Tucked into the mighty Himalayas, some 88 Kilometres from Srinagar city, this picturesque town is a treat to the eyes of nature lovers as high majestic mountains-covered by lush green deodar trees-encompass the town and the pristine waters of Lidder river run through the very heart of the Pahalgam town. Pahalgam is one of the famous health resorts of Jammu and Kashmir State. It is situated in the north east of District Anantnag among lofty hills covered with evergreen forests. Its cool invigorating and pleasant climate, the melodious flow of Lidder Nallah attract tourists not only from within the country but also from abroad as well. It is also an important transit camp on the way to holy Amar Nath Ji Cave, which is 72 Kms away from the District Head-Quarter.
Named after the Bollywood movie Betaab, which was almost entirely shot in this valley, the Betaab valley is located at a distance of around 7 Kilometres from Pahalgam town. It is a beautiful, picturesque valley where you can camp or chill around with your friends. The pristine Lidder waters adds to the overall tranquil atmosphere.
Chandanwari, located 15 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra. It is also famous for the snow sledging on a snow bridge. It is also famous to enjoy a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty.
The Valley of Kashmir is the ‘Holy Land’ of the Hindus and there is hardly any village which can not show some relic of antiquity. In Anantnag District there are several temples of historical as well as religious importance. Bawan temple is one among them. Some 8 Kms. from Anantnag town, on the north side is to be seen a spring, a very sacred spring, near a small village called Bawan, a name derived from the water, which gushes out from a fissure in the limestone rock.
Located at a height to 12000 feet above sea level, this mesmerising Lake is located only at a distance of around 16 Kilometres southwest of the Pahalgam town. The lake, surrounded on three sides by mountains, is tucked between the mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Zanskar.On the fourth side the lake has beautiful, green pine forests often dotted with snow. Chunks of ice can often be seen floating on the surface of the lake. This is a place you will never regret visiting.
Located further up from Pahalgam (around 13 kilometers to be precise, which takes around 30 minutes in a car) Aru Valley is a nature and animal lover’s paradise. Do visit this place if you like to trek further high into the mountains, are an animal lover (which are in abundance in this place) or a bird watcher. Every year hundreds of people from across the world come to Aru valley for their bird watching fix. Besides, the place has a small market of its own where you can buy authentic Kashmiri souvenirs to take back home. Do not forget to try some local food at the small restaurants in Aru valley.
Baisaran is a beautiful destination 6 kms away from Pahalgam. With tranquil meadows, pristine lakes and picturesque setting, it also has very many options of fun games and rides, pony rides, zorbing etc.
Indulge into pure awesomeness in the rivers flowing in and around Pahalgam by Rafting.
Situated over the Lidder River, Kolahoi glacier is a hanging glacier known for its breath taking views. While the only way of reaching this glacier is though trekking, one can also hire ponies or horses for some parts of the journey.
Mamleshwara Temple is a famous temple in Pahalgam, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the few temples constructed purely of stone.