- Mar 10, 2025
Pahalgam is a stunning hill station nestled in the enchanting region of Jammu and Kashmir. Located alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Lidder River, this picturesque destination draws countless visitors year-round, each eager to soak in its natural beauty. Perched at an impressive altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level, Pahalgam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with lush green meadows, majestic mountains, and vibrant alpine flora. Just a scenic 45 kilometres from the main district headquarters of Anantnag, Pahalgam stands out as one of the most celebrated highlights of the entire state, captivating the hearts of travellers from all walks of life. It serves as a serene escape for couples seeking romantic moments amid nature's splendour and solo backpackers yearning for solitude and adventure. The tranquil ambience here is perfect for embracing peace and reflection, making Pahalgam an ideal sanctuary for anyone looking to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. Let us together embark on a journey to uncover the breathtaking destinations and hidden gems that Pahalgam has to offer!
13 Best Places To Visit in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
1. Aru Village
Affectionately known as an "oasis of serenity," Aru village is a popular tourist spot because of its natural artistry, which is noted for its beautiful lakes, mountains, and meadows. It lies at the centre of the Anantnag district and promises a perfect escape for visitors looking for a calming environment. The village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, enclosed by vibrant greenery, and serves as the base camp for trekkers to the Kolahoi Glaciers, making the village loved by all kinds of tourists.
2. Betaab Valley
Initially known as Hagan Valley, Betaab Valley became extremely famous after the shooting of the movie Betaab here. The valley is a very renowned attraction in Jammu and Kashmir because of its dense vegetation, rich meadows, and scenic mountains. The cold and chilled stream of fresh water invites the locals, and a base camp for trekking invites tourists from far-flung areas. Because of the lush green scenery and environment, people like to enjoy the picnic at this spot.
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3. Tulian Lake
Tulian Lake is a high-mountain lake located in the great Himalayan ranges of India. It is enclosed by snow-covered mountains on three sides and consists of ice floating within it. It gives birth to a short trek in Kashmir due to the presence of a world-class high trailhead. The track begins at the banks of the Lidder River and consists of scenic mountain vistas, white waterfalls, pine forest stretches, snow-fed streams, meadows, and the shepherd life of Kashmir along the way.
4. Mamaleshwar Temple
Situated on the banks of the Lidder River, Mamaleshwar Temple is a renowned Hindu temple and one of the oldest in the Kashmir Valley. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legends, it is the place where lord Shiva gave Ganesha the elephant head after cutting it down. It is also believed that goddess Paravati keeps Ganesha as the doorkeeper and only allows visitors to enter after her permission. The main attractions of the temple include the two-mouth Nandi idol, plinth, and a Shiva Lingam.
5. Lidder Amusement Park
Lidder Amusement Park is a fun destination for all ages, set in the beautiful Lidder Valley. It offers a variety of attractions, including thrilling rides like roller coasters and bumper cars, as well as playgrounds for younger children. It even offers miniature railways, paddle boats, and other gaming zone areas for all. Visitors can enjoy a day of excitement and relaxation amidst stunning natural scenery.
6. Chandawari
Renowned for being the base of the famous Hindu pilgrimage site, Chandawari paves the gateway for Shri Amarnath Yatra, which begins in June till August. Thus, during the sacred Amarnath Yatra, the Valley of Chandawari receives numerous pilgrims from across the world. Apart from the religious aspect, the destination is the ideal place to relax in the tranquil nature, breathtaking beauty scenes, snowcapped mountains, hiking, pony rides, and sightseeing opportunities.
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7. Kolahoi Glacier
Locally known as the "Goddess of Light," Kolahoi Glacier is a hanging glacier and the highest glacier in Kashmir. It can only be reached via trekking and offers the most mesmerising and stunning sceneries of the Kashmir Valley. The track will make you go through several coniferous forests, alpine lakes, waterfalls, meadows, Lidder riverbank, and lakes. Though some parts of the track can be completed by hiring ponies or horses, it is not advisable for inexperienced trekkers to do the trekking because of the extremely challenging tracks.
8. Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake is a high-altitude lake in Jammu and Kashmir known for its clear water and low protoctist content. Surrounded by lush meadows, it appears green and is home to various fish species, including brown trout. The lake is associated with mythology, particularly linked to Sheshnag, the lord of snakes, who is said to have dug it. As a stop on the way to the Holy Amarnath Cave, it is also a sacred pilgrimage site.
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9. Panchtarni
The name "Panchtarni," meaning "five streams," refers to the five rivers that converge at this sacred site, symbolizing the five elements of nature. Pilgrims perform rituals here before continuing to the Amarnath Cave, which houses a naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva. Located near Pahalgam, Panchtarni is a key stop for campers and pilgrims. As the last helicopter drop point for the Amarnath Yatra, it marks the start of a 6 km trek to the holy temple.
10. Martand Sun Temple
Built in the 8th century, Martand Sun Temple is a beautiful medieval Hindu shrine near Anantnag. It is dedicated to Lord Surya, Hinduism's solar deity, with a fusion of various architectural styles, such as Gandhara, Roman, Greek, Gupta, Chinese, and Syrian-Byzantine. Constructed from intricately carved black stone, the temple showcases the grandeur of early medieval Indian architecture. Its highlight is a spacious courtyard with a central shrine, surrounded by colonnades and 84 smaller shrines, spanning 220 feet in length and 142 feet in breadth. This architectural ensemble, which includes an earlier-built temple, once resonated with the footsteps of pilgrims and the chants of ancient rituals.
11. Kashmir Valley
The Vale of Kashmir, commonly referred to as the Kashmir Valley, is an intermountain valley located in the northern part of Jammu and Kashmir, which is a region in Indian-administered Kashmir. This valley is encircled by the Himalayan mountain ranges, with the Pir Panjal Range to the southwest and the Greater Himalayan Range to the northeast. It stretches roughly 135 kilometres in length and 32 meters in width, and the Jhelum River feeds it. This area encompasses the whole region of the Kashmir Division within Jammu and Kashmir.
12. Avantipur Temple
A remarkable piece of art can be found in the Avantipur Temple, constructed between 855 and 883 CE. Situated 29 km southeast of Srinagar, it is thought to have been built by King Avantivarman. A devoted follower of Lord Surya, the king dedicated the temple to him, though a few other deities, including Goddess Ragnya Devi, are also represented in the temple. The king also built two additional temples near the main shrine. The smaller temple, which is still active, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other temple, known as Avantiswami Temple, now lies in ruins and was once a prominent Vishnu temple. Both temples display characteristics of the Greek architectural style.
13. Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
The Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected region located in Aru Valley, Pahalgam, close to Ananthnag city in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated 46 kilometres from Anantnag City, the district's administrative centre. The sanctuary is positioned near the two villages of Overa and Aru. It is significant for its efforts in conserving the critically endangered Hangul deer. The diverse bird species found there, including the Himalayan Monal, make it a fascinating spot for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Additionally, the sanctuary plays a vital role in maintaining a high-altitude ecosystem, offering a distinctive chance to examine adaptations to extreme environments.
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