Discover the breathtaking scenery and exhilarating activities of Pahalgam during your vacation in Kashmir with Thrillophilia. With its lush fields and forests of pine and cedar trees, Pahalgam is a nature lover's dream.
You can experience the thrill of river rafting on the Lidder River or hike to Baisaran, commonly known as Mini Switzerland, for stunning vistas. Some of the other activities you can try include exploring the verdant Betaab Valley and paying a visit to the 12th-century Mamleshwar Temple. You can take a horseback ride through the meadows or stop at the breathtaking Pahalgam Golf Course for a round of golf. Enjoy a delightful walk to the high-altitude Tulian Lake, which is bordered by snow-capped peaks.
Discovering the stunning Aru Valley is also one of the popular things to do in Pahalgam for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Witness the ancient ruins of the 9th-century Avantipur Temple, which are significant architecturally. You may also shop in Kashmir for high-end Pashmina shawls and stoles, carpets, papier mache, and ethnic ornaments.
Our all-inclusive Pahalgam tour packages offer guided tours, accommodation, meals, hassle-free transportation, and 24/7 customer support. Thus, book your trip with Thrillophilia to see the best of Pahalgam and have an unforgettable time full of excitement, nature, and culture.
1) River Rafting on the Lidder River: For both novice and expert rafters, the Lidder River offers an exhilarating experience with grade II and III rapids. With an exhilarating ride through freezing-cold waters, your tour begins at Langanbal Bridge and ends at Ganeshpora. Amidst snow-capped Pir Panjal peaks, you navigate powerful currents while being assisted by knowledgeable guides who ensure your safety. Selecting from a variety of difficulty levels is also one of the things to do in Pahalgam, including tough Grade IV rapids for experts. As you raft, take in breathtaking vistas of the Kashmir Valley and photograph spectacular landscapes.
2) Trek to Baisaran (Mini Switzerland): If you are thinking about what to do in Pahalgam, you can walk to the picturesque meadow of Baisaran, also called the "Mini Switzerland of India. Stroll through expansive green fields with snow-capped Pir Panjal hills in the backdrop, surrounded by fir, pine, and cedar trees. The hike offers you beautiful views of Lidder Valley, and you can walk or ride a pony to see the area. You can also trek to the valley when it gets covered in snow in the winter to enjoy sessions of skiing, pony rides, and nature strolls.
3) Explore Betaab Valley: Betaab Valley, a picturesque location inspired by the Bollywood movie "Betaab”, is one of the places you can explore with Kashmir tour packages. Here, you can enjoy stunning vistas given the snow-capped mountains, deep deodar jungles, and verdant meadows all around. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings by taking a stroll alongside the Lidder River. For an exhilarating way to experience the valley, try horseback riding. Arrange a picnic along the river and take in the tranquil surroundings. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, try your hand at whitewater rafting or fishing.
4) Horse Riding in Pahalgam: Take a horseback ride in Pahalgam and discover stunning scenery while riding. Travel through broad evergreen forests, snow-covered pastures, and verdant fields. The trip leads you to Baisaran, also called Mini Switzerland, after passing via the Dabyan Valley and Kashmir Valley View. Enjoying breathtaking vistas of alpine landscapes and snow-capped summits during an hour-long trip here is one of the things to do in Kashmir. Riders of all skill levels can take part in this excursion. As you meander over the picturesque paths of this charming hill village, appreciate the peaceful scenery.
5) Visit the Pahalgam Golf Course: Located 7,200 feet above sea level, the Pahalgam Golf Course is a great place to play golf. The towering pines and snow-capped mountains that surround this 18-hole course provide a spectacular setting for your game. Naturally occurring slopes and bunkers provide a challenge on the well-kept fairways and greens. Regardless of your level of skill, this course offers a satisfying experience. You can enjoy a tranquil game, breathe in the clean mountain air, and take in the incredible views.
6) Shopping in Pahalgam Market: Visit the busy main Pahalgam Market to purchase traditional Kashmiri handicrafts such as papier-mâché objects, carpets, and embroidered shawls. Shop at Khadi Bazaar for genuine handloom goods, such as exquisitely woven shawls and clothing with embroidery. Look for Kashmiri jewellery, handcrafted wooden items, and unique treasures at the Mini Market. Purchase saffron, dry fruits, and Kashmiri spices at Lidder View Park Market while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Shop for wonderfully carved furniture and souvenirs created from high-quality Kashmiri walnut wood at the Walnut Wood Market.
7) Hike to Tulian Lake: One of the top places to visit in Kashmir is the 3,684-meter-high Tulian Lake, an alpine gem with crystal-clear waters reflecting snow-capped hills. Starting at Pahalgam, the trek to the lake takes you through rocky paths, dense jungles, and verdant meadows. Witness the stunning mountain vistas, bubbling streams, and colourful wildflowers as you walk. For hikers of all skill levels, the trail is ideal since it provides both adventure and breathtaking scenery. While taking in the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, enjoy the excitement of walking across a variety of terrain.
8) Visit Aru Valley: Explore Aru Valley, a serene area renowned for its pristine beauty and abundant wildlife. Stroll through verdant meadows teeming with birds, butterflies, and vibrant wildflowers. The Aru River, which flows into the Lidder, is a peaceful place to go for a stroll and take in the scenery. For those who enjoy the outdoors, explore the Aru Forest, which is home to towering cedar and pine trees. Explore the little cave-based Shiva temple, which reflects the spiritual legacy of the valley.
9) Explore the Avantipur Temple Ruins: The ruins of the Avantipur Temple, which King Avantivarman constructed in the ninth century, are one of the iconic places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. These historic buildings are made up of two temples: Awantisvara, which is devoted to Shiva, and Awantiswami, which is devoted to Vishnu. Enclosed by colonnades, the Vaishnava temple is situated in a courtyard on a two-tiered platform. You can spot beautifully sculpted reliefs adorning the walls and the entrance, featuring elaborate stone sculptures. Witness skilled craftsmanship in the intricate carvings on the stair pilasters.
Aru Valley in Jammu and Kashmir is known for its beautiful meadows, snow-capped mountains, and clear streams. It is a base camp for famous treks like Kolahoi Glacier, Sonamarg Trek, and Tarsar Lake. Here, you can enjoy skiing, horse riding, try trekking in Sonamarg, camping, and spotting rare wildlife at the Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve.
Betaab Valley, located near Pahalgam is a scenic region known for its vast meadows, snow-covered mountains, and the Lidder River. Famous for featuring in the Bollywood movie 'Betaab', the valley offers activities such as trekking, camping, and horse riding. Its natural beauty changes with the seasons, making it a perfect place to visit year-round.
Chandanwari, located near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. Surrounded by stunning Himalayan landscapes, one can enjoy trekking, snow sledging in winter, taking pony rides or exploring nearby areas like Betaab Valley and Lidder River, making it among the must–visit places to visit in Pahalgam for nature lovers and pilgrims alike.
The Lidder River, located in Pahalgam, Kashmir, offers a peaceful retreat and adventure opportunities for travellers. Visitors can enjoy white-water rafting, trout fishing, scenic horse rides, and camping. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, it’s an ideal spot for both nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, with unique activities available year-round varying with the season.
Nestled in the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir, Golf Course Pahalgam is a serene oasis for enthusiasts. With its lush green fairways set against the backdrop of towering Himalayan peaks, it offers a surreal golfing experience. Its challenging terrain and stunning vistas make it a must-visit destination for golf aficionados worldwide.
Lidder Amusement Park in Pahalgam is a delightful retreat nestled in the picturesque Kashmir Valley. Spanning over lush green landscapes, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.
The Baisaran Valley is a stunning hilltop meadow close to Pahalgam that is referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of Kashmir." Snow-capped mountains, dense pine forests, and verdant landscapes are some of its most notable features. In Kashmir's pristine wilderness, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and outdoor sports while taking in the stunning views of Lidder Valley.
1. River Rafting - Rafting is one of the most adventurous things to do in Pahalgam. Rafting is conducted here at the Lidder River for both beginners and professionals. Beginners can start the rafting experience at a stretch of 2.5 kilometers whereas professionals prefer the 5-8 kilometers long stretch.
2. Camping - Pahalgam is known for its abundant nature so you must definitely try camping here. One of the popular locations to camp here is at the Aru Valley in the middle of a serene environment. There are plenty of restaurants and food joint options available in the vicinity.
3. Golfing - One of the popular activities to do in Pahalgam is golfing. It is organised at the famous Pahalgam Golfing Club. It offers you a panoramic view of the mountains and surrounding atmosphere. You can play golf here for hours and enjoy the cool breeze hitting your face.
4. Sledding - No one ever misses the chance to sled when in Pahalgam. Starting at Chandanwari, adventure lovers often come here to sled over the hilly terrain. You can easily get the gumboots and other safety gear at the nearby stalls. If you need to go through the safety guidelines of sledding then you can contact the locals for the same.
1. Pashima Shawls and Blankets - Kashmir is a popular spot for buying Pashmina shawls and blankets. Hardly anyone ever visits Pahalgam, and does not purchase Pashmina stoles or shawls. There are plenty of stalls and shops from where you can buy these in the entire vicinity of Pahalgam.
2. Carpets - Carpets are another popular shopping item in Pahalgam. The special feature about these carpets is that they are handmade and rich in texture. You can witness amazing art and portraits being printed on these carpets. One of the popular kinds of carpet is the hand-knotted one which is made of pure silk or wool.
3. Traditional Jewellery - If you plan on going on a shopping spree in Pahalgam, then you must definitely grab their traditional Kashmiri jewellery. These are one of a kind ornaments hand-crafted with high precision. They give a luxurious look to the aesthetic of the person wearing it.
4. Paper Mache Products - Paper Mache is all about converting waste paper into the most beautiful decorative items. This art form was invented in Kashmir and can be found in all its regions. You can buy from a variety of paper mache products like boxes, coaster sets, flower vases and many more.
There are a lot of things to do in Pahalgam at night such as leisure walks, shopping sprees, star-gazing in the Betaab Valley or Aru Valley and many more. Since a lot of tourist attractions are closed during night time you can definitely spend some quality time with your loved ones and go to fancy restaurants for dinner.
A single-day ski pass in Pahalgam costs about ₹2,000 per person. Beginner skiing lessons start at ₹10,000. Aru Valley is the primary location for skiing, providing serene surroundings and stunning vistas. A two-day Snow Festival is another event that draws tourists interested in winter sports to Pahalgam. It is among the top skiing locations in Kashmir, second only to Gulmarg.
A 2-3 day trip to Pahalgam is sufficient to explore its main attractions. During this time, you can visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Baisaran (Mini Switzerland). Some of the activities in Pahalgam you can enjoy are pony rides, river rafting, and a trek to Tulian Lake. Explore the Pahalgam Market and golf at the Pahalgam Golf Course. You can also visit the Avantipur Temple Ruins for a historical experience.
Yes, Pahalgam is generally safe for tourists. It offers a peaceful environment, but it's important to stay updated on local news, especially during winter when snow can affect travel. Always carry travel insurance and necessary medications. Following basic precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
If you want to include Pahalgam in your Kashmir trip, here are the itineraries that feature this scenic destination:
Destinations: Srinagar, Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam
Ideal for: A well-paced trip combining adventure and natural beauty.
Destinations: Srinagar, Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, houseboat stay
Ideal for: A blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and a houseboat stay experience.
Destinations: Srinagar, Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and additional attractions
Ideal for: A comprehensive tour covering all major highlights of Kashmir.
Destinations: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, offbeat locations, and unique local experiences
Ideal for: A deeper exploration of both popular and lesser-known destinations.
These itineraries include Pahalgam, offering options based on the duration and type of experience you prefer.
The best time to visit Pahalgam is from April to June, with temperatures between 11°C and 25°C. If you are thinking about what to do in Pahalgam during this time then you can go sightseeing, trekking, horse riding, and nature walks. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower rates, then the best time is March and November. You can enjoy trekking, skiing, and exploring Pahalgam’s natural beauty in pleasant weather with fewer tourists.
Known as Shepherds Valley, Pahalgam is renowned for its expansive meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and forest areas. At an elevation of 2,740 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking scenery. Some of the things to do in Pahalgam include appreciating the panoramas of Betaab Valley, trekking in the Aru Valley, and rafting in the Lidder River. Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers can also trek to Tulian Lake and Baisaran Hills.
Day 1:
Once at Pahalgam, take in the stunning surroundings by exploring the Betaab Valley. For adventure activities and meadows, visit Aru Valley. Take in the tranquil surroundings by strolling alongside the Lidder River.
Day 2:
Make your first stop at Baisaran, also referred to as Mini Switzerland, to admire panoramic views and pony rides. For an unforgettable golfing experience, visit the Pahalgam Golf Course. Spend the evening purchasing Kashmiri handicrafts, which are some of the top things to explore in Pahalgam Market.
Day 3:
Explore the historic Avantipur Temple Ruins or trek to Tulian Lake. Take a leisurely stroll around Lidder View Park to round off the journey.