10 Places to Visit in Pahalgam

If there is one that can best describe the beauty of Pahalgam, it would be PRISTINE! Located in Kashmir, a heaven on earth itself, Pahalgam is one of the most scenic places you will ever see. The beautiful vistas, sparkling rivers, lush meadows, and soaring pine trees, Pahalgam is like a perfect painting, a masterpiece of the artist known as nature.

There are many pretty places in Pahalgam, each better than the other. So, we have listed down the top 10 places to see in Pahalgam.

Betab Valley

One of the most beautiful valleys in the list of Kashmir tourism, Betab Valley got its name after a Bollywood movie that was shot here. As you walk through the lush meadows of the valley, you can hear the sweet tune of the flowing rivers and see the snow-clad mountains, a sight that makes you feel rejuvenated and mesmerised at the same time.

Sheshnag Lake

The natural beauty of the lake is so serene that you can hear silence bellowing like thunder. The many hues of greens of the surrounding alpine meadows and the sparkling blue waters, this gorgeous glacial lake is one of the most popular Pahalgam tourist places.  

Located about 23 kms from Pahalgam on the Amarnath route, the lake holds religious significance for the Hindu devotees as they believe the legendary, Sheshnag, the five-headed serpent God lives in the lake.

Also Read: Top 8 Places To Visit In Kashmir With Family

Aru Village

About a 12-km drive from the Pahalgam city will take you to the tranquil and unbelievably beautiful Aru Village. Known for its vast meadows, it is an excellent place to spend a peaceful time with yourself and contemplate in the laps of nature.

If you have had enough rest, you can indulge in some adventure activities like zip lining, river-crossing or powered paragliding. The village is also the base camp for the trek to the stunning Kolahoi glacier.

Avantipur Temple

Located on the way to Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Pahalgam highway, the ancient ruins of Avantipur Temple are one of the most interesting places to visit in Pahalgam. The temple, built between 855-883 AD by King Avantivarman, is of religious importance for the locals and the devotees who come here from all over India to pay their respect and offer prayers.

The remnants of the magnificent pillars and the intricate carvings on the sculpture are a sight to behold and a testimony to the brilliant architecture of that era. It is a great place to awaken your spiritual senses.

Panchtarni

Located about 40kms from Pahalgam in Anantnag district at the confluence of five streams, this scenic place serves as the base camp for thousands of tourists and devotees who come here to visit the holy Amarnath, an important pilgrimage for Hindus. A narrow patch of about 6 kms leads you directly to the Amarnath cave, where you can go for an overnight camping or a day picnic and just revel in the mesmerising beauty of the place.

Also Read: Best Time To Visit Kashmir With Family

Kolahai Glacier

The Kolahai Glacier is a hanging glacier and the only way to reach here is to trek from Aru village and once reach the summit, the alluring natural beauty of the Glacier will leave you in awe! If you are in Pahalgam, don’t miss this trek for anything; it will give the best Pahalgam sightseeing experience that you cannot forget.

Baisaran Hills

Nature has bestowed Pahalgam with many beautiful locales that attract many tourists and Baisaran Hills is one such location. Shrouded by dense pine forests, Baisaran hills is an excellent place for you and your family to spend a day doing nothing but relaxing in the lapse of nature and clicking pictures together. If you are in the mood for adventure and fun games, you can go zorbing.

Tulian Lake

This pristine site in Pahalgam is one for the daredevils and the ones seeking adventure and thrill high up in the mountains. Tulian Lake is one of the best Pahalgam places to visit. Located about 12000 feet above sea level, the only way to reach here is through an arduous trek through the dense pine forests that takes a few hours.

Once you make it through the trek and reach the top near the lake, the beauty of the lake will make your sweat, tiredness and pain disappear in a jiffy. Make sure that you carry warm clothes as the temperature near the lake can drop low. Spend as much time as you want here, and you wouldn’t want to go back, we bet!

Lolab Valley

Located in the Kupwara district, Lolab Valley is well-known for its thrilling trekking trails, and waterfalls. The alluring natural beauty of the place and the friendly locals makes a visit to the place unforgettable! It is also an excellent place to indulge in some nature photography, and some self-portraits.

Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir Tourism: Best Time to Visit and How to Travel

Mamleshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is completely carved out from stones, and it was built during the reign of King Jayasima. Inside the temple, the shrine is covered completely in Gold.  It is one of the important places of worship for the locals. As per the legend, the temple is the site where Lord Ganesh stood guard for Goddess Parvati to prevent Lord Shiva from entering, which eventually angered the god and beheaded little Ganesha.

If you are visiting Pahalgam, make sure that you plan a long trip for at least 2-3 days to be able to see all the beautiful sites the place has to offer. The place will make you appreciate the beauty of nature like never before.