Attractions

Lidder River

Meandering through the pine forests,it is Pahalgam`s main attraction.Crystal clear and icy water of the lidder fascinates one and all.

Mamal Temple

One of the ancient temple in Pahalgam built in 11th century by King Jayasimha,it is situated on the right bank of the Lidder. The temple has a pedestal and a Shivalinga. A pure water spring rises at the site covered by a basin.

Aishmuqam

Shrine of a Sufi saint Baba Zaina-ud-din Wali on a hillock at Ashmuqam is 10 km from Pahalgam en-route to Srinagar. The Sufi was a follower of Alamdar e Kashmir-Shiekh Noor ud Din(RA). The main sanctorum is situated inside a deep and narrow cave, several relics associated to Baba are kept in a room inside the cave. One of the relics is the Staff of Prophet Moses PBUH.

Sun Temple

32 km from Pahalgam,is the Sun Temple of Martand that belongs to the era of Pandvas . These are the most impressive ancient ruins of Sun temple built by King Lalitaditya Mukhtapida ( 699-739 ) AD, situated atop a plateau. According to a legend, Surya, the sun god was the l3th child born from a life less egg called Martand to Aditi wife of saint Kashyap. The foundation of the temple is said to have been between 370-500AD.Whereas some record the construction of temple by Ranaditya.

Aru Valley

Aru Valley,Coordinates: 34°5`27``N 75°15`48``E is located around 12 km from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River. Noted for its scenic meadows and mountains, Aru serves as a base camp for trekkers to the Kolahoi Glacier, the Tarsar-Marsar lakes,Lidderwat and the Katarnag valley. The Kolahoi is the largest glacier in the Kashmir Valley, and is located near Mt. Kolahoi (5425m), the highest peak in the Valley.Aru River flows through the valley, which is a tributary of the Lidder river.

Betaab Valley

Betaab valley, Coordinates: 34°3`1.476``N 75°21`49.716``E is situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from the Sunny Deol-Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab. The Valley is towards northeast of Pahalgam and falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwari and is en route Amarnath Yatra. The valley is surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation. Betaab Valley lies between the two Himalayan Ranges – Pir Panjal and Zanskar. Betab Valley is a very popular touristic destination. The Valley is also a favorite campsite for trekkers and it serves as a base camp for trekking to Tulian Lake. The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too.

Chandanwari

Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain). It is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge.Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. The trip takes about four-five hours on a semi-road that has the Lidder river meandering on the one side, and lofty, snow-capped mountains on the other. Some people prefer to do a day hike to Chandanwari.At Chandanwari, the Sheeshnag river is captivating with its sheer force and clear waters. You can get an opportunity to do sledge riding and get up to some heights, upto the fifth point which is also a route that yatris take to reach the Amarnath Cave.Snow fights- is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Many prefer to sip a cup of tea of snack at the near by dhabas. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

Baisaran

Baisaran is located 3 km from Pahalgam.It is an exciting place where a stream flows through the meadows and pine trees. Pony rides are available to this scenic meadow also known as Mini Switzerland by the locals.

Amarnath Yatra

Pahalgam(Nunwan) is a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra which starts from June till August every year. The Holy Cave of Amarnath ji is 46.7 km from Pahalgam at a altitude of 3952 meters, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The ice lingam formed by water droplets, symbolises Lord Shiva. The State government organizes the yatra generally during June to August depending upon the Hindu calendar (Sawan Purnima). The yatra registration is must for all yatries, which is made available at J&K bank branches at selected cities of India. The trek is covered in 3 to 4 days.