Places to visit in Pahalgam

Aru Valley

Aru Valley, located around 12 km from Pahalgam, is an offbeat destination known for its breathtaking beauty. Travellers can enjoy the views of the snow-covered Himalayas, dense pine forests, and the scenic Lidder River and experience a peaceful getaway. It’s also the base for trekking expeditions to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Marsar, making it one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam for adventure enthusiasts.

In addition, the Aru Valley is perfect for those looking for activities such as nature walks, photography, and camping. The serene ambience of the region makes it a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Kashmir.

Betaab Valley

Ideal for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, Betaab Valley is also a great spot for picnics and ranks among the top 10 places to visit in Pahalgam. It’s situated at a distance of 15 km from Pahalgam and is one of the most popular sites in the region. The valley has been named after the Bollywood film Betaab, the scenes of which were shot here due to its picturesque landscape.

The valley is popular among tourists for its lush green meadows and beautiful views of snow-covered Zanskar and Pir Panjal range.

Baisaran Valley

Baisaran Valley, often called by the nickname 'Mini Switzerland', is among the most unique places in Pahalgam. The valley is famous for its vast meadows, which are lined with wildflowers and surrounded by huge mountains. Travellers can experience a cable car ride from Yatri Niwas to Baisaran and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley.

Some of the other activities that the region offers include picnics, ziplining, zorbing, nature walks, or just relaxing in the serene ambience. The valley’s beauty makes it one of the top tourist places in Pahalgam for a leisurely outing. 

Chandanwari

Chandanwari is among the best places to visit in Pahalgam for both pilgrims and those looking to explore the natural beauty of Kashmir. It is a scenic spot located about 16 kilometres from the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is also known to be the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra.

Travellers can take in the calm atmosphere here and admire the beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear lakes like Sheshnag Lake and Tulian Lake. During winter, Chandanwari turns into a snow-covered paradise, attracting tourists who enjoy snow-related activities like trekking, snow sledging, and more. 

Tulian Lake

Tulian Lake, located at a height of roughly 3,500 meters, is a high-altitude lake that is surrounded by snow-covered mountains like Pir Panjal and Zanskar. It can be accessed via a challenging trek that begins in Pahalgam and is perfect for adventure seekers. The lake is famous among tourists across the globe for its calm waters and the splendid scenery surrounding it.

If you're an adventure enthusiast who seeks exploration through the region's lush meadows, Tulian Lake is among the top places to visit in Pahalgam via a trek.

Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake, located right below the Sheshnag Mountain, is an important site for pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra. The lake, surrounded by dense pine forests and snow-covered peaks, is a popular spot for travellers. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the scenic landscape's beauty, making it a great place for photography lovers.

Though it’s mostly famous for its religious importance, Sheshnag Lake’s natural beauty ranks it among the best places to visit in Pahalgam for those seeking solitude.

Mamleshwar Temple

Mamleshwar Temple, located in the city centre of Pahalgam, is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple holds great religious significance and is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam for those seeking historical and cultural immersion. The peaceful ambience of the temple, paired with its scenic location near the Lidder River, offers a spiritual experience. Travellers can offer prayers at the temple and learn about the local religious practices. It’s an ideal spot for a reflective and quiet visit to Pahalgam.

Aishmuqam Shrine

The Aishmuqam Shrine in Pahalgam is a significant religious site for the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir. It is dedicated to the Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani and is known for its calm atmosphere and spiritual importance. It attracts travellers from different corners of the world who can learn about the region’s spirituality and culture. The peaceful ambience of the Aishmuqam shrine, combined with the beautiful views of the pine forests around, makes it one of the top 10 places to visit in Pahalgam.

Pahalgam Golf Course

The Pahalgam Golf Course is listed among the most beautiful golf courses in India, located in the lush green Lidder Valley. It is located at a height of more than 7,200 feet and offers sportsmen beautiful views during their game. Travellers can enjoy exploring the course, which stays open to both beginners and experienced golfers. It's considered among the top tourist places in Pahalgam for relaxation and outdoor activities, as travellers can also enjoy nature walks here and admire the fantastic views.

Lidder Amusement Park

Lidder Amusement Park, located by the scenic Lidder River in Pahalgam, is the perfect spot for families and children. The park offers a wide range of fun activities, including games, rides, and picnic spots. The park’s location near the river adds to its beauty, making it a great spot to enjoy exciting rides while admiring the scenic views of the landscapes. It’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Pahalgam for those seeking a more relaxed day with family-friendly activities and entertainment.

• Skiing

Skiing is one of the most famous things to do in Pahalgam during the winter months. Adventure lovers and winter sports enthusiasts from across the globe visit Pahalgam during this season. The region offers outstanding slopes for skiing, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. Pahalgam's snowy landscape is home to skiing resorts like Pine N Peak and Hotel Pine spring, which offer travellers the opportunity to enjoy this sport. From skiing for the thrill to simply enjoying the winter beauty, it’s an exciting activity to experience in Pahalgam.

• Trekking

Trekking is another activity that is popular among tourists visiting Pahalgam. The region is known for its scenic trails and stunning landscapes of the Kashmir valley. There are a variety of trekking expeditions that you can opt for, including the Kashmir Great Lakes trek and more. These treks range from easy hikes to challenging hikes, offering something for all types of trekkers.

• Pony Ride

Taking a pony ride in Pahalgam is a traditional and fun way to explore the beautiful surroundings. Travellers can choose to hire a pony ride that takes them for a tour to the Thajiwas glacier and across various scenic areas like Aru Valley and Baisaran Valley. It’s considered a great activity for those who want to explore the region without the effort of walking.

• Sledding

Sledding is a popular activity to try in Pahalgam in winter​ season, particularly in the colder months when the region is covered in snow. Travellers can have fun sliding down the snowy slopes on wooden sleds, which adds a playful and fun element to the experience. It’s the perfect way for families and children to enjoy the snow-covered landscape. Sledding in Pahalgam is a memorable experience that captures the joy of winter sports in a beautiful setting.

• Snowshoeing

For those seeking a unique activity to try in Pahalgam during the winter months, snowshoeing is a must-try. It usually involves walking on snow with special shoes that prevent sinking, helping you navigate snowy trails with ease. It’s an ideal activity for those who enjoy hiking and want to explore Pahalgam's winter landscapes on foot. Snowshoeing offers a peaceful way to connect with the region's natural beauty and take in the views of the snowy terrain.

Kashmir Itinerary 7 Days 

• Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar - Try the Shikara Ride, visit Anchar Lake, Lal Chowk, & Jamia Masjid. 
• Day 2: Travel to Pahalgam - Visit Tulian Lake, Mamleshwar Temple, and Baisaran Valley.
• Day 3: Pahalgam Sightseeing Tour - Visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari and try river rafting at Lidder River.
• Day 4: Travel to Srinagar - Explore Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Shalimar Bagh, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, and Botanical Garden.
• Day 5: Excursion to Gulmarg - Visit Strawberry Valley, Drung Waterfall, and Igloo Cafe, or experience the Gondola ride.
• Day 6: Excursion to Yusmarg - Explore the Doodh Ganga River and offer prayers at the Charar-e-Sharief Shrine.
• Day 7: Departure - After breakfast, check out from the hotel and get transferred to the airport.

Kashmir itinerary 5 days

• Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar- Explore popular markets and Mughal Gardens in Srinagar
• Day 2: Trip to Sonamarg- Enjoy nature walks or experience a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier 
• Day 3: Visit Gulmarg- Hop into the Gulmarg Gondola and enjoy the views
• Day 4: Exploration of Pahalgam- Visit Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, and Aru Valley
• Day 5: Return to Srinagar and Departure

Kashmir itinerary 6 days

• Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar- Visit the markets, Mughal gardens, and Hazratbal Shrine, and enjoy an overnight stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake
• Day 2: Go to Sonamarg- Explore the lush valleys and take in the natural beauty of the Thajiwas Glacier
• Day 3: Trip to Gulmarg- Take one of the highest gondola rides in the region
• Day 4: Visit Pahalgam- Explore the Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, then proceed to visit Baisaran and the Lidder River.
• Day 5: Continue in Pahalgam- Visit Pahalgam Golf Course and Chandanwari.
• Day 6: Return to Srinagar and Departure

Kashmir itinerary 4 days

• Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar- Visit attractions like the Mughal Gardens and Dal Lake or experience a Shikara ride in the evening.
• Day 2: Visit Gulmarg- Enjoy the views of the Aphrawat Peak on the Gulmarg Gondola.
• Day 3: Go to Pahalgam- Visit Baisaran, Aru valley, Betaab valley, and Chandanwari.
• Day 4: Return to Srinagar and Departure

For those seeking the most convenient ways to reach Pahalgam, the fastest modes available are direct and connecting flights. Srinagar is well-connected to most of the major Indian cities and is the nearest airport for a road trip to Pahalgam. You can also choose to drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam, which is approximately 90 km away and takes anywhere between 2.5 to 3 hours to reach.

Direct Flights:

• Mumbai to Srinagar: Airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air offer direct flights of 2 hours and 45 minutes throughout the week.
• Delhi to Srinagar: Airlines like Air India, Spice Jet, and IndiGo run direct flights of 1 hour 30 minutes duration available throughout the day.
• Bangalore to Srinagar: Airlines such as IndiGo offer direct flights of 3 hours and 35 minutes throughout the week.
• Kolkata to Srinagar: Airlines including IndiGo and others provide direct flights of 3 hours' duration all days of the week.

Connecting Flights:

• Pune to Srinagar:. Travellers can opt for board connecting flights with layovers sites that may include Amritsar, Delhi, and Jammu.

Kashmir Tour Packages Including Flights:

For individuals who prefer all-inclusive travel plans, Thrillophilia offers customised Kashmir tour packages from various cities that are inclusive of flights:

• Delhi: Thrillophilia provides Kashmir tour packages from Delhi, which include accommodations, flights, and expert-led sightseeing tours in Pahalgam.

Pahalgam is a famous hill station located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It can be reached via several modes of transport. 

• By Car/Taxi: You can book shared taxis from Srinagar to Pahalgam or book on a private basis. The journey that stretches for around 90 km offers stunning views of the landscapes, and you can reach the place in around 2 hours via the Srinagar-Leh highway.

• By Train: You can board a train from Srinagar to Anantnag railway station and then opt for a taxi or a bus ride to Pahalgam.

• By Bus: There happens to be only one direct bus operated by JKSRTC that runs from Srinagar to Pahalgam. It takes over 2.5 hours to reach, and its availability may be low during the off-season.

Two to three days are enough to explore the top attractions of Pahalgam, including Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Lidder River. This period also allows you a window to try some of the exciting activities, including trekking and shopping.

Yes, two days are enough to visit the top tourist spots in Pahalgam, such as Sheshnag Lake, Tulian Lake, and the Pahalgam Golf Course. However, if you're seeking a more relaxed experience or want to explore lesser-known gems, consider a longer stay in the region.

Thrillophilia offers a wide selection of tours, including luxury, honeymoon, group, and family packages, to cater to different traveller preferences. These packages are all-inclusive of accommodation, local transfers, meals, sightseeing, and activities. Additionally, you can customise the itinerary based on your interests, such as adventure activities, the number of tours, and the type of accommodations.

Pahalgam is known for its pristine natural beauty, surrounded by snow-capped mountains of Zanskar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges, lush meadows, and the gushing waters of the Lidder River. It offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with activities like trekking, fishing and golfing. For an enhanced experience, make sure to visit spiritual sites like the Mamaleshwar Temple, which offers both natural beauty and cultural insights.