Pahalgam is an epitome of natural beauty and a feast to the eyes and soul. This serene place is situated in the heart of Kashmir and is renowned globally as heaven on earth. The herculean mountains covered with snow, lush green pine forests, vast meadows, etc. make this place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

The natural charm of this place is such that you won’t be able to resist it for too long. Pahalgam is also famous for being the starting point of Amarnath Yatra (trip) in which lakhs of devotees participate annually.

The mountain trails of Pahalgam run towards the Amarnath cave which is the abode of Lord Shiva and a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus. Parallel to it runs the Lidder river which is just too gorgeous to avoid.

Months between March to November are the best to visit Pahalgam because the climate is great to wander and explore the place.

History Of Pahalgam
Set at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level, Pahalgam remained an unexplored place by the outer world for a considerable time, and this way, it guarded its mesmerizing beauty.

For many centuries, Pahalgam tended to the nomadic and cattle owners who would often visit the place so that their cattle could graze in its green pastures. Due to this reason, Pahalgam was also referred to as the Valley of Shepherds.

Shifting the focus to the political scenario, Pahalgam being a part of Kashmir, always experienced the after-effects of the political changes that took place here. Historians claim that Hindus ruled in Kashmir for a very long period beginning from the 11th century. In the mid of the 16th century, it was invaded by many Mughal emperors. The most significant among them was the celebrated Mughal emperor Akbar.

After a few centuries, Ranjit Singh established his control over Kashmir in 1819 and later lost his kingdom to Britishers. When Britishers left, Maharaja Hari Singh became the ruler of Kashmir and its towns which included Pahalgam as well.

Kashmir along with its towns like Pahalgam became a part of the Union of India with the treaty of accession that was signed between the two in 1947. During all this political turmoil, Pahalgam remained a passive witness and after India’s independence, it developed as a tourist spot for its unexplored and exotic avenues.

Places To Visit In Pahalgam
1. Aru Valley
If you are planning to visit someplace amazing then Aru Valley should definitely be on your travel bucket list. The lush green grasslands along with the thick and dense forests which are interspersed with modest and playful streams of water make this place truly amazing. River-crossing, paragliding, zorbing in khajjiar, and ziplining are some adventure activities that one can indulge in on a visit to the valley.

2. Lolab Valley
The Lolab Valley is situated in the northern district of Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. This valley is specifically laid with immense charm and the beauty of raw nature.

3. Admire the Beauty of Betaab Valley
The valley is known for its surreal ambiance which it gets from the green meadows, forests, views of snow-capped mountains, and glistening rivers. The valley is 15km from Pahalgam and has been named after a Bollywood film Betaab that had Bobby Deol and Amrita Singh in the lead. One can gaze at the deodar trees, the Lidder river, and the pine forest for hours over here.

4. Explore the Kolahoi Glacier
Situated over the Lidder River, the Kolahoi glacier is also known as a hanging glacier and is specifically known for its breathtaking views. Moreover, the only way of reaching this place is through trekking which will certainly make your journey worth remembering. Here one can also hire ponies along with horses for specific stretches of the journey.