Pahalgam Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Pahalgam

Betaab Valley is famous among tourists for its scenic beauty. This place was renamed after a Bollywood movie called ‘Betaab’. Most of the scenes of the movie were shot with this valley as a backdrop.

Located 7 km away from Pahalgam, the valley is also noted as the river mouth of Sheshnag. Snow-covered mountains, deodar forests, pine trees, crystal clear streams, warm sunshine and willow trees are some of the major attractions of this location.

The close proximity of Baisaran and the Tulian Lake and the short distance from Pahalgam have also made the place popular with visitors. In addition, the work of the Pahalgam Development Authority towards the development of this place has made it even more popular.

Tulian Lake is situated at a height of approximately 4000 m above sea level, at a distance of about 15 km from Pahalgam near Aru. Also known as Tarsir Lake, this place can be reached after a two-day trek from Aru.

Apart from this, hired pony rides are also convenient means for reaching the lake. A prominent feature of the lake is that it remains frozen almost throughout the year.

Chandanwari lies at an elevation of 2923 m above sea level. Tourists visiting Pahalagam have to cover a distance of 16 km before reaching this place. Its snow-covered mountains and breathtaking scenic beauty attracts numerous visitors. Other major attractions of this place include a snow covered bridge and icy glaciers situated in the proximity.

Chandanwari also serves as a point for reaching Amarnath, a popular pilgrimage destination for the Hindus. Tourists can easily reach Chandanwari through Pahalgam by driving across a flat terrain. Mini buses from Pahalgam also take tourists to the destination.

Mamaleshwar Temple, considered as the house of the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva, is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations. It was constructed in the 12th century by King Jayasimha. This Temple lies at the banks of the Lidder river, at a distance of 1 km from Pahalgam.

An important feature of the temple is that it was constructed entirely of stone. The Temple enshrines a water spring, which is covered with a basin along with a pedestal and a ‘Shiva Lingam’. A large number of devotees visit this place and offer prayers to Shiva. The nearest tourist destination to this site is Baisaran.

Baisaran is situated at an altitude of 2438 m above sea level, at a distance of a mere 5 km from Pahalgam. Magnificent snow covered mountains, dense pine forests and sprawling meadows attract tourists to Baisaran from far-flung places.

The top of the hill allows for a mesmerizing view of the Lidder River Valley and Pahalgam Valley. The place is considered similar to European resorts and serves as a picnic and camp site for tourists.

Panchtarni is located at the confluence of five streams, 13 km from the Sheshnag Lake. Tourists starting from Pahalgam will have to cover a distance of 40 km before reaching this place. This site is the last stoppage for pilgrims heading towards Amarnath during the famous Amarnath Yatra, an important pilgrimage for the Hindus.

A narrow path from the site, 6 km long, leads visitors directly to the Amarthnath cave. This place is also ideal for camping and picnic.

Aru is located at a distance of 11 km from Pahalgam. Situated at an altitude of 2408 m, this place offers a magnificent view of the valley. Adventurous tourists can undertake a trek across Lidderwat extending up to the Kolahoi Glaciers.

The placement of the site amid lush green grasslands makes it ideal for camping. Tourists can easily reach this place by walking down the valley. Further, adventure lovers can also take up a 3 day trek to Sonamarg with Aru as their base. Hiring a pony is also a suitable option.

Lidderwat is situated at a distance of 22 km from Pahalgam. The natural beauty of the place is breathtaking with its dense forest and lush green grasslands. Located at an altitude of 3408 m above sea level, it serves as a perfect camping site for tourists. Adventure lovers can undertake a trek up to the Kolahoi Glacier and the twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar. The place also falls on the path of the trek to the Sindh Valley. Tourists who wish to visit this place can easily hire cabs or ponies from Pahalgam.

Aishmuqam, situated on a small hill at a distance of 86 km from Srinagar, is a shrine built in honour of Baba Zaina-ud-din Wali, a renowned Sufi saint. He was also known as ‘Zaino Shah Sahib’. The shrine houses the main sanctorum, deep inside the cave.

‘The Rod of Staff’ of the Prophet Moses, one of the relics belonging to the Sufi saint has been kept inside the room. Every year, in the month of April, the week-long Zool festival is organized at Aishmuqam. During the procession, disciples carry torch lights which represent the blessings of the saint on the people.

The Sun Temple in Pahalgam was constructed by Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapida, a Hindu emperor of the Karkota dynasty. It is believed that his precursor, King Ranaditya Muktapida, began the construction of the temple by laying the first foundation stone.

The Temple is situated at a distance of 64 km from Srinagar and a mere 7 km from Anantnag. Legends say that the Temple belongs to the age of the Pandavas of the great Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. Its location on top of a plateau allows visitors a panoramic view of Mattan, a well known pilgrimage site of Hindus.

Kolahoi Glacier, also known as the hanging glacier, is situated in the Lidder Valley. The cause behind the glacier “hanging” is attributed to global warming and other environmental factors. It is suggested that tourists see the glacier from the right side as there are less boulder fields in that area.

Also the left side is considered unsafe as a vantage point. The only way to reach up to this glacier is by trekking, which is quiet difficult in these terrains. It is therefore suggested that amateur trekkers do not do this without professional guidance.

Shikargah is a renowned wildlife reserve preferred by visitors as a destination for spending quality time with family and friends. The reserve with its varied wildlife was traditionally a hunting place for the royals in the past.

It is located in close proximity to the marketplace of Pahalgam which allows tourists to easily avail ponies for rides. However, walking is also a convenient option for reaching the wildlife reserve.

Tarsar Lake lies at a distance of 34 km from Pahalagam at a height of 3962 m above sea level. The Panoramic view of the place attracts many tourists from all over the world. Visitors have to walk across a bridge which hangs at 243 m above ground level to reach the Tarsar Lake.

Those wishing to reach the lake can travel to the place via Lidderwat, one of the popular tourist spots in Pahalgam. Sikiwas, considered to be one of the best camping sites, is situated at a distance short of 24 km from the lake.

Mattan is one of the renowned Hindu Pilgrimage sites situated in Jammu & Kashmir, just a few kilometres from Anantnag. This place can be reached via the Pahalgam road. Visitors, however, have to seek permission from the paramilitary forces stationed there to ensure safety, before visiting the Temple.

The temple enshrines a sacred ‘Shiv Lingam’, the symbol of the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva, which is sealed in a striking brick-like structure and surrounded by pristine and clear water on all sides.

Golf is a major tourist attraction of Pahalgam with an 18-hole course to boast of. Resting at an elevation of 2400 m above sea level, the golf course provides for a scenic view with its rolling green slopes and deodar trees.

In order to attract players and golf enthusiasts, facilities, including gold caddies and golf clubs are provided on rent at the club. Tourists can pay nominal fees on an hourly basis to indulge in the sport.