Pahalgam

Valley of Shepherds, Bollywood's favourite destination for shoots while in India; Pahalgam is Kashmir's most coveted location. Situated at the altitude of 7100 feet, near the convergence of Sheshnag lake and Lidder River is just 100 kilometres away from Srinagar, the Summer Capital of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Pahalgam, one of the best places in Kashmir, was once believed to be the village of humble shepherds and ruled by many from Mughals to Hindu Leaders but remained independent during British Raj, only became part of Independent India later.

Pahalgam's natural and raw beauty is a gift from the geography of the location. The surroundings of the Himalayan ranges paved the way for Pahalgam in the Hindu Mythologies of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu Religion, Pahalgam was previously called Bail Gaon, which meant a Village of Bull. When Lord Shiva went to Amarnath caves, he left his beloved bull Nandi here.

Base camp for The Amarnath Yatra, preferred spot by trekkers, ideal for Family outings or romantic getaways, India's own Mini-Switzerland, Pahalgam is one of the best Jammu and Kashmir destinations. Those who visit Pahalgam can not miss but feel engulfed by the invisible yet unmistakable aura of surroundings. Pahalgam takes you down memory lane, and every spot here reminds you of Bollywood movies shot here for so many decades. 

Movies like Betaab, Raazi, Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani, Rockstar, Haider, Fitoor, Bajarangi Bhaijan, Highway, Jab Tak hai Jaan, Kashmir ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Silsila, Kabhi Kabhi, and many other movies were shot made Jammu and Kashmir Points of Interest for travellers. You can not miss the romantic vibes coming from the land and the tune of songs in your mind making you feel like part of some movie. 

Pahalgam has a lot more to offer than just Bollywood vibes. While The Beautiful Landscape everywhere is a visual treat for an eye, the Snow-capped mountains and glacial water bodies boost tourists' adventurous streak. Apart from the other tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam never fails to leave a mark on its visitors' minds. 

Places to visit in Pahalgam

Aru Valley

The Winter wonderland of Kashmir, Aru valley, is situated 11 km from Pahalgam is the base camp for the Tarsar Marsar trek and Kolahoi Glacier trek. Situated near Aru River, Aru Valley is endowed with scenic meadows, which gives you a splendid winter experience with Snow and Spring with greenery around. Horse riding, trekking and hiking, primarily done in Aru Valley.

Betaab Valley Pahalgam

Named after the famous Bollywood movie "Betaab", Betaab Valley lies between Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountains and is the beginning point for many treks to Himalayan Mountain ranges. Favourite campsite in Pahalgam, Betaab Valley is an ideal spot for a picnic with Baisaran and Tullian Lake in the nearby vicinity. Sparkling stream flowing down from Snowy mountains with Delightfully cold and drinkable water.

Pahalgam mini Switzerland

Five kilometres away from Pahalgam, Baisaran is a meadow surrounded by pine forests and is reached by horses or Pony rides. Base camp for Tullian lake trekkers is equal to any Azad Kashmir tourist places.

Kashmir Valley

Kashmir or Debian Valley, along with a waterfall, is a vast meadow with backdrops of snowy mountains as far as you can see, situated 6 kilometres from Pahalgam. This magnificent landscape can be visited only by trek or on horses. 

Lidder River Pahalgam

One of the primary water sources in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lidder river, flows through Pahalgam. Originating from the Kolahoi glacier, the Lidder river is the Indus River's tributaries and a famous Kashmir Tourist Spot. Wide and unruffled Lidder river offers the most Picturesque sightseeing option in Pahalgam with water sports like river rafting, angling and fishing.

Kolahoi Glacier Pahalgam

Kolahoi Glacier, a Hanging Glacier above the Lidder river, lies at the altitude of 15,400 ft is a favourite amongst the trekkers and tops in the list of Pahalgam places to visit. The Snow-capped glacier is one of the most strenuous treks in Himalayan ranges and should be tried only by experts. 

Chandanwari Pahalgam

Base camp for the Famous Amarnath yatra, Chandanwari, is 15 kilometres from Pahalgam. Covered in Snow throughout the year, Chandanwari is famous for Snow sledging and an ideal picnic spot for families. 

Mamleshwar Temple Pahalgam

Constructed in Stone by Raja Jayasima, Mamleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is religious and the most beautiful places in Kashmir. Legends say that this is the exact spot where Lord Ganesha Sat as a guard of the door to prevent Lord Shankara from entering the Kailasa while Goddess Parvati was bathing. The shrine is embedded with gold from inside.

The Amarnath Yatra

The Most religious Yatra or trekking is done every year to Amarnath cave, starting from the Base camp of Pahalgam, Chandanwari. It is said that, In Amarnath Cave, Lord Shiva unravels the secrets of eternity and life to his better half Parvati. It is one of the most crucial journeys through the mountains done by many devotees every year. Where Lord Shiva appears as Linga created by Snow is one of the natural phenomena.

Things to do in Pahalgam

Sightseeing, adventure sports like river rafting, trekking, camping, sledging, fishing, and angling can be done in which are arranged by Pahalgam Tourism. 

How to reach Pahalgam Kashmir?

To reach Pahalgam, you need to first get to Jammu and Kashmir by air, Railway or Road. 

Srinagar Airport is just 100 kilometres away from Pahalgam; you can take a flight from any domestic airports in India. After reaching Srinagar, you can hire any cab or book a private car to reach Pahalgam.

If you are coming by train, then nearby stations are Jammu Tawi, Udhampur, Katra. From any of these stations, you can take a private cab or local buses to reach Pahalgam. 

And if you are going by road, you can take NH1 or NH44 highway for Jammu and Kashmir Places to Visit.

Best time to visit Jammu Kashmir

Pahalgam in Kashmir is as mesmerizing as fairyland throughout the year, giving equal justice to all seasons, from winter, spring, summer, and autumn, with the mystical appeal.

The best season to visit Kashmir is from April to October as the Spring, Summer, and Autumn seasons create the mystical landscape of plush green meadows, crystal clear gushing streams and rivers, with lively alpine forests. 

From December to February, heavy snowfall takes place during the winter, making most roads shut down. But if the roads are open, then it is another Pahalgam site in winter that will surely hypnotize with its charm. February and March is also the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall with Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Srinagar.

A place to stay in Pahalgam

Who wouldn't want to wake up at the picturesque site out of their windows? Pahalgam, a Favorite amongst Jammu Kashmir tourist places, offers excellent places to stay where you can get some fantastic views from your balcony of hotel rooms.

Here are some places to stay in Pahalgam

Hotel Mount View Pahalgam

The Chinar Resort & Spa

Royal Hilton Pahalgam

Pahalgam Hotel

The Hermitage by Grand Resort

The Villagio

Beach Resort Pahalgam

Hotel Heevan Pahalgam

River Front Guest House 

Alpine Inn

A place to eat in Pahalgam

Here are some best hotels to satisfy the hungry tummy while going for Pahalgam sightseeing

Food Point

Rivendell

Four seasons Food Point

Dana Pani

Troutbeat

Cafe Log Inn

Nathus Rasoi

Other than that, you can always visit small stalls near every Kashmir tourist place, including Pahalgam, where they serve everyone's favourite Maggi Noodles. And to be frank, there is a different charm in eating Maggi at those local food stalls.

Popular Tourist Destinations In Jammu and Kashmir

Here are some of the popular and important tourist destinations in J&K. 

Srinagar sightseeing

Srinagar is the Summer Capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is usually the starting point for any tour of Kashmir Sightseeing.

Here are some places to see in Srinagar

Dal Lake

Nigeen Lake

Wular Lake

Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden

Nishat Bagh

Chashma Shahi Garden

Pari Mahal

Shankaracharya Temple

Hazartbal Masjid

Hari Parbat

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden

Apart from visiting Srinagar Tourist Places, it is famous for various activities like Hot Air Balloon ride, Shikara ride in Dal Lake, houseboat stay, and shopping for dry fruits and souvenirs. 

Sonmarg sightseeing

Sonmarg is listed as the best places to visit near Srinagar, and the attractions that it holds are 

Thajiwas Glacier

Zoji-la Pass

Vishansar Lake

Nilagrad River

Kishansar Lake

Baltal Valley

Gadsar Lake

Gangabal 

Sonmarg is indeed one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in winter.

Gulmarg sightseeing

The places to visit in Gulmarg are as follows

Gulmarg Gondola

Apharwat Peak

Alpather Lake

Outer circle Walk

Ningle Nallah

Baba Reshi Shrine

Drang

Rani Temple

Kongdori

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

Apart from these Gulmarg Tourist places, many adventurous activities are done like snow skiing, Gondola ride etc. Moreover, one day is enough for all Gulmarg Places to visit.

With Bollywood backing up and being blessed with the presence of a mighty God, Pahalgam is and will always remain the most visited, loved and craved town amidst other Jammu and Kashmir Beautiful places.