About City
Pahalgam
"Valley of the Shepherds"
Situated in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir Valley, Pahalgam is a beautiful hill station and a popular tourist attraction. Pahalgam is located on the banks of the Liddar River and is famous for adventure activities like hiking, trekking, fishing.
Pahalgam serves as the base of one of the most important pilgrimages in India - the Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, located 16.6 km. away from Pahalgam is the actual base camp of the Amarnath. Kolhoi Glaciers trek via a beautiful village named Aru is one of the most popular treks in the region. The local people also offer sledging on the frozen glaciers. In addition, the long stretches of rivers in Pahalgam are the perfect site for people who enjoy trout fishing.
Pahalgam is where the famous Bollywood movie Betaab, starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, was shot. The valley was consequently named Betaab Valley after that. Sheshnag Lake, situated near Pahalgam, is another bliss altogether. When in Pahalgam, buy authentic Kashmiri saffron from Pampore.
Top Attractions & Places To Visit In Pahalgam
1. Aru Valley
Located around 11 km from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is the base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and the Tarsar-Marsar Lake. Aru lies beside the Aru river and is known for its scenic meadows and activities like horse riding, hiking and trekking.
2. Chandanwari
Chandanwari, located 15 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra. Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and the Lidder River flowing by, it is breathtaking. Chandanwari is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge and enjoying a picnic.
3. Baisaran
Baisaran is a beautiful destination 6 kms away from Pahalgam. It is also called the mini Switzerland of India with tranquil meadows, pristine lakes and picturesque settings. You can just stroll down the area or sit down to have a picnic. Baisaran also offers activities like pony rides, zorbing, etc.
4. Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is a breathtaking combination of picturesque surroundings encircled by tall deodar trees and pine forests, with the Lidder River flowing right through it. It got its name from the Bollywood movie Betaab starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh shot here.
5. Kolahoi Glacier
Situated over the Lidder River, Kolahoi glacier is a hanging glacier known for its breath taking views. While the only way of reaching this glacier is though trekking, one can also hire ponies or horses for some parts of the journey.
6. Lidder River
Lidder River is a 73-kilometre long glacial river that originates from the Kolhoi glacier. Flowing through the valleys of Pahalgam, Lidden River is a quaint picnic spot. Other adventure sports that you can indulge in are white water rafting, angling, horse riding, and fishing.
7. Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake is one of the topmost attractions of Pahalgam and is an epitome of natural beauty, peace and serenity. Enveloped in snow capped mountains and surrounded by tall alpine meadows, the lake is a haven for nature lovers.
8. Lolab Valley
Lolab Valley is an oval-shaped valley and a top camping site in Kashmir, famous for its scenic natural beauty, dense pine forests and bubbling springs. It is also home to some animals like Himalayan brown and black bear, snow leopard, hangul and musk deer.
9. Tulian Lake
Tulian Lake is a famous tourist attraction in Pahalgam, located between the Pir Panjar and the Zanskar range. It is a sparkling blue lake which is popular for the 2-day trek needed to reach it.
10. Lidder Amusement Park
Lidder Amusement Park is one of the best amusement parks in the region replete with paddle boats, miniature railways, bumping car rides, and other swings and fun games; all in the lap of the mighty mountain peaks.
11. Mamaleshwara Temple
Mamleshwara Temple is a famous temple in Pahalgam, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the few temples constructed purely of stone, by the then King Jayasima. Inside the temple complex is a shrine completely covered in gold.
12. Panchtarni
A camper's delight, Panchtarni is one of the most scenic spots around Pahalgam. It is the final helicopter drop point for the Amarnath Yatra from where the pilgrims have to undertake the 6 km remaining trek on foot or by mule.
Top Things To Do In Pahalgam
Amarnath Yatra
Pahalgam is also a host to the famous Amarnath Yatra which takes place each year during the month of Sawan (July to August). It commence from both routes, of Pahalgam and Baltal.
Golfing
At an altitude of about 2400m above sea level, a nine hole golf course is sported by Pahalgam, also referred to as 'Plateau' by a lot of locals. One can also rent equipments here as well as enjoy the few refreshments available in the premises.
City Shopping
While in Pahalgam do shop for woolens, carpets, kaftans, Namaz prayer rugs, Kashmiri handicrafts and tea cozies. Zamindar-Home of Handicrafts, is a shop in Pahalgam where one can not only get carpets and Gabbas but also fantastic shawls and dress materials with some lovely Kashmiri embroidery.
Trekking
With plenty of trekking trails, Pahalgam is the base camp for countless trekkers. Challenging mountain ranges, pristine lakes and plateaus make the region of Pahalgam suitable for all types of trekking. Best time to trek in Pahalgam is from April to June.
White River Rafting
Indulge into pure awesomeness in the rivers flowing in and around Pahalgam by rafting in its gentle gradients. A 2 km stretch on the Aru branch of the Lidder River is a popular rafting spot in Pahalgam. In Pahalgam, white river rafting generally starts in the month of June.
What is the best time to visit Pahalgam?
March to November is the best time to visit Pahalgam to enjoy the outdoor adventure activities like trekking, sledging and skiing. The temperature during this time ranges between 1 and 12 degree Celsius. Summer months from April to June is the most crowded season in Pahalgam. The temperature during these months ranges between 11 and 25 degrees Celcius, making it perfect for sightseeing and quick picnics. Tourists undertaking the famous Amarnath Yatra, visit Pahalgam between July and August.
Food of Pahalgam
Pahalgam fosters a subtle distinctness in its cuisine from its neighbours in the state. The preparations that give it this hint of uniqueness include Matschgand (minced lamb meatballs in spicy red gravy), Kaanti (lamb pieces in red hot gravy, usually eaten as a snack and not part of the main course). Other popular items are Modur Pulaav (Sweet Pulao, usually as a dessert), Muj Gaad (Fish with Radish), Nadir-Haaq/Gogji/Monji (lotus stems cooked with Spinach or Radish), Marcha-wangan korma and Syoon Olav (Meat with Potatoes cooked in spicy gravy).
About Pahalgam Tourism
Pahalgam is a town and hill station in Jammu and Kashmir located on the banks of river Liddar. It is one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in the state thanks to its expansive meadows, imposing mountains, lush green valleys, rivers, adventure activities and more. Explore Srinagar Pahalgam travel packages that you can choose from for a remarkable trip!
The majestic Kolahoi Glacier and the Lidder River that originates from it make for spectacular views. A trip to Pahalgam must also include a visit to Betaab Valley with its deodar and pine forests, Sheshnag Lake surrounded by snow-clad mountains and sprawling meadows. Moreover, the picturesque Aru Valley serves as the base camp for the gruelling Kolahoi Glacier trek.
Given its proximity to Amarnath, Pahalgam serves as one of the base camps for the sacred Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, with its snow-covered terrain, is where the journey starts from and is also known for snow sledging on a snow bridge. For some peaceful time, head over to Lolab Valley that features dense forests, spectacular views of green mountains, springs, rich biodiversity and numerous camping spots!
Pahalgam tour packages offer numerous options for those who fancy trekking, including a 2-day trek to the picturesque Tulian Lake with its clear blue water often frozen during the wintertime and Tarsar-Marsar Lake. Baisaran is perfect for a day of fun and frolic since its vast meadows are known for zorbing, pony rides, picnics, as is Lidder Amusement Park with its rides, paddle boats, bumper cars etc.
The Mamleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a major heritage and sacred site built entirely in stone by King Jayasima. Enjoy a day of golfing at Pahalgam’s nine-hole golf course set amidst massive mountains. Besides trekking, you can also engage in other adventurous activities such as skiing, river rafting, horse riding and hiking. Don’t forget to shop for pashmina shawls, dry fruits, kaftans, rugs etc.
The best time to visit Pahalgam is between March and November. Clubbed together with Pahalgam are nearby destinations like Srinagar and Gulmarg, no more than 3 hours away, so that you can make innumerable memories! Srinagar is famous for the Dal Lake with its shikara boats, the beautiful Nishat Bagh, a terraced Mughal garden with fountains, Baramulla, Salim Ali National Park, expansive apple orchards as well as Burzhama Ruins.
Gulmarg is one of India’s foremost skiing destinations due to its snow-clad terrain. It is also popular for the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Strawberry Valley, magnificent Apharwat Peak, Imambara Goom and Ferozepur Nallah. Our Pahalgam tour packages are not only affordable but also customisable and have been created in such a manner that they suit everyone, no matter whether you’re with someone or alone.