Best Places to Visit in Pahalgam for a Memorable Vacation

Pahalgam is a picture-perfect town in Kashmir that gives an eclectic experience to the tourists. With many tourist places near Pahalgam, it acts as a central point to discover the marvellous beauty of Jammu &Kashmir. The scenic saunters, attractive landscapes, and delectable street food make Pahalgam an ideal destination for an awe-striking vacation.

Best Tourist Places near Pahalgam

There are many tourist places near Pahalgam are worth worth-visiting: -

• Betaab Valley
• Chandanwari
• Mamleshwar Temple
• Kolahoi Glacier
• Gulmarg
• Pahalgam market
• Baisaran
• Ganeshbal village

Betaab Valley

Betaab Valley is the jewel of Pahalgam, which looks like a picture postcard. It has every element of nature: sky-high mountains, flowing rivers and greenery-covered landscapes. Located at a short distance of 7 km in the Anantnag district, Betaab Valley is one of the top attractions in Pahalgam. The journey to the valley is equally beautiful. Tall deodar trees are dotted all across the valley, adding a vertical dimension contrasting the curvy roads.

The valley is named after the very famous Bollywood movie, Betaab, which was shot at this picturesque destination. The place is a photographer’s delight due to the 360-degree panoramic view and the opportunity to get creative in every frame. Betaab Valley is a must-visit place for honeymooners, adventure enthusiasts or family travellers to create countless memories.

Chandanwari

Chandanwari is yet another beautiful tourist place in Pahalgam, which is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra. The place is situated at a height of 2895 meters above sea level and a distance of 15 Km from Pahalgam. It is truly nature’s paradise that has quaint surroundings and breathtaking vistas. Known as one of the most popular local sightseeing places in Pahalgam, Chandanwari has many enjoyable spots.

Chandanwari is a sightseeing place that can be easily accessed from Pahalgam by car. will surely be carved in your memory forever. The Lidder River meanders through the valley, making its path to the destination. You can halt in between to take some social media-worthy pictures and resume your journey to discover serene beauty. As you continue your journey, you will witness nature’s splendour at Chandanwari Glacier and Sheeshnag Lake. Furthermore, adventure seekers can try numerous activities such as trekking, sledge riding and snow sledging.

Mamleshwar Temple

Mamleshwar temple is an ancient place of huge significance in Hindu culture. The temple is surrounded by mighty Himalayas and has many legends attached to it. This small shrine is visited by tens of thousands of pilgrims every year to take blessings of lord Shiva. The Shivling is present in this temple made up of a stone edifice. It was built in the 4th century and has a rich history attached to it. Mamleshwat temple has beautiful Kashmiri architecture, which makes it an ideal place to visit for history buffs. Situated on the banks of the Lidder River, it is a must-included attraction in the Pahalgam itinerary for a well-rounded vacation.

Kolahoi Glacier

If you are a nature enthusiast and want to have an adventurous vacation, the Kolahoi glacier trek is for you. It is one of the best places in Pahalgam to see nature in its true elements. This glacier is located in the Kolahoi mountain range and managed to be away from mass tourism. It is approximately 25 km drive from Pahalgam and the semi-circular glacier is 5 km in length. It is also known as the “Goddess of Lights” by local people.

There are hidden alpine lakes on this picturesque route. There are two trekking routes. One is via Lidderwat Valley and the other is via Gasran Katernag Lake. If you are a beginner then choose Lidderwat Valley which has a decent trekking path. The Gasran Katernag Lake is the short route but only seasoned trekkers should choose this path.

Gulmarg

The list of best tourist places in Pahalgam is incomplete without Gulmarg. This is the top tourist attraction in Pahalgam that is known as heaven on earth. The cup-shaped valley is located in the Pir Panjal Range. Every year, couples, families and solo travellers fly down to Kashmir to have a dreamy vacation in Gulmarg. The snow-capped mountain, gorgeous landscapes and crystal-clear lakes make Gulmarg one of the most fascinating places on earth.

There are several activities such as skiing, the famous Gondola cable car ride and trout fishing in the region. So, adventure enthusiasts can have a gala time here. It is a few hours ride from Gulmarg to Pahalgam. You can start your journey early to reach Gulmarg on time to cover different sightseeing places and try some activities.

Pahalgam Market

Pahalgam market is a great tourist spot where you can find souvenirs to take back home. The street is lined with small shops selling artefacts, clothing and food items. As you walk down the lane, you will notice an old-world charm in this place. The streets are decorated with retro-style lamps and have a magnificent backdrop of the Himalayas. During your visit to this place, make sure to enjoy the slow-paced lifestyle of the town. Have a cup of tea from a local shop along with Maggie or Momos, the ultimate combination that you can never get wrong.

Baisaran

Baisaran is an underrated tourist place near Pahalgam, which is perfect for camping and picnics. It is a great place for family travellers looking for calmness away from the hustle-bustle of city life. It is also known as “mini-Switzerland” and rightly so. You can spend some quiet time in nature’s lap and admire nature's beauty in Baisaran. The splendid view of Pahalgam town and Lidder Valley will remind you of the simple things in life.

The place is preferred by avid trekkers for camping near Tulian Lake. If you plan to stay here for a night, you can enjoy a campfire and good food along with some bonding time with like-minded people.

Ganeshbal Village

If you are keen to see the village life of Kashmiri people, you must visit this tourist place near Pahalgam. For adventure seekers, trekking is the best way to reach this village. You will cross astonishing paths, misty pine forests and rivers on your way to Ganeshbal village. The place has a local bakery where you can buy freshly made bread. Pause and enjoy the scenic surroundings while having the super soft bread. Here you will also witness locals and their glorious culture. It is a gateway to the rich heritage and lifestyle of Kashmiris.

Pahalagam captures the true beauty and essence of Kashmir. It is a must-visit place at least once in your lifetime. You can plan your itinerary to cover local sightseeing places in Pahalgam along with other attractions in Kashmir. It is one of the most highlighted destinations in Kashmir that is included in the tour packages.