Detailed Guide to Visit Pahalgam in August – Places to Visit and Things to Do in Pahalgam

The monsoons continue to work their magic on the enchanting valleys of Pahalgam making them look as ravishing and stunning as ever. The rains start to draw a very vibrant and resplendent portrait of the already breathtaking landscape of Pahalgam. The blooming meadows begin to glisten like fresh droplets of water, the lakes start emitting a heavenly gleam and the great Himalayan Range depicts an unruly ruggedness that truly makes this destination a ‘Heaven on Earth’.

( Horses graze along beautiful the lidder stream in Pahalgam countryside travel destination of Jammu and Kashmir, India )

The month of August continues to see a surge in visitors flocking to Pahalgam to bear witness to the divine beauty of the angelic valleys of Aru, Chandanwari and Betaab. The dense pine forests along the feisty Lidder River paint a picture so riveting that it has to be seen to truly comprehend the grandeur and resplendency of this magnificent valley. Pahalgam in August is one of the best times to visit this dreamy destination and experience the surreal beauty of the region. This is one vacation that is going to linger in your psyche for a much longer period than you would have imagined.

Having said that, let us now delve straight into the list of top places to visit in Pahalgam in August and plan an amazing vacation on this ‘Heaven on Earth’.

Places to Visit in Pahalgam in August

Aru Valley

Aru Valley, one of the three angelic valleys of Pahalgam, is a pristine destination of unparalleled beauty. It is highly regarded as one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August and is crowded with tourists from all parts of the country at this time of the year. The topography of Aru Valley is blessed with divine beauty filled with dense pine forests, lush green meadows and the gargantuan Himalayan Range surrounding it, thus completing a spellbinding scenario.

( Horses grazin at Aru Valley Near Pahalgam )

Aru Valley is approximately 12km away from the quiet town of Pahalgam. It is one of the most visited places in all of Pahalgam. Apart from its stunning landscape, Aru Valley is also a popular destination for adventure lovers. This place is a trekker’s delight as it opens up trekking routes to some of the most exotic locations around the valley like Sonmarg, Tarsar-Marsar Lake and the Kolahoi Glacier. Photography enthusiasts can also have a gala time shooting some breathtaking pictures of this magnificent valley.
Tulian Lake

Tranquillity and grandeur are what define yet another one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August, the Tulian Lake. Not many people fancy visiting a lake when you are in the vicinity of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire world. But Tulian Lake is one destination that you would like to miss visiting at your peril. This high-altitude lake is pure bliss, to say the least.

( Tulian lake view in Pahalgam)

Tulian Lake has a very enigmatic appeal to it, something that very few places in India could claim the right to. It is located at a height of 3684 metres above sea level and lies between the Zanskar and Pir Panjal Range. This quiet lake can only be accessed via trekking amidst some splendid topography and is approximately 16 kilometres away from the town of Pahalgam. If Tulian Lake does not feature in your list of places to visit in Pahalgam in August, then add it immediately or regret it forever; the choice is yours.
Betaab Valley

Betaab Valley got its name from the famous Bollywood movie of the 80s, Betaab, featuring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh in the lead. The movie, Betaab, became an instant hit with the masses and so did Betaab Valley. Part of the movie’s success must be attributed to the exquisite beauty of the valley in which it was shot. Such was the beauty, charisma and resplendence of Betaab Valley that it has been flooded with thousands of tourists ever since. It is located just 15km out of the town of Pahalgam.

( Beautiful View of Betab Valley during winter season, near Pahalgam, Kashmir, India )

Easily one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August, Betaab Valley is a favourite amongst nature lovers, thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Be it the glistening meadows, the tall pine trees, the free-flowing Lidder River or the steadfast Himalayas, the alluring beauty of Betaab Valley is simply peerless. It is one of the three angelic valleys of Pahalgam and is a popular site for campers and trekkers as it paves the way for many enthralling treks. Betaab Valley also holds quite a religious significance because it leads to the famous and pious Amarnath Yatra. This pristine valley looks straight out of a postcard and one must capture its riveting beauty through their lens as much as they can.
Chandanwari

Another one of the highly-rated places to visit in Pahalgam in August is Chandanwari. This serene valley is an epitome of resplendence, awesomeness and spirituality. Chandanwari is just 16km away from Pahalgam and is the gateway for the most famous and holy trek of Amarnath Yatra which is at its peak at this time of the year. Millions of tourists from all over the world flock to Chandanwari in August to participate in the holy Amarnath Yatra and seek blessings from their beloved deity Lord Shiva.

( A beautiful place in the heights of Pahalgam, surrounded by the mountains, greenery, snow, with lidder river racing down through the rocks. )

Apart from being the gateway to one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva, Chandanwari also provides ample opportunity to regular tourists in terms of local sightseeing, landscape photography and adrenaline-rushing activities. One of the three angelic valleys of Pahalgam, Chandanwari is amply blessed with a topography so stunning that it could even pale the heavens in comparison. The dense pine forests along with the exhilarating meadows and the unyielding Himalayas make this divine valley blitz through your list of top places to visit in Pahalgam in August. Chandanwari simply reignites your zeal and desire to live, laugh and just be happy in life, forever. It is also a popular site for camping and trekking activities.
Baisaran Hills

Another one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August is Baisaran Hills. Baisaran Hills is popularly known as the Mini Switzerland owing to its uncanny resemblance to the exotic topography of Switzerland. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit this mesmerizing valley in August when its beauty is at a divine level. Open grasslands combined with densely populated tall pine trees and the colossal Himalayas at its backdrop make this dreamy destination a paradise much like its more popular European namesake.

( Baisaran Valley( Mini Switzerland) Pahalgam, Kashmir. )

Baisaran Hills is situated at a distance of just 5 kilometres from the tranquil town of Pahalgam and comprises some of the most stunning landscapes you will ever come across. Tourists come to this destination to experience a feeling of being in heaven and rest assured, they never get disappointed. Very few places can match the astounding topography of Baisaran Hills and this is precisely the reason why it is considered one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August.
Pahalgam Golf Course

One of the highest and most scenic golf courses in the entire world, the Pahalgam Golf Course is a destination of pure beauty. Surrounded by the great Himalayan Mountain ranges and overlooking the magnificent Lidder River, the Pahalgam Golf Course is one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August. This delightful destination is visited by tourists from all over the country and is sure to leave a lasting impression in your mind for its sheer beauty and splendour.

( A view of the Golf Course )

The Pahalgam Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course and is situated at an altitude of over 2400 metres above sea level. This destination is rated quite highly among the best places to visit in Pahalgam in August because one does not get a chance to visit such an enchanting golf course blessed with remarkable surroundings. The glorious panoramic view it provides of the majestic topography of Pahalgam is a sight to behold in itself. You can also take a swing at the golf club while being at this charismatic destination.
Aishmuqam Shrine

For those seeking some soul-satisfying places to visit in Pahalgam in August, the Aishmuqam Shrine is a must! Considered pious, this shrine is dedicated to a devout Sufi saint. Though it was a popular site in the hill station, it gained more popularity after being featured in the Bollywood hit ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’. The shrine exudes a unique aura of devotion and tranquillity, renowned for its rich cultural heritage.

( Aishmuqam Shrine houses the historically important shrine of Shiekh Zain-ud-din (RA), from the 15th century A.D. for which it is known all over Kashmir. )

Come August, the surroundings are adorned with towering deodar trees and lush greenery, setting the Aishmuqam Shrine apart from other places to visit in Pahalgam in August. If you go by the folklore, you must visit this holy site and make a wish. It is widely believed that prayers or wishes made here never go unheard!
Kolahoi Glacier

No vacation in Pahalgam would be complete without visiting the mesmerizing Kolahoi Glacier. A valley glacier with a peak elevation of 5425m above sea level, the Kolahoi Glacier is one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August. It is located at a distance of approximately 26km from the peaceful town of Pahalgam and is the highest glacier in Kashmir. The Kolahoi Glacier can only be reached via trekking. The trek starts from Aru Valley and goes through Lidderwat to reach this spectacular destination.

( Man trek in Kolahoi Glacier )

The Kolahoi Glacier is of utmost significance for the locals residing in the Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir as it gives birth to the all-important Lidder River. The Lidder River is the primary source of water for the entire district of Anantnag and fulfils the drinking and irrigation needs of the locals. Not to forget the fact that it is also blessed with some of the most incredible landscapes in the area including the mighty Himalayas. The Kolahoi Glacier is sometimes also referred to as the ‘Goddess of Light’ by the locals and is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam in August.
Mamaleshwar Temple

A one-of-a-kind temple built in 400 AD, Mamleshwar Temple in Pahalgam is one of the must-visits in your list of top places to visit in Pahalgam in August. It was built by the then King Jayasima and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees of Lord Shiva come to visit this wonderful temple from all corners of the world and is a tourist’s delight in the picturesque valley of Pahalgam. The temple is located at an altitude of 8800ft above sea level.

( This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and stands across the Kolahoi stream up towards the mountain. )

Mamleshwar Temple is built entirely out of stone and has a shrine inside the temple covered in gold. Devotees from all over come in thousands to offer their prayers and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. The locals believe that once upon a time Lord Ganesha himself guarded the gates of the temple. Lord Ganesha stood as a guard at the gates of Mamleshwar Temple to protect Goddess Parvati and prevent anyone from entering the temple including Lord Shiva. It is sometimes also called the Mammal Temple. The words ‘mam mal’ means ‘don’t go’. Mamleshwar Temple must feature in your list of places to visit in Pahalgam in August if it isn’t there yet.
Lidder River

The Lidder River is as important for the locals as it is beautiful for the tourists visiting Pahalgam in August. Originating from the astounding Kolahoi Glacier, the Lidder River flows through the breathtaking valleys of Pahalgam for approximately 73km before culminating into the Jhelum River. The Lidder River not only enhances the already magnificent topography of Pahalgam, filled with pine forests and glistening meadows but also plays a crucial role in the sustenance of life for the entire population of Anantnag District in Jammu and Kashmir.

( Pahalgam is a scenic village where Lidder river flows along the valley. Women can be seen washing clothes at the banks of the river. )

The Lidder River is known as the lifeline of Pahalgam and rightly so. It meets the drinking and irrigation requirements of the entire region and also helps in the economic upliftment of Pahalgam. Quite famously known as the Angler’s Paradise, this majestic river is visited by thousands of tourists at this time of the year when it is filled with numerous species of fish including the brown trout and rainbow trout. Having derived its name from Lidderwat in Aru Valley, the Lidder River is also popular for river rafting and a must-visit among your list of top places to visit in Pahalgam in August.
Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake, as the name suggests, is the abode of the Lord of Snakes, Lord Sheshnag and is one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August. It is a very popular tourist destination and is flooded with visitors at this time of the year. The Sheshnag Lake falls en route to the Amarnath Yatra trek and is located about 7km from the ravishing valley of Chandanwari. It is accessible only via trekking and takes approximately 2 hours to reach from Chandanwari.

( Panoramic view of Kashmir mountains around Sheshang lake in India. )

Sheshnag Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by the monstrous Himalayan Mountain ranges and some of the most delightful landscapes in the region. Its crystal-clear waters are home to a variety of species of fish including the brown trout and is located at an elevation of 3590m above sea level. Sheshnag Lake is quite popular, among its visitors, for picnics and camping. Some folklore believes that Lord Shiva took refuge in this lake while escaping from the demon Bhasmasur. You can also click some amazing photographs while being at Sheshnag Lake, one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August.
Lidder Amusement Park

The Lidder Amusement Park in Pahalgam is a joy ride of a different kind. It’s not every day that you come across an amusement park surrounded by the mighty Himalayan Range. With the enigmatic Lidder River flowing across it and the beautiful pine forests on its viewing radar, this enjoyable and one-of-a-kind destination is swarmed by tourists from all parts of the world at this time of the year.

( Pahalgam is a hill station 2740m above sea level. It is also known as Valley of the Shepherds where Lidder River flows through the picturesque valley. )

The Lidder Amusement Park is one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam in August and is often filled with people from all around to have a fun-filled and joyous outing at this dreamy destination amidst breathtaking landscapes. This extraordinary amusement park has a plethora of rides to enjoy like the miniature railways, the bumping cars, the paddle boats and many other fun rides. The Lidder Amusement Park will simply relieve you of any worries, whatsoever, and fill your memory with some unforgettable moments.
Pahalgam Club Garden

Well, this could be one of the most colourful places to visit in Pahalgam in August! Flaunting more than 50 different species of flowering plants along with wildflowers and other exotic plant species, the Pahalgam Club Garden is an oasis of natural colours. Since you are planning to visit the hill station in August, you will be greeted with some of the most rare and beautiful blooms in this garden.

View of Pahalgam Club Garden

Adding more to the alluring charm of Pahalgam Club Garden, the gushing Lidder River flows adjacent to the garden. Visit this garden, embrace the magical charm of the flowers, take a stroll across the well-maintained lanes, or laze around while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Lidder River, and you will be immediately transported to a fairy tale for sure!

Things to Do in Pahalgam in August

River Rafting

The continuation of the monsoons during August only adds to the thrilling fun of river rafting at the Lidder River. The Lidder River remains at its ferocious best at this time of the year, and thus, makes river rafting even more exciting and enjoyable. The rapids and eddies that form at the Lidder River due to the surge in water levels make the rafting enthusiasts jump for joy in anticipation of the enthralling experience they are going to get at this exotic destination.

( Rafting on a mountain river )

Although the Lidder River flows at its peak during August, rafting at this majestic river is quite safe and immensely pleasurable. People from all over the world flock to Pahalgam to experience and enjoy the adrenaline-rushing activity of river rafting in the icy waters of the Lidder River. River Rafting in Lidder River is one of the most sought-after activities in the region, and hence, is considered one of the top things to do in Pahalgam in August. After all, very few things could match the adrenaline of river rafting in the Lidder River.
Trekking

Trekking is one of the most highly-rated and adventurous things to do in Pahalgam in August. You can explore and visit some of the most exquisite locales in the entire region of Pahalgam through trekking. Apart from the high adrenaline that it provides, you can also get a much closer look into the magnificent topography of this amazing wonderland. Trekking through the breathtaking landscapes of Pahalgam only elevates your sense of contentment.

( Trekking in Pahalgam is a great way to explore short treks to beautiful landscape and high altitude alpine lakes. )

Pahalgam is a trekker’s delight during August as it opens up ample opportunities for trekking to such regal destinations like Sonmarg, Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar-Marsar Lake, Sheshnag Lake, Tulian Lake as well as the holy Amarnath Yatra. The glistening green meadows, the densely populated tall pine trees, the boisterously flowing Lidder River and the enormous Himalayas render such an immaculate portrait of the valley of Pahalgam that the trekkers could not help but fall in love with this divine destination. Make sure you keep your camera handy to click some breathtaking photographs while trekking through this ‘Heaven on Earth’.
Local Sightseeing

Pahalgam is known as the ‘Heaven on Earth’ for a reason. This amazing destination is full of so many breathtaking locations in its vicinity that one trip to this magical land of awesomeness may not be enough to fully enjoy and experience the place. From lush green meadows to feisty rivers, from dense pine forests to divine lakes, from open grasslands to intimidating mountains, Pahalgam is blessed with a topography so vast and diverse that it has to be seen to be believed.

( Local Sightseeing in Pahalgam )

Local sightseeing, thus, becomes one of the best things to do in Pahalgam in August. Whether it is the pristine Aru Valley, the heavenly Chandanwari, the fascinating Tulian Lake, the romantic Betaab Valley, the enigmatic Lidder River, the stunning Sheshnag Lake or the mighty Himalayas, Pahalgam just has something for everybody to marvel at. This peerless ‘Heaven on Earth’ can be best witnessed and enjoyed via trekking, strolling or pony rides. Choose the medium as per your choice and convenience and make sure to create memories for life by clicking awesome photographs.
Trout Fishing

Angling is considered to be yet another one of the top things to do in Pahalgam in August. The Lidder River keeps brimming with a variety of fishes at this time of the year after the arrival of the monsoons, and thus, attracts a lot of anglers from all across the country to Pahalgam. The Lidder River is known as the Angler’s Paradise because it is filled with varied fishes including the brown and rainbow trout.

( Fishing in the River )

Angling, though, is not everybody’s cup of tea. It requires patience, precision and practice but nothing that you cannot learn and try. Angling is a different sort of adventure, one that is pleasing and delightful. But you must obtain an Angler’s License before you try your hands at angling in the Lidder River. For that, you need to visit the Department of Fisheries in Srinagar and do proper paperwork to get your Angler’s License. Once that is done, just head on to the Lidder River and enjoy one of the top things to do in Pahalgam in August.
Horse/Pony Rides

The unparalleled beauty of Pahalgam is spread across a vast region of land with varied topography, and thus, cannot be enjoyed on foot or cabs alone. This is when the amazing mode of transport, the Pony Rides, comes in handy. Pony Rides are not only cheap and convenient but are also easily available around the mesmerizing valleys of Pahalgam. Moreover, they can take you to places that cannot be explored by cabs or by foot due to the unavailability of roads or for being too exhausting, respectively.

( Tourists enjoying horse ride )

Pony Rides are no longer just a mode of transport for witnessing and experiencing the astounding and imperial beauty of Pahalgam but have become a way of life in these enthralling valleys. Apart from assisting the tourists in exploring the untouched nooks and corners of this riveting destination, Pony Rides also provides livelihood to the locals and helps boost the local economy. No wonder it is one of the top things to do in Pahalgam in August.
Photography Tours

When you are in the vicinity of some of the most breathtaking, stupendous and stunning landscapes in the entire world, the camera automatically becomes your best friend. Be it the three angelic valleys of Pahalgam, Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari, the pristine high-altitude lakes of Tulian and Sheshnag, the stupefying grandeur of the Kolahoi Glacier, the riveting tides of the Lidder River or the unrelenting monstrosity of the great Himalayan Mountain ranges, photography is the only way to turn these remarkable moments into lifelong memories.

( A Himalayan River Passing Through Aru Valley Near Pahalgam )

Pahalgam in August is a pure photographer’s delight. The entire valley is gleaming with radiance and vibrancy of the highest order while also getting overcrowded with tourists from all over the world. The entire valley emanates an aura of ingenuity and novelty. It does not matter whether you are a professional in photography or an amateur because all you need to know is how to hold the camera steadily and the rest will be done by the resplendence and grandiosity of this incomparable wonderland, we call Pahalgam.

How to pack for Pahalgam in August

Visitors planning to explore all the scenic places to visit in Pahalgam in August must pay extra attention while packing for this trip. Adding more, if the list of exciting things to do in Pahalgam in August is there in mind, one simply cannot ignore some of the packing tips and guidelines. Let’s explain in brief how to pack if you are planning a trip to this piece of paradise in August.

August is the month that indicates the peak of summer. However, you should also note that summer in Pahalgam is not the same as summer in the plains or other regions. Even though it’s the peak of summer, you can still find the temperature ranging somewhere between 9 to 20 degrees. Keeping this in mind, you must pack well while embarking on this trip.

Carrying woollen clothes along with heavy jackets will help you keep yourself warm while you opt for the outdoors. You should also pack enough lighter clothes as you may need them while in your hotel rooms. Relying on a good and sturdy pair of shoes would help you while you stroll around, go for a trek, or simply hike around Pahalgam. Needless to mention here, you should also carry a good pair of socks; carry woollen socks if you have one. Other accessories like mufflers, windcheaters, ponchos, light raincoats, and others can also help you a lot while you hop from one place to the other.

While exploring all the scenic places to visit in Pahalgam in August, you will be away from the rest of the world. Hence, you should be extra cautious with all the basic medications and handy food items. Make it a point to carry a basic first-aid kit box along with enough chocolates, energy bars, instant noodles, and other such items. If possible, try to have a flashlight with a charger or an extra pair of cells. Carrying necessary toiletries with you can also help you a lot while you are manoeuvring around different places to visit in Pahalgam in August.

How to Reach Pahalgam in August

By Air:

While planning to reach Pahalgam by air, you will find the Srinagar International Airport as the closest airport. Located around 91km from the heart of Pahalgam, this airport has good air connectivity with most of the major Indian cities. Some of the international destinations also have air connectivity with the Srinagar International Airport. You can easily book air tickets to this airport and fulfil your wish to reach Pahalgam by air.

Once you land at the airport, you can finally reach Pahalgam by opting for any of the local cabs, taxis, or buses. There are private cars and other vehicles readily available at the airport.
By Train:

Since Pahalgam doesn’t have any direct railway connectivity, you can book your train tickets to the Jammu Tawi Railway Station. Located almost 220km away from the hill station, this railway station is among the busiest in this region. It is connected with most of the corners of India via express mail and other fast trains. If you are planning to reach Pahalgam by train, you can first book your train tickets to the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, and after reaching there, you can hire private vehicles or take a bus ride to finally reach Pahalgam.
By Road:

Road trips are one of the most exciting things to do in Pahalgam in August. These road trips usually start from Jammu City or Srinagar. Though there are other starting points, these two points are the most popular two. The journey is accompanied by magical views of the Himalayas, Pir Panjal, scenic meadows, captivating valleys, and a lot more. If you are planning to reach Pahalgam by air, you are probably making the best decision of your life.

Where to Stay in Pahalgam in August

Pahalgam is dotted with numerous hotels, tourist lodges, bungalows, and homestays. However, as you are planning to enjoy the places to visit in Pahalgam in August, you must know that this is one of the peak tourism months in the valley. The region enjoys almost the highest footfall during this mind.

Having said that, you should never forget that as the number of visitors increases in the hill station, the stay options get sold out fast. Hence, we would highly recommend to go for early bookings if you are seriously looking to enjoy all the exciting things to do in Pahalgam in August. Also, since the demand increases all of a sudden, the booking costs can go high this month.

However, if you book your Pahalgam tour packages with us, we will ensure you the best stay options with elegant services and facilities. We have a strong presence in Pahalgam. This helps in partnering with all the best brands and pre-book rooms in bulk. Thus, we get to book stay options at lower costs. And we can finally offer those rooms to our guests at the best reasonable pricing.

Mobile Connectivity in Pahalgam:

BSNL: In terms of connectivity in Pahalgam, BSNL’s network emerges as a dependable option, delivering reliable 4G services consistently across key areas. This ensures your connectivity persists as you engage in the varied activities available in the region.
AirTel: Airtel is recognized as the most reliable service provider in Pahalgam, earning a strong reputation for mobile connectivity and 4G services. Nevertheless, when exploring less frequented tourist spots, occasional network disruptions may be experienced.
Jio: Jio is another reliable service provider in Pahalgam, renowned for its dependable internet services. However, similar to other providers, connectivity might encounter intermittent challenges when exploring areas away from the town centre.
Vodafone: For current Vodafone subscribers, sticking with this network might be convenient. However, if you are not already a Vodafone user, we do not recommend choosing their services, as they do not have a particularly favourable reputation in Pahalgam and its surrounding areas.