SRINAGAR

Over 15 km around, Dal Lake is Srinagar's jewel, a vast, mirror-flat sheet of water reflecting the carved wooden balconies of the houseboats and the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountain range. It's a colorful spectacle but expects plenty of attention from souvenir vendors. You can hire a Shikara from any boat station along the lakeshore. Spread over a straggling 26 sq. km, it is the most photogenic stretch of this instance of paradise on earth and undoubtedly also the most sought-after of attractions. The Dal Lake consists of four main char chinars in the middle of the lake. The lake is part of a natural wetland & the beautiful floating gardens, also known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, that blossom with lotus flowers during the month of July and August.   

Often dubbed as ‘Mini Switzerland’ because of its long dark meadows resembling the ones in Switzerland, Baisaran is an eye-catching meadow 5 km away from Pahalgam. The dense pine forest that gives the green carpet look to the meadow provides a contrasting hue to the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. Baisaran is also an ideal campsite for trekkers who want to move further up to Tullian Lake. Accessible through ponies from Pahalgam, this off-beaten track of Jammu and Kashmir tourism offers panoramic sights of the town and Lidder Valley.    

Chandanwadi is a rocky and verdant mountain valley, about 16 kilometers from Pahalgam at 9500 feet above sea level. This stretch between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi is half the route to Amarnath Yatra & Pahalgam is the base camp for the Yatra. River Lidder flows all along this trail between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi. It’s a lovely trek or drive between the two places  & surrounded by lush green conifers and meadows interspersed with patches of rock with a sparkling gushing river meandering through all the terrains. The journey is only half as beautiful as the Valley of Chandanwadi & is famous for camping.

At Panchtarni, Lord Shivji left the five elements behind (earth, water, air, fire, and sky) which make living beings. He is the Lord of these elements. Panchtarni is a beautiful place at the feet of Mount Bhairav. A river splits into five parts upon reaching Panchtarni, and it's believed that all five rivers originated from Lord Shiva's hair. Nights at Panchtarni are cold due to harsh winds. Some travelers are also affected by a deficiency of oxygen. Some may get the feeling of nausea. Ponies are available at Panchtarni & there is a good number of tented camp accommodations available here.   

Sheshnag lake is one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage for the Hindus, as it lies on the track of Amarnath cave. It freezes during winter & is inaccessible during this season due to heavy snowfall & surrounded by lush green meadows and mountains covered by snow. Sheshnag Lake is one of the famous tourist destinations in Kashmir Valley & is the melting point of snow and streams coming down from mountain tops. Sheshnag Lake is 120 kilometers east of Srinagar and 23 km from Pahalgam. Amarnath cave is situated 20 kilometers north of this lake. The best time to visit the lake is from June to September. 

Tulian Lake, at an elevation of 3353 meters above sea level, is a beautiful & scenic spot among the several icons of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. Though there are several tourist places to visit in Pahalgam, the allure of this water body is unmatched. The lake lies amidst the Zanskar and Pir Panjal Mountain ranges and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Mainly covered with snow, the Tulian Lake expedition is an ideal way to experience the charm of Kashmir valley. Travelers can either access this tourist site from Pahalgam, about 16 km to Tulian Lake, or trek down its location from Baisaran.