Kashmir
Top 10 Things To Do In Pahalgam
If you travel towards the east from Srinagar for approximately 2.5 hours, you will arrive at Pahalgam, a stunning hill station in Kashmir. Once a small village for shepherds, it has now become a popular tourist destination with valleys renowned for their stunning beauty. In addition to the scenic views, visitors can enjoy activities such as camping, trekking, and horse riding. One can also shop for local Kashmiri handicrafts and indulge in the delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Pahalgam truly has something special to offer for everyone.
Here are 10 things to do in Pahalgam that you need to add to your itinerary.
How to get to Pahalgam
Pahalgam is around 95km from the nearest Srinagar International airport and can be easily reached by road. Taxis are available for hire at the airport (Keep in mind – Uber and Ola don’t operate in Kashmir) and the prices are a little exorbitant as compared to rest of India.
How to travel within Pahalgam
Easiest way to travel around in Pahalgam is to hire a taxi at the tourist taxi stand which charges standard taxi fares. Be wary of the hill roads if you are travelling by your own car.
Top 10 Things to do in Pahalgam
1. Aru Valley
Located about 11 kilometers from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is known for its natural beauty and is a starting point for numerous treks. The lush meadows and pristine surroundings make it a great spot for trekking and camping and is especially beautiful during summers. Trekkers also use Aru Valley as a base for exploring nearby trails (Lidderwat, Tarsar Lake, and Marsar Lake). The ‘A’ in the ABC Valleys circuit, Aru Valley will definitely be included in any tours you take in Pahalgam.
2. Betaab Valley
Named after the Bollywood movie “Betaab,” which was filmed here, this valley is a lush expanse of meadows and dense forests. It’s a serene spot for nature lovers and a perfect place for picnics. I visited during the winter months, so my pictures don’t do this place justice. The ‘B’ in the ABC Valleys circuit, Betaab Valley will definitely be included in any tours you take in Pahalgam.
3. Chandanwari
Finally, the ‘C’ in the ABC valley circuit – Chandanwari is the starting point for the famous Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Even if you’re not participating in the pilgrimage, you can take a short trek to see the stunning landscapes here.
4. Visit the ruins of Avantipura
Located around 60kms from Pahalgam, Avantipura (aka Awantipora) in the Anantnag district is the perfect stop to make when you are travelling between Pahalgam and Srinagar. These temple ruins from the 9th century named after the Kashmiri king Avantivarman is a living testament to the Kashmir of old – to the times before the arrival of Mughals.
5. Shop for some Saffron and visit the Saffron fields
While travelling between Pahalgam and Srinagar, your driver will surely stop at one of the many spice shops in Pampore. Pampore, the Saffron town of Kashmir, is known worldwide for its Saffron, so if you are looking to buy this expensive spice, here’s the place to do it. The quality and price of Saffron bought here is unmatched. If you are lucky, you can also visit the saffron fields when the purple flowers are in bloom.
Did you know it takes thousands of flowers to make a few grams of this spice? No wonder it is called Red Gold – the costliest of all the spices in the world.
6. Lidder River – Raft or just Relax.
The Lidder River flows through Pahalgam, offering opportunities for white-water rafting during the summer months. But for the non-adventure-enthusiasts like me, the riverbanks are also perfect for leisurely walks and picnics. We had stayed at Hotel Heevan, which is right by the banks of the Lidder River, so we had plenty of time to enjoy this view.
7. Trekking
Pahalgam is the starting point for so many treks and pilgrimages. Tulian lake and Sheshnag lake trekking are two great options which offer crystal clear lakes and a panoramic view of the majestic mountains. The famous Amarnath Yatra also starts here at Chandanwari. The less adventurous folks can choose to make short treks in the many meadows and mountains around this area.
8. Visit the Apple and Walnut Orchards
Before reaching Pahalgam, you can also stop at the many Apple and Walnut orchards along the way. If you are lucky enough to be visiting during Autumn, you will be treated with the sweet smell of thousands of apples everywhere.
Be sure to enjoy a refreshing cup of freshly pressed apple juice while you are here.
9. Visit Baisaran Valley
Known as the mini-Switzerland by the local drivers, Baisaran is a green meadow perfect for a picnic, a leisurely walk or if it catches your fancy, a slo-mo bollywood dance (jk!).
10. Shopping
If you are in the mood to shop, head towards the main market to get your hands on Kashmiri shawls, carpets, or wooden handicrafts. One can also find saffron, dry fruits and other artifacts in the local shops as well.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Pahalgam?
The best time to visit Pahalgam is from April to June for pleasant weather and green meadows. Winter, from December to February, is perfect if you love snow.
What are the top attractions in Pahalgam?
Must-visit spots include Betaab Valley, Aru Valley Baisaran and Chandanwari.
Can I find vegetarian food in Pahalgam?
Yes, there are several restaurants offering vegetarian and even vegan options. Local eateries and hotel restaurants cater to diverse dietary preferences.
What should I pack for a trip to Pahalgam?
Pack warm clothes, especially if visiting in winter. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for trekking, and rain gear if visiting during the monsoon.
Are there adventure activities in Pahalgam?
Pahalgam offers trekking, horse riding, and white-water rafting. The Lidder River and various trekking trails are mentioned in this blog post.
