Pahalgam, popular as the valley of shepherds, is also the base camp for the pilgrims to the holy Amarnath cave. The place attracts tourists to explore its scenic beauty and the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. An ideal destination for hiking, trekking, and fishing, Pahalgam receives heavy snowfall from December to February. Its thick pine and cedar forests provide a natural habitat for the brown bear. During your vacations in Pahalgam, you may visit Hajan, a picnic spot, which lies on the way to Chandanwari.
Here are some of the must see places in Pahalgam that make your tour quite memorable no matter when you visit:
Baisaran Hills
Known worldwide as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ owing to its long, dark meadows looking like those found in Switzerland, Baisaran is a picturesque glade, set just 5 km far from Pahalgam. The thick pine timberland that lends the green-carpet look to the glade gives a differentiating hue to snow-topped crests of the encompassing mountains. One of the top places to visit in Pahalgam, a trip to the knoll is really a treat for the senses. Furthermore, Baisaran is a perfect campground for trekkers who wish to travel further up to Tulian Lake. To get there you need to ride the ponies. An off-beaten track it lets one enjoy panoramic views of the Lidder Valley.
Pahalgam Golf Course
The Pahalgam fairway offers gorgeous views of the azure skies overhead a thick green turf and snow-covered peaks standing tall at the backdrop. For golf aficionados, playing their favorite sport here is a one of a kind experience. But novices too can try a hand at golf amidst the rich ambiance of the Pahalgam Green.
Kolahoi Glacier
A breathtakingly beautiful spot Kolahoi Glacier is one of the must see sightseeing places in Pahalgam. The lone way to get to the Kolahoi Glacier is through a laborious trek, not for the weakling. At 18,000 feet, the stunning views upon entry truly make the journey a memorable experience. The trek is flushed with dense green mountain vegetation & green glades. Thundering River Lidder, thick conifer backwoods with ice cold loquacious rivulets are all there to make the trek to the icy mass all the more memorable.
Aru Village & Valley
When in Pahalgam, take a tour of the town of the Lidder Valley, Aru. Just 15 kilometers away from Pahalgam, it’s the median location for any hike to the Kolahoi glacier, set at a height of 18,000 ft. The drive up to Aru is a scenic one so be ready with your cameras for some stunning shots of the Valley. On the way you’ll also see plenty of young fouls and calves. The blue canopy over the head, surreal surroundings, whispers of the local pines & conifer woodlands and wonderful green glades, make Aru an Idyllic honeymoon destination.
Chandanwari
Chandanwari, located on the periphery of Pahalgam, is one of the top tourist places having great religious importance. It is the initiation point of the Amarnath Yatra, an important pilgrimage held in the Hindu month of Sawan. Endowed with breathtaking beauty, this spot is a chief attraction for travelers coming to the Kashmir Valley. Undulating landscapes and sporadic greenery overhangs the topography of this little and picturesque hamlet.
Tulian Lake
Among the top tourist activities in Pahalgam, a visit to the Tulian Lake is a never to miss opportunity. Set in the midst of the Zanskar and Pir Panjal Mountain ranges the lake gives stunning views of the bordering snow-capped peaks that are for the most part 300 meters above its level. Primarily overlaid with snow, Tulian Lake journey is a perfect way to witness the natural beauty of Kashmir Valley. Its way from Baisaran is a bit weary, with unmarked trekking trails, but the barren hills and the eye-catching landscape make up for the tiredness.
Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is a beautiful spot located in the upper east side of Pahalgam. This valley ascribed its name to the hit Bollywood film Betaab, which was shot in its picturesque surrounding. Sprawling lush meadows, snow-topped peaks and winding streams form the amazing topography of this valley. Aside from being a spot with noteworthy topography, the valley is a well known trekking base and campground for voyagers who are looking to scout the adjacent highland regions. The secluded settings, and the natural lush surroundings of the Betaab valley attracts many just-married couples, who are on a honeymoon trip to Kashmir.
Mattan
Mattan, located a couple of kilometers from Anantnag on the Pahalgam road, is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. The holy place attracts large number of devotees from all parts of the country. It is one of those religious spots in India where the ministers and savants used to assemble for worshiping the Sun God. The temple is well known for its lovely Shiva Lingam, which is safeguarded inside a captivating brick structure encompassed by clear blue water on all sides.