Top Tour Operator of Gujarat
27 Jul 2023
Kashmir truly is paradise on earth, and pristine Pahalgam is one of the most scenic places in the famed valley. With unimaginably beautiful vistas that look like a perfect painting, complete with the sparkling Lidder River, lush meadows, soaring pines and cherubic children, Pahalgam has all the ingredients to take your breath away. All the places to visit in Pahalgam are an ode to Nature in all its glory: pristine, unspoilt and magnificent. Untouched by the trappings of civilization, Pahalgam offers myriad options for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts as well as spiritual seekers.
Made popular by the eponymous Bollywood film, Betaab valley is the stuff that picture postcards are made of. A place of surreal beauty, this charming valley is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam in May when spring transforms it to paradise. As you walk amidst lush meadows to the sound of the sparkling river and sight of snow-clad mountains, you feel rejuvenated and spellbound at the same time. You can simply relax with a book and a hot cup of tea or indulge in zip lining for a taste of adventure in this oasis by the river.
This ancient Shiva temple by the Lidder River emanates powerful spiritual vibes and is a must visit for those seeking divine blessings. Located in a small hamlet about a mile from Pahalgam, the temple dates back to 400CE and is visited by devotees all the year round due to its religious significance. With a small platform, a shivalingam and a gold adorned shrine the Mamleshwar temple is also blessed with a perennial pure water spring under its base, enclosed in a basin in the front.
Ideal for: Spirituality, History
At a place so serene that you can hear the sound of silence and witness nature and its many hues is the pristine Sheshnag lake tucked between snow-laden mountains and alpine meadows. Located on the route to Amarnath around 23 kilometres from Pahalgam, this enchanting glacial lake is one of the most-recommended places to visit near Pahalgam for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. The place also holds great religious significance and is visited by devotees who believe that the mythical Sheshnag still resides in the lake.
Ideal for: Nature, Photography, Adventure
On the picturesque bank of the shimmering Lidder river, this amusement park is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam with kids. With paddle boats, a miniature railway, bumping cars and other fun rides and swings, this paradise for children with the view of the snow peaks and the cool valley breeze is a perfect stopover for the entire family.
At the end of a scenic 12-km drive from the town is the tranquil and mesmerizingly beautiful Aru Village & Valley, a must-add to your list of places to visit in Pahalgam. Popular for its lush meadows, the valley is a wonderful place to spend few quiet hours in the lap of nature. There are pony rides available for exploring the valley & various scenic points around it. Adventure lovers can indulge in zorbing, ziplining, powered paragliding and river-crossing. The charming Aru village also serves as the base camp for the trek to stunning Kolahoi glacier.
Entry fee: INR25/person. A fixed-rate local cab needs to be hired from Pahalgam to reach Aru valley.
Pony ride rates: Starts from INR 210 for the nearest point Kootpathri.
Pahalgam is endowed with many pristine lakes and picturesque meadows it that can be explored during your stay here. Ensconced in dense pine, cedar and fir forests is the charming and serene Baisaran Meadow considered to be amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Pahalgam. You can take a leisurely walk (takes around 1 hour or more), a pony ride or a taxi to reach this tranquil meadow about 6 Kms from Pahalgam.
Ideal for: Nature, Tranquillity, Photography
Located on the Srinagar-Pahalgam highway (around 57 Kms before Pahalgam), these ancient ruins must be on your list of must-visit places to visit near Pahalgam for their historical and architectural significance. Built by King Avantivarman between 855-883 AD, these fascinating temples still hold the interest of both religious devotees and history buffs till date. The majestic pillars and carved sculptures of various deities hold testimony to the architectural brilliance of that era. The two main structures, the Avantiswhar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Avantiswami temple to Lord Vishnu, are also the perfect spots for great photography.
Ideal for: History, Spirituality, Photography
Avid golfers can truly appreciate the pleasure of a playing a round or two at this 18-hole golf course nestled amidst the Himalayan ranges across the Lidder River in Pahalgam. You can also take up some preliminary golfing lessons at one of the highest golf grounds in the world, while soaking in the bewitchingly beautiful vistas all around. With soaring mountains on one side and the charming Lidder on the other, this is also one of the popular tourist places in Pahalgam for experiencing the essence of the place.
Ideal for: Golfing, Photography, Nature
This is one of the most recommended places near Pahalgam for those seeking a taste of thrill and adventure high up in the mountains. Located at 12000 feet above sea level, this pristine Himalayan lake can be reached by first taking a pony ride and then a few hours of arduous trek. Located in a meadow with pine forests, this alluring alpine lake has the perfect setting nestled between lofty Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges on three sides and is no doubt, one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam in winter.
Trek tips: Since there are no marked trails beyond Baisaran, it is recommended to take a guide. Also, the temperatures near the lake dips]really low so do not forget to carry appropriate warm clothes.
Located 16Km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari holds significance both because it is the starting point for the holy Amarnath trek and also due to its gorgeous snow-covered vistas. It is the nearest place to visit in Pahalgam where you can spend time playing with fresh snow and enjoying the scenic beauty of the place. The picturesque drive is dotted with waterfalls and views of the mighty snow-capped mountains with the Lidder River meandering along side. Chandanwari is hugely popular for sledging across the snow bridge and the crystal waters of Sheshnag river cascading down the mountains.
Tips: Snow boots and jackets can be hired right there for uninterrupted fun in the snow
Ideal for: Nature, Picnics, Photography, Hiking And yes, when you spend a few days here, this enchanting hill town in Kashmir promises to reveal many more such amazing destinations in and around it that will leave you spellbound! So what are you waiting for? Plan your personalized holiday from Vibrant Holidays by booking a Kashmir Tour Package and witness the best of nature like never before.
