13. What’s the best time to visit places around Pahalgam?
The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the valleys are lush green.
14. Is Tarsar Lake accessible from Pahalgam?
Yes, Tarsar Lake, a beautiful alpine lake, is accessible through a trek starting near Pahalgam.
15. Are there any accommodations around Pahalgam?
Yes, Pahalgam has various hotels, guesthouses, and resorts, along with camping options for those looking to explore nature closely.
