8 Places to Visit in Pahalgam: Explore the Cascading Waterfalls, Water Streams and Meadows!

Pahalgam, translated as the village of shepherds, is considered the crown of Kashmir. The valley is located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 2200 mts, in the Anantnag district and is just 90 kms away from Srinagar, the summer capital of the Union territory Jammu and Kashmir. Known for its lush greenery, mesmerising views and sparkling waters, it is also the base location to begin the popular Amarnath Temple Yatra, making it a significant tourist destination and a base for pilgrims to begin their spiritual journey. If you are also planning to explore the places to visit in Pahalgam, here is the ultimate list of places you must explore on your trip. Also, don’t forget to check Treebo hotels for affordable and comfortable accommodation.

8 Places to Visit in Pahalgam!

1. Aru Valley: Located 12 kms from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is a serene hill station covered in green grasslands with a mesmerising view of the mighty Himalayan ranges. The valley is the base camp for numerous treks like the Sonamarg trek and the trek to Kolahoi Glacier. Not just the breathtaking natural beauty and cascading waterfalls, but the valley also offers various adventure activities including skiing, heli-skiing, horse riding and birdwatching.

There are numerous Treebo hotels in Srinagar offering private cab facilities to let you explore the surroundings at your leisure.

2. Betaab Valley: Known as Hajan Valley or Wadi-e-Hajan, Betaab Valley is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam. Known for its serene surroundings, deodar trees, pine forests and the Lidder River, it is located just 15 kms away from Pahalgam. The valley, named after the Bollywood movie Betaab, is worth the trip, as you can enjoy activities such as nature walks, picnics and mesmerising views of the water streams and serene meadows here.

If you are travelling by train to Jammu and Kashmir, book a stay at hotels in Jammu near the railway station before embarking on a journey to Pahalgam.

3. Baisaran: Popularly known as the mini Switzerland for its breathtaking beauty, Baisaran is located just 5 kms from Pahalgam. This hilltop meadow is covered with dense pine forests and surrounded by snow-clad mountains, is one of the most popular places to visit in Pahalgam. You can explore the valley on foot or take a pony ride to soak in its beauty. It is also the base camp for trekking to Tulian Lake.

Srinagar is a major city near Pahalgam where you can book your stay and enjoy the modern amenities and easy accessibility. You can check out budget-friendly Treebo hotels in Srinagar for an affordable, comfortable and secure stay.

4. Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in a protected region of the Aru Valley, Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is also among the best places to visit in Pahalgam. Spread across 511 sq kms, the sanctuary is a must-visit for photographers, birdwatchers and wildlife lovers. It is home to over 120 bird species and 15 species of rare mammals, including birds like the Egyptian Vulture, Kashmir flycatcher, European roller and Tytler’s leaf warbler and mammals like Kashmir stag, Asiatic black bear and Kashmir musk deer. You can also witness the rare butterfly species out of which four species are on the IUCN Red List.

For a comfortable stay in the nearest city, you can check out hotels in Katra, hotels in Jammu or hotels in Srinagar.

5. Lidder River: A prominent waterway originating from the Kolahoi Glacier, the Lidder River flows through the enchanting valleys of Pahalgam. The river holds great significance in the region’s ecosystem, and its crystal clear blue waters play a significant role in shaping the landscapes of the valley, offering captivating views to visitors. You can also enjoy river rafting and trout fishing in the river or take a horse ride to explore the surrounding meadows.

If you are looking for a relaxing stay after a day of exploring the valley, you can book your stay at Treebo hotels in Srinagar.

6. Sheshnag Lake: A beautiful alpine lake located in Pahalgam, Sheshnag Lake is situated at an altitude of 3590 mts above sea level. The lake is named after Sheshnag, the mythical serpent deity in Hindu mythology and which translates to “the divine serpent”. According to the legend, the Sheshnag is believed to reside in the lake, making it one of the significant pilgrimage places to visit in Pahalgam. The lake is located on the trekking route of the Amarnath Temple yatra and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, diverse flora and fauna and cascading waterfalls on the journey, making it popular among nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Before beginning your trek, you can take a rest at comfortable and affordable hotels near Srinagar Railway Station, Srinagar.

7. Golf Course, Pahalgam: Set against the backdrop of magnificent snow-capped mountains and lush greenery, this Golf course is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Pahalgam. It is located at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level, offering golfers a challenging yet rewarding experience on the undulating terrain, strategically placed bunkers and natural hurdles.

While taking a halt in Jammu city on your way to Pahalgam, you can book your stay at Treebo hotels in Jammu, which are located near the bus stop and railway station.

8. Chandanwari: Located 16 kms away on the outskirts of Pahalgam, Chandanwari or Chandanwadi is a serene valley and one of the popular tourist places in Pahalgam. It is also regarded as the “Gateway to the holy Amarnath Yatra” and offers a mesmerising beauty and sightseeing with the Lidder river flowing nearby and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. During the winter season, the valley turns into a snowland, offering an opportunity for snow activities.

While looking for a family-friendly stay on your journey, you can check out Treebo hotels in Srinagar, which can accommodate large groups of friends and family while offering home-like comfort to the guests.

Thus, Pahalgam is a serene valley offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for the visitors. The valley is the epitome of natural beauty, adventure activities and peaceful atmosphere, where you can enjoy activities like trekking, fishing and horse riding or simply relax in the lap of nature. The valley, being a base for the Amarnath Yatra, also attracts devotees to relax and acclimatise before beginning their spiritual journey.

If you are also planning to explore the places to visit in Pahalgam, book your stay from Treebo Club’s website or app in the major cities of Jammu and Kashmir, including Katra, Jammu and Srinagar. The Treebo hotels in Katra, Jammu and Srinagar offer a relaxing and comfortable stay with easy accessibility to the transit stations to let you explore the surroundings at your convenience.