Pahalgam is not your ordinary hill station. Indeed, it is the perfect mix of scenic beauty with rich history and most importantly a backdrop for active tourism. Visitors can engage in art, photography and adventure sports while visiting sightseeing in Pahalgam. The popular location has been the chosen site for many films and shows. Pahalgam is quite similar to Gulmarg in topography, except that you will be able to experience more of village life when you visit this region – plus Pahalgam is more affordable than Gulmarg in almost every season. Pahalgam even if you visit this place in the dead of winter! Let us go through a quick digital tour of the top 11 Tourist Places to visit in Pahalgam and how to gather the best memories from each location. The correct knowledge can make your Kashmir trip so much better, believe us!
Pahalgam can be visited throughout the year and most of the tourist places in Pahalgam are open all 12 months. They take on a different persona as each season passes by, but you can make the most of your trip to
Tourist Places in Pahalgam That Are Definitely Worth The Hype
1. Betab Valley
One would have scarcely imagined that there would be an enclosed valley park in Pahalgam! But here it is, a beautiful place of rest, leisure and activity in the lap of Kashmir. Not much is available here in terms of adventurous sports except for zorbing but you can definitely bring your own equipment and have a nice time. This valley is a definite paradise for nature lovers who just want to enjoy some quiet time reading a book or listening to music in the shade of some coniferous trees. This Valley is named after the famous Bollywood movie Betaab which was shot in this location.
Entry fee: 100 INR for adults, and 50 INR for children below the age of 12 and above the age of 6.
Opening and closing timings: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
2. Mamal Temple
This Shivlingam Temple is one of the oldest monumental tourist places in Pahalgam. The temple dates back to 400 AD and is thronged by devotees at all times. It was built on the banks of the sacred Lidder river and still stands tall with a gold-adorned shrine. The ancient name of the temple used to be Mamleshwar Temple, and its significance was so profound due to the perennial water spring that has been flowing in the temple premises for several centuries now. It is located around a mile outside of the male town of Pahalgam and is one of the most visited tourist
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
3. Sheshnag Lake
If you were to make your way towards Amarnath from Pahalgam town, you would have come across a lake of ethereal beauty on your way, somewhere around 23 km from Pahalgam. Lakes hold a major place in your list of places to visit Pahalgam, let us tell you that you will not find a more enchanting lake. A mild, gentle hike can reach this glacial body of water. The area around the lake is relatively open and you can sit here or camp with your group. For the locals, the Sheshnag Lake has great religious significance as it is believed that holy Sheshnag recipes are in the lake.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
4. Aru Village
Little Hamlet villages that have sprung up in the open values of Kashmir give the state its unique culture. The Aru Village is one such village famous among tourists for its profound scenic charm and the luxurious views that are visible from various points of this little village. Children love this place because it is open, safe and they can even ride a pony here! Pony rides start from 210 INR per person from this village you can trek to the unbelievably magnificent Kolahoi glacier. However, such a trip is not the best idea if your family includes children and old people.
Entry fee: 25 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
5. Baisaran Adventure Sports Hill
Not only is the hill an adventure sport hotspot, but it is also the best viewpoint from where you can take in the entire Valley of Pahalgam along with the gently coursing Lidder river. Most of the Tourist Places in Pahalgam are a joy to photography enthusiasts. However, no place can compare with the Baisaran meadow which is a land of dense Fir, Cedar and Pine forests. In the springtime, the forest is converted into a natural garden of wildflowers and rare alpine blossoms. The best part is, you can easily walk to this meadow from the town.
Entry fee: 20 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours with the facility of camping
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 hours
6. Avantipur Temple
This prehistoric temple which is more of a ruin today was built in 400 CE by King Avantivarman. Recently this place has developed into a fascinating location for influencers and photographers who easily make the best use of the picture-perfect monument. Tourist places in Pahalgam almost always give the visitor an in-depth idea of the rich history of Hinduism in Kashmir. Many sculptures of different deities on the walls, pillars and the main ceremonial hall will surprise you with how the religion has evolved over the years. Temple is divided into two parts, Avantishwar Temple dedicated to lord shiva and Avantiswami Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours
7. Tulian Lake
There is no end to the majestic lakes you can find in the state of Kashmir. Places to visit in Pahalgam almost always come with a lake attached to them, but no Lake will give you the satisfaction and excitement that Tulian Lake will give you, no matter in which season you make the trip. In winter however, the allure is unparalleled, as the alpine lake freezes and snow covers the surrounding shores. From here you can view the hidden peaks of the Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
8. Chandanwari
Talking of underrated tourist places to visit in Pahalgam, don’t miss the view from a particular village 16 km away from Pahalgam town! Chandanwari is exciting sightseeing in Pahalgam as well as engaging in adventurous activities like sledging, skiing and hiking. From here you can catch the glimpse of the shy Sheshnag tumbling down the rocky mountain slopes. If not anything else you must undertake this trip for the drive alone, which will bring you face to face with a snow bridge, several waterfalls and snow-capped vistas.
Entry fee: 25 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 3 hours
9. Kolahoi Glacier
The Kashmiri hanging glacier is a serious mountain Trek that advanced enthusiasts are crazy about. Kolahoi glacier is a once in a lifetime trip that takes you right to the peak of the icy land. It is a short trek that is great for active individuals who have not yet experienced a week or month-long trekking journey. From the destination that this journey reveals, you will be able to view not only the slow-moving mass of ice but also the exquisite inner peaks of the uninvadable Himalayas.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours
10. Panchtarni
There are many base camps from this town that make way for the Amarnath Yatra, most of which also serves as a casual but impactful spot for sightseeing in Pahalgam. If you have time you can combine Pahalgam with your Amarnath Yatra, one of the most important pilgrimage journeys that you can undertake as a Hindu devotee. From here a narrow path takes you to the Amarnath cave. Panchtarni is a famous picnic and camping spot for national and international tourists.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
11. Tarsar Lake
If at any point in time, you come to the conclusion that you have seen too many high-altitude alpine lakes, that would be the moment for you to take yourself on an exploratory journey to this almond-shaped natural heaven. Tarsar Lake is an easily visited body of dark, clear water surrounded on all sides by rocky, grassy hills that fill with flowers in the month of May. This place is the number one choice among the places to visit in Pahalgam in summer, has during than you can see the floating eyes slowly melt on this sunny lake as a flock of migratory birds like the black bulbul and cinnamon sparrow populate this amazing location.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours, more if you enjoyed bird watching
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. It takes a minimum of 10 to 11 days to cover all essential tourist places in Pahalgam.
A. The main river flowing through Pahalgam is the bright blue, graceful Lidder river.
A. Aru village is a lesser-known spot for sightseeing in Pahalgam which is located 12 km away from the main town.
A. Avantipur temple was built somewhere between 855 to 883 ad by King Avantivarman.
These Tourist Places to visit in Pahalgam are tailor-made for the nature lover and hiker according to your preference. A well-formed Pahalgam Tourist Package is an actual Paradise for the one who likes to explore a wide range of terrain and vegetation. Pahalgam will surely keep you on your toes, and provide a twist to an otherwise mainstream Kashmir Travel Package for Couples.
