If you are looking for an escape from a hectic schedule, what can be a better place than a heavenly hill station? Lush green forest, snow-clapped mountains, fresh water streams gushing through the meadows and chilly breeze. Sounds relaxing, right? But where to find such a place? India is blessed with breathtaking destinations offering you serene getaways and unforgettable memories. One such destination is Pahalgam, one of the famous hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir. Places to visit in Pahalgam are filled with charming views, sparkling waters and lush greenery, making your trip worth every penny.
Pahalgam, the crown of Kashmir, literally translates to the village of shepherds. Here you get a chance to connect with the untouched part of nature, experience the rural lifestyle and immerse yourself in the beauty of the place which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The valley, at an altitude of 2200 mts, is located on the banks of the Lidder River in Anantnag district. It is also the base location to start the sacred Amarnath Temple Yatra, making it one of the popular places to visit in Kashmir for pilgrims.
Before we start exploring the places to visit in Pahalgam, let’s learn about the best time to visit and how to reach your destination without a hassle.
Best Time to Visit Pahalgam
Every season in Pahalgam adds different colours and hues to the landscape. The spring (February to May) turns the place into a flower bouquet of vibrant colours, monsoon (June to August) mist makes it heavenly, autumn (September to November) turns the chinar leaves into fiery orange and red, whereas winter (December to January) makes it a snowy wonderland. So, the best time to visit Pahalgam depends on your preference.
If you are considering the tourist seasons, then March to June is the peak season, as it is one of the popular tourist places to visit in India during summer. October to February is the moderate season to explore places to visit in Pahalgam, offering you affordable accommodations. Monsoon season is considered as off-season due to unpredictable rainfalls obstructing the roads.
However, since it is the base of Amarnath Yatra, which takes place in July-August, a large number of devotees can be seen in Pahalgam during the monsoon season. So, do consider these factors before planning your Kashmir itinerary.
How to Reach Pahalgam
You can reach Pahalgam through various modes of transportation. Whether you are planning a road trip or a train journey, the hill station is accessible.
Srinagar, at 90 kms is the major city located near Pahalgam. You can also take a halt in the city for a day and begin your journey towards Pahalgam.
By Road:
Pahalgam is well-connected by roads and you can choose from two different routes. The first one is via Srinagar, which takes around 2-3 hours. From there you can either take a bus, taxi or a private car. The second route is via Jammu, which is approximately 280 kms away and it takes about 8-9 hours to reach Pahalgam by road. There are regular private and state-owned buses operating on the route, or you can take a taxi. However, if you are planning to stay in one of the hotels in Jammu before starting your journey to Pahalgam, you can also look out for the ones offering a private cab facility for a convenient travelling experience.
By Train:
Katra Railway Station is well-connected by regular trains from major cities like Pathankot, Delhi, Amritsar and Kolkata. You can catch the train from Katra to Srinagar to reach Pahalgam easily, then you can take a taxi or public transport to reach Pahalgam which is approx 90Kms from Srinagar. You can plan to visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir or Shivkhori in Katra & for relaxing in a budget hotel, you can book one of the Treebo hotels in Katra.
By Air:
Although there is no direct flight connectivity to Pahalgam, the nearest airport is the Srinagar Airport, at 91.1 kms away. The airport connects the state to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh and Leh. From the airport, you can hire a taxi and enjoy a road trip to Pahalgam.
Once you reach the hill station, you can explore the popular places to visit in Pahalgam via local cabs, buses and ponies have the best travelling experience.
7 Places to Visit in Pahalgam!
1. Aru Valley
One of the best places to visit in Pahalgam, Aru Valley is a mesmerising hill station located 12 kms from the city centre. Covered in green grasslands and surrounded by breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayas, the valley offers various adventurous activities like skiing, heli-skiing, horse riding and birdwatching.
Moreover, Aru Valley Pahalgam is also a base camp for various treks, including the Sonamarg trek and the trek to Kolahoi Glacier, making it a popular tourist destination in Kashmir.
2. Betaab Valley
Hajan Valley or Wadi-e-Hajan is popularly known as Betab Valley Pahalgam, named after a Bollywood movie, for its breathtaking beauty. Located 15 kms from Pahalgam, the serene surroundings, majestic deodar and pine trees with the Lidder River, cast a magical spell on the visitors and become a core memory.
While visiting the valley, you can also enjoy nature walks, picnics and mesmerising views of the water streams with serene forests in the background.
3. Baisaran Valley
If visiting Switzerland is on your bucket list, but your budget is restricting you, then Baisaran Valley Pahalgam, offers similar views. The breathtaking beauty of hilltop meadows covered with dense pine forests and surrounded by snow-clad mountains makes it one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam.
For an adventurous experience, you can take a pony ride or trek to Tulian Lake.
4. Lidder River
The Lidder River, holding a significant position in the region’s ecosystem, originates from the Kolahoi Glacier and flows through various places in Pahalgam. Its crystal clear blue waters add a charming touch to the landscape, making its banks perfect for Pahlgam sightseeing.
Whether you are looking for places to visit in Pahalgam for relaxation or adventure, visiting the Lidder River is a must on your list. You can enjoy trout fishing and river rafting, or just immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
5. Sheshnag Lake
Situated at an altitude of 3590 mts above sea level, the Sheshnag Lake is a beautiful alpine lake in Pahalgam. The lake, located on the route of the Amarnath Temple yatra, offers serene views of the Himalayan ranges, diverse flora and fauna and cascading waterfalls, making it one best choices for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The lake also holds spiritual significance. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Seshnag, the mythical serpent deity in Hindu mythology, resides in the lake. This makes it one of the pilgrimage places to visit in Pahalgam.
6. Golf Course, Pahalgam
Whether you are a professional golfer or an amateur, if you are visiting Pahalgam, you cannot skip the Golf Course here. One of the most beautiful golf courses in India, the Golf Course, Pahalgam, is located at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level. The undulating terrain, strategically placed bunkers and natural hurdles offer a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers.
May to October is the best time to visit the Golf Course in Pahalgam.
7. Chandanwari
Chandanwari, “Gateway to the holy Amarnath Yatra,” is located 16 kms away on the outskirts of the valley. If you are looking for a serene sightseeing place, it is one of the best places to visit in Pahalham. The snow-clapped mountains in the backdrop, gushing Lidder river, lush forests and rocky terrains offer breathtaking views which you will get nowhere else.
If you wish to experience snowfall in Kashmir, then Chandanwari is the best place to visit during the season, as it turns into a snowland and offers endless snow activities.
So, now that you have complete information about places to visit in Pahalgam, you can start planning your trip and get ready for an unforgettable travelling experience.
