Pahalgam Travel Blog – 10 Nice Places You Must See During Your Visit

Pahalgam is a town situated around 90 kilometres south of Srinagar. It is one of the most visited places in Kashmir. Unlike Sonmarg, Pahalgam can be visited during winters as well, because the road to Sonmarg is closed during winters due to heavy snowfall. Even though the distance is only 90 kilometres from Srinagar it take almost 3-3:30 hours to reach Pahalgam. Depending on the weather conditions and traffic, one will have to hire a taxi, as the public transport in Kashmir is not well connected. The best season to visit Pahalgam is from March to May and September to November. If one wants to experience snowfall, the best time to visit is during the peak winter months from November to February. There are hardly any homestays in Pahalgam, so one will have to book a hotel. There are also a few places worth visiting on the way to Pahalgam.

1. Saffron fields: Around half way between Srinagar and Pahalgam, you will come across Pulwama, a place that contributes to almost 60% of the total saffron cultivated in Kashmir. The best month to visit is September, as saffron needs dry and warm weather. The saffron flowers bloom for a very short span of 15-20 days and during this time tourists flock in large numbers.
2. Martand Temple: Situated near the town of Anantnag, there is a temple dedicated to the Sun God. Built in the 8^th century, this temple was destroyed by the Muslim ruler of KASHMIR, Sikandar Shah Miri in the 15^th century. The ruins of this temple are still intact and are worth a visit.
3. Mattan Temple: The small village of Mattan was established by Martand Rishi. The temple of Mattan also has a gurudwara built on it premises, as Guru Nanak Sahib had stayed in the premises. Mattan temple is a Hindu religious site in Pahalgam. It was once a strong hold of Kashmiri Pandits. The temple premises has a Shiva lingam, Vishnu temple, and the main Surya temple long with a gurudwara, as mentioned previously. Behind the temple complex are crystal clear water ponds, which are supplied by fresh water running from the mountains. One can find a large number of fish in these ponds.
4. Aishmuquam Hazrat Zia ud din wali: The shrine is hardly 15 kilometres before the main town of Pahalgam. Situated on the top of the hill, one has to climb a considerable number of steps to reach the shrine of Hazrat Zia ud din Wali. The shrine is inside a cave where one has to crawl and enter the main smaller cave where the Sufi saint used to meditate. There are mazaars of the Hazrat’s disciples, which are also popular among tourists and followers visiting the place. Another interesting fact for tourists is that the shrine was used as a location for the filming of a few sequences of the popular Bollywood movie ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’.
5. Apple Orchards: The harvesting season of Apples is from July to October or mid November. One can experience picking apples during these months. There are several orchards are on both the sides of the road once you enter Anantnag district.

The travel from Srinagar to Pahalgam takes 5-6 hours due to these tourist sites. Unlike Gulmarg, you may have to stay in Pahalgam for at least 2 days in order to truly appreciate the sights and scenes around the place. One may have to hire a horse from the main Pahalgam market to visit a few places.  Here are a few tourist spots in Pahalgam 

1. Baisaran Valley: To reach the Baisaran valley, you will have to take a horse ride, as it is almost 5-6 kilometres up a hill. The climb on foot can be moderately difficult. This place is also known as ‘mini Switzerland of Kashmir. One who visits Pahalgam should visit this place. With tranquil meadows and pristine lake, this place also offers games and rides for kids.

2. Lidder River: Passing through the Pahalgam valley and the Anantnag district, this 73 kilometre river has one of the cleanest water one might have ever seen. During the months of snow melting from March to June before the start of monsoon, one can enjoy white water rafting here. Chilling out in the evening on a bench beside the river is one of the must try experiences on a visit to Pahalgam. 

3. Poshwan Park: This park lies just across the Lidder River in the main city centre. This park is a must visit in order to enjoy variety of flowers and trees in the park. There are no swings or slides for children in this park.

4. Malmaleshwar Temple: Hardly a kilometre away from the Poshwan Park, this Shiva temple situated on top of a small hill is almost 500 years old. Its unique location provides amazing views of Pahalgam. A pond in the courtyard of temple receives fresh water from the hills above. There is also a fresh water source with the sweetest water on other side of the temple.  To visit more places, one will have to hire a local tourist vehicle, as the local taxi organization does not allow cars hired from Srinagar.

5. Valleys of Pahalgam: To visit the 3 valleys Aru valley, Betab valley, and Chandan wadi, you will have to hire another tourist vehicle, as these valleys are 10-15 kilometres apart.  Chandan wadi is 15 kilometres from the city centre. It is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra.  Betab valley is 6 km from city centre. Surrounded by deodar and pine trees, this valley got its name after the popular Bollywood movie Betab, as it was extensively filmed here. Aru valley is 11 kilometres from Pahalgam city. It is a base camp for Kolhoi glacier trek and Tarsar Marsar Lake. It is overlooks the Aru river and hence, it is known as Aru valley.

Travel Blog By Ruturaj Tamhane