Places to Visit in Pahalgam

Pahalgam is one of the most picturesque towns in Kashmir. It is very close to Srinagar. Pahalgam falls on the route to Amarnath Cave, and it is also the base from where tourists go on Amarnath Yatra. Pahalgam has the most wonderful and scenic landscapes in Kashmir. There are mountain valleys, pine forests, gurgling rivers, green pastures, nomadic villages, and snow-capped mountains. Pahalgam is one of the best places in Kashmir for adventurous activities like trout fishing, trekking, camping, zorbing, zip-lining, etc. Pahalgam also has ancient temples and lakes. You can plan the Pahalgam tour itinerary with us or check out some of the amazing Kashmir holiday packages that we offer. You can visit the best places in Pahalgam on your trip to Kashmir.

1. Betaab Valley

Betaab Valley is on the banks of the Lidder River and it got its name because of the Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ which was shot here. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in Pahalgam. The valley is full of the scenic beauty of green pastures, alpine forests, river streams, and snow-capped mountains. Betaab Valley also serves as the base for tourists who make a brief halt here on the way to Amarnath Cave. Trekkers also camp here on their treks.

2. Mamal Temple

Mamleshwar Temple is also called Mamal Temple. This is a temple of Lord Shiva in Pahalgam. It is a highly revered temple and is one of the few temples in Kashmir which are made of stone. Mamal Temple is believed to be built at the place where Lord Ganesh stood guarding intruders while his mother Goddess Parvati bathed. According to historical records, Mamal Temple was built around 1600 years ago and is a very ancient temple. Mamal Temple is also the place where Lord Shiva cut off the head of Ganesha.

3. Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake is one of the best places in Pahalgam that you can visit. It is named after the Hindu mythological snake god called Sheshnag. This alpine lake is believed to be the abode of this snake god Sheshnag. A trek to Sheshnag Lake is one of the best treks in Kashmir. Sheshnag Lake trek route goes through alpine grasslands, pine forests, and mountainous terrain. Pilgrims to Amarnath Cave can be seen on this trek route. Mountains and grasslands surround Sheshnag Lake. There are many trout fish in this lake.

4. Lidder Amusement Park

Lidder Amusement Park is the best place in Pahalgam for kids and adults. Kids will find many fun things to do. They can go for paddle boating, miniature railways, bumping car rides, swings, roller coaster rides, etc. Lidder Amusement Park is best for family picnics and amusement. The surroundings are very scenic and the Lidder river flows nearby. The mountain scenery that you can view from this amusement park can make you relax and enjoy your picnic here even more.

5. Aru Valley

Aru Valley is an exciting adventure place in Pahalgam. It is on the banks of the Aru River, which is a tributary of the Lidder river. Aru Valley is incredibly scenic and during winters it is covered with snow. Skiing, horse riding, zip-lining, and zorbing are the best activities to do in Aru Valley. Aru Valley is also a base for treks to Kolahoi Glacier, and Tarsar-Marsar Lakes.

6. Baisaran Hills

Baisaran is a very scenic place near Pahalgam. Here you can do so many activities like horse riding, zorbing, etc. Baisaran Hills offer the perfect destination for relaxing nature walks, picnics, photography, and relaxation. This place is just 1 hour by cab from Pahalgam. You can come here and just sit and admire the natural beauty of this place.

7. Avantipur Temple

On your trip to Pahalgam, you can visit the ruins of Avantipur Temple. Avantipur Temple is a temple complex of two temples. Avantishwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Avantiswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You can still walk among the ruins of this temple. King Avantivarman build these temples in the 9th century. The carved pillars, sculptures etched and engraved on stone walls, and other structures made of stone are what’s left of this huge temple complex of Avantipur Temple.

8. Pahalgam Golf Course

Pahalgam has an 18-hole golf course called Pahalgam Golf Course. You can play a round of golf, or take golfing lessons from experts. Pahalgam Golf Course is a very well-maintained golf course. It is surrounded by magnificent mountains and the spectacular Lidder river which flows near the golf course. Pahalgam Golf Course is one of the best sightseeing places in Pahalgam.

9. Tulian Lake

Tulian Lake is one of the scenic alpine lakes that you can visit in Pahalgam. Trekkers can reach this lake after a 2 day’s trek. The trek to Tulian Lake is one of the best treks in Kashmir. Tulian Lake freezes during winter, and in summer the lake looks crystal blue. Tulian Lake trek goes through the spectacular landscapes of Kashmir. You can also hire a pony for this trek. There are many places where you can camp on this trek. The wonderful scenes on this trek make it one of the best trekking places in Kashmir.

10. Chandanwari

Chandanwari is the actual starting point for Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir. It is full of the amazing natural beauty of snowy mountains and serene valleys. Lidder river flows through Chandanwari. Snow covers the entire valley during the winter season and it is perfect for playing with snow. But during the summer months, Chandanwari is filled with lush greenery and it is the best time for sightseeing, trekking, etc.

11. Kolahoi Glacier

Kolahoi Glacier is a glacier at the base of Mount Kolahoi near Pahalgam. A trek to Kolahoi Glacier is one of the best treks in Kashmir. Kolahoi Glacier trek is very challenging and not suitable for beginners. There are vast crevices on the glacier and some of them are over 200 ft deep. Kolahoi Glacier trek can be one of the treks of a lifetime. Trekkers have to pass through Aru Valley and walk through uneven mountainous terrain and waterfalls and river streams to reach Kolahoi Glacier.

12. Lolab Valley

Lolab Valley is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Pahalgam. It is perfect places to do camping in the mountains. Campers and trekkers love the surroundings of pine forests and green mountains. The clear streams that flow here make this place even more beautiful and scenic. Lolab Valley is also the best place in Kashmir to spot Himalayan wildlife such as black bears, musk deer, brown bears, snow leopards, etc.

13. Panchtarni

13. Panchtarni
Panchtarni is a scenic place near Pahalgam that you can visit on your Pahalgam trip. It is a camping site for pilgrims on Amarnath Yatra. Panchtarni is also the place where helicopter service to Amarnath Yatra ends. Amarnath Cave is 6 km from Panchtarni, and you have to go from here on foot. Panchtarni is full of incredible scenic beauty. Tourists and pilgrims can stay here in tented accommodation on their Amarnath Yatra trek.

14. Tarsar Lake

Tarsar Lake is an alpine lake near Pahalgam. This lake freezes in winter. But in summer, you can see chunks of ice floating on the blue waters of this lake. Tarsar Lake is a famous trek place in Kashmir. Tarsar Lake trek is one of the best treks in Kashmir. The lake looks pretty beautiful with its blue waters surrounded by mountains. Tarsar Lake along with Marsar Lake are two of the most beautiful lakes in Kashmir.

15. Martand Sun Temple

Martand Sun Temple is one of the most spectacular Hindu temples built in Kashmir. The ruins of pillars, courtyard, and sculptures of gods and goddesses on the walls of the temple are proof of the colossal size of this temple. Martand Sun Temple dates back to the 8th century and is dedicated to the sun god Surya. The Kashmiri architecture of Martand Sun Temple is unbelievably beautiful and reminds tourists of its brilliance.