Located 95 km from Srinagar at a height of 7200 ft, Pahalgam, known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’, is a famous hill station in Jammu and Kashmir where many films have been shot. Standing at the confluence of Lidder river and the Sheshnag lake, Pahalgam is surrounded by thickly wooded pine forests, breathtaking vistas of meadows and the snow-clad Himalayan mountains. Serving as the base camp during the Amarnath Yatra, the Pahalgam-Chandanwati-Amarnath route is preferred by tourists trying to reach the mountain cave of Lord Shiva. The town also holds an amazing two-day long Snow Festival that showcases winter sports like skiing, snow-sledging and many more which tourists can participate in. Other activities that tourists can indulge in are golf, trekking and angling. Apart from being a pilgrimage site, Pahalgam is also a treat for adventure junkies and is the starting point for several treks. However, the highlight of the activities available for tourists is the white water rafting facility winding down the Lidder River through the forests and down the rapids.

While shopping in Pahalgam, remember that there are only three banks with ATM machines (SBI, HDFC and J&K) and hawkers will ask for five times the rate of the product, so don’t forget to bargain. However, the Kashmiri shawls, carpets and clothing with chain-stitch embroidery are beautiful and a must buy.

BETAAB VALLEY

Betaab Valley was known as Hagan Valley until the blockbuster movie Betaab, starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, was shot here. About 15 km away from Pahalgam, this place falls en route Amarnath yatra. This picture-perfect destination, featuring snow-clad mountains and lush pine trees, comes straight from the movies. It is home to mouth of the River Sheshnag and a wide variety of birds. A beautiful green-coloured bridge is built across the river that takes tourists to the pine tree valley. Resting between two major mountain ranges, Pir Panjal and Zanskar, Betaab Valley acts as a base for trekking to other major mountain ranges. While here, you can also explore nearby tourist places like Tulian Lake and Baisaran.

ARU VALLEY

Aru is one of the most scenic and quiet attractions of Kashmir and is therefore loved by artists and nature lovers. Vast meadows surrounded by the mist-covered mountains covered with pine trees add to the beauty of this valley. It acts as a base camp for Kolhoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Lidderwat, Vishansar-Kishansar, and Kangan. A lot of tourists choose to camp here for a night and sink in the quiet of the nature. Aru is surrounded by many beautiful alpine lakes and meadows and is therefore home to many hotels and restaurants, if you do not want to camp and stay longer. Activities like horse riding, trout fishing, trekking and photography can be enjoyed here.

BAISARAN

Surrounded by immensely wooded forests of pine, Baisaran is a beautiful valley straight out of Yash Chopra’s movies. Popularly known as mini Switzerland of India, this meadow is only 5 kilometres away from Pahalgam and can be easily reached by pony. It also acts as a base for trekkers visiting Tulian Lake. The way to Baisaran provides a perfect photo opportunity as the ponies take you through crisscross paths, lined by pine trees, up to the valley. There are not many food joints up there but small size tapries, where they sell exceptionally good tea. It’s ideal for picnicking and a must-visit attraction in Pahalgam.

CHANDANWARI

Chandanwari is the starting point of pilgrimage to one of the holiest shrines of Hindus, Amarnath Temple. Easily accessible by road, this place has been a part of several Bollywood movies, the most famous of which is Betaab. Also a wonderful picnic spot, Chandanwari offers sledding opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. Unless you are extremely unfortunate, you are bound to find snow here. Gum boots are available on rent from the nearby stalls and locals running the sledding camps will tip you on the dos and don’ts of sledding.

MAMLESHWAR TEMPLE

As per legend, it was Mamleshwar Temple where Lord Ganesh stood as a doorkeeper for her mother and didn’t allow Lord Shiva to enter its premises. Consequently, Lord Shiva cuts his head off without knowing that he was his own son and following his mother’s order. Dating back to 400 AD, this impressive stone edifice is about a kilometre away from Pahalgam, resting amid mist-covered mountains. The complex is lush green and is situated across the Kolahoi stream, which is another beautiful attraction of the region.