Having stood the test of time, Pahalgam is where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati dropped off Nandi (the vehicle of Lord Shiva) before continuing their journey towards Amarnath. The place, being a base for the Amarnath Yatra, sees a huge number of devotees in search of finding serenity amidst their busy lives. This hill station is nestled close to the Anantnag District and makes for the perfect escape from the scorching sun. No matter which side you turn, you’ll find a land of green meadows that are guarded by tall mountains. If this seems like the perfect destination for your summer vacations, check out this 2-day itinerary of how to spend a weekend in Pahalgam.
Things To Do In Pahalgam On Day 1
1. Breakfast At Mom’s Recipe
Mom’s Recipe is a small roadside eatery in Pahalgam that will take you by surprise. Start your morning with freshly prepared aloo paratha and gobi paratha to know what we’re talking about. Every bite is full flavor and a homely, comforting feeling. Slathered with ghee, their parathas are more than enough to make you full by the time you finish them. Pair the parathas with a cup of chai to have a wholesome breakfast meal – all of this is at an impressively economical price!
Price: Approx INR 400
Address: Chandanwari Road, Laripura, Pahalgam
Google Reviews: 4.4/5
2. Morning Stroll In Lavender Park
Imagine taking a stroll on an endless patch of green with the Lidder River flowing in the middle and alpines towering over the space. The Lavender Park in Pahalgam is a great spot to reconnect with nature and soak in the magnificent views. During the summer months, you’ll find the lavender plants blooming at their own pace, filling the air with a pleasant fragrance. Visiting this location in the morning on a clear day gives you plenty of opportunities to unleash your inner photographer and fill your gallery with swoon-worthy pictures of nature.
Entry Fee: INR 25
3. Worship At Shri Gaurishankar Temple
A temple that’s 200 years old is bound to carry a piece of history and mythology along with it. It’s believed that Nandi was left behind before Lord Shankar and Goddess Gauri resumed their journey to Amarnath at the spot of this very temple. It’s a small temple with red and golden roofs and surrounded by huge mountains. There’s also a bhandara hosted every day at the temple, where you can have your lunch. You’ll be served pure vegetarian sattvic food there.
4. Lunch At WelcomCafe Lolaab
If you’d rather your food to be cheesy and not sattvic, head to WelcomCafe Lolaab. They serve the most delicious pizza, laden with tomato sauce and melting cheese. For something more local, this restaurant is also esteemed for preparing authentic Kashmiri cuisine made flavorful with age-old secrets passed down from generations. Order the aromatic Rogan Josh and relish the tender lamb floating in a savory curry. Once you’re done with all the food, you’ll surely want to come back again.
Price: Approx INR 800
Address: Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Pine N Peak Aru Road, Near Amusement Park, Pahalgam
Google Reviews: 5/5
5. Adventure Activities At Mini Switzerland
Probably when we mention verdant trees, towering mountains, and pristine lakes, your mind takes you to Switzerland. But, did you know that India has its very own Switzerland waiting to be explored in Pahalgam? For an eventful evening, head to Mini Switzerland in Betaab Valley and prepare to fall in love with the picturesque scenery.
But that’s not all you can do. To add a splash of more fun, they have exhilarating activities like ziplining and zorbing. The small zipline will give you a bird’s eye view of all the hills that surround Betaab Valley. You can even bounce around inside a huge bubble ball and explore the green meadows. If all gliding around or hopping around makes you hungry, there are food stalls to satiate you! You’ll even come across rabbits and goats out and about, running around.
Price For Zipline: INR 350
6. Dinner At Punjabi Rasoi
As the name suggests, you can indulge in the epitome of Punjabi cuisine here. After a long day of plenty of sightseeing, this is the place you want to go to if you’re famished. From the classic chhole bhature to a North Indian thali, you get everything at Punjabi Rasoi! Our recommendation? Order the makke di roti, sarson da saag, and rajma chawal to experience a medley of flavors unfurling in your mouth. For a sweet ending to a successful first day, order the choco lava cake. The ooey-gooey cake will melt in your mouth after just one bite.
Price: Approx INR 400
Address: Near Bus Stand, Pahalgam
Google Reviews: 4.7/5
Things To Do In Pahalgam On Day 2
1. Breakfast At Dana Pani
Craving something South Indian while being in the North? Dana Pani has you covered with their South Indian breakfast full of yum. Order the crispiest of dosas and choose whether you want it sprinkled with some cheese or masala. They also serve plates of fluffy idlis with coconut chutney and spicy sambar. For something light on your stomach, you can get a plate of upma with veggies like peas and carrots. On the contrary, for something heavy, you can order a Veg Cheese Uttapam right off the pan. There’s also paneer pakoras and finger chips that you can relish on the side.
Price: Approx INR 300
Address: Main Market, Chandanwari, Pahalgam
Google Reviews: 4.3/5
2. Visit The Mamleshwar Temple
We’ve all heard the story of how Lord Ganesha got an elephant’s head. To feel that story come alive, visit the location where Lord Ganesha was standing guard as his mother, Goddess Parvati, took a bath. Only a ten-minute drive to Mamal village, and you’ll arrive at a stone edifice that shelters a Shivling. You’ll see the intimidating Himalayas standing tall as a backdrop to this temple. The name of Mamleshwar Temple comes from the word ‘Mamal’ that can be translated to ‘don’t go’. It’s believed that Lord Ganesha used those words to stop Lord Shiva from entering his own home as Goddess Parvati was bathing inside.
The structure is barely 8 ft tall and is built in a Kashmiri architectural style with a pyramidal roof. Right outside the temple, you’ll find a small pond filled with cold water that forms ripples now and then. Even if you don’t consider yourself religious, you should still visit the place for its tranquility and rich history.
3. Lunch At Taste Buds
With quick service and generous portions, Taste Buds stands true to its name and serves delicious food. It’s a veg-only restaurant, but you’ll be spoiled for choices. If you’re a paneer fan, there’s a paneer thali that can be customized with your choice of curries and vegetables before they serve you. For something more homely, order the mixed veg with a rumali roti and biryani. The soft roti is doused in butter, and the curry is a melting pot of all the traditional spices. Take your taste buds on a treat at very reasonable prices!
Price: INR 400
Address: Chandanwari Road, Pahalgam
Google Reviews: 4.5/5
4. Click Pictures At Aru Valley
Head to Aru Valley to get some beautiful pictures for your Instagram as you spend a couple of hours with only nature on all sides. This vast, empty land can be enjoyed by taking a stroll or setting up a picnic and spending quality time with your family. If you love meeting new people and acquainting yourself with their culture, you can introduce yourself to gypsies. These people have built their home around Aru Valley and usually live in huts made of mud. They’re a bit shy, but when approached, they love to strike up a conversation!
5. Shop At Pahalgam Market
Let’s get to the fun part, where you buy some memorable souvenirs for yourself! Being in Kashmir, you have to get yourself a Pashmina shawl! The rates of these shawls depend on the amount of cashmere used while making the product. Keep your negotiating skills ready because they’ll help you not burn a hole in your wallet.
Another interesting purchase you can make is getting the traditional Kashmiri jackets of phirans that are usually appealing to the eye with the detailed embroidery. Apart from that, you can get local handicrafts made out of copper or wood, built by skilled artisans. Papier mache products and handmade carpets are something else to keep an eye out for!
6. Dinner At 76°E Cafe Lounge & Restaurant
Make your tummy happy with a hearty dinner at 76°E Cafe Lounge & Restaurant. Let your mouth water at the sight of a crispy masala papad sprinkled with veggies like onions, tomatoes, and capsicum. For the main course, order a bowl of creamy dal makhani that hits every delicious spot in your mouth. Pair it with a garlic naan and kadai paneer. Every food you order at this restaurant will be served with the best flavors and will give you a taste of something to remember Pahalgam by.
Price: Approx INR 1,000
Address: Chandanwari Road, Near Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Laripora, Pahalgam
Google Reviews: 4.8/5
Summing Up
Now that you have your 2-day itinerary in place, all you have to focus on is having a riot of time. Pahalgam is filled with sightseeing, where no rigorous activities need to be involved. You can simply unwind and take a deep breath in the fresh air and have a calm summer vacation.
FAQs
What Is Pahalgam Famous For?
Apart from being decked with greenery and beautiful valleys, Pahalgam is famous for being the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra.
Is It Safe To Travel To Pahalgam At Night?
Yes! It’s generally safe to travel in Pahalgam during the night. But, it’s often advised against as the roads might get foggy sometimes.
Why Is Pahalgam Called Mini Switzerland?
The whole of Pahalgam isn’t referred to as Mini Switzerland. However, Baisaran Valley, which is at a distance of 5 km from Pahalgam, is given the name because of the tall trees, verdant mountains, and misty mountains.
Which Month Is Best For Pahalgam?
The best months to visit Pahalgam are between April and June, as the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear, making it the perfect time for sightseeing and adventures like trekking.
