The Martand Sun Temple, on a plateau above Anantnag, was built in the 8th century by Lalitaditya Muktapida, the greatest king of the Karkota dynasty. Even in ruin it is the most impressive ancient monument in Kashmir: a central shrine in a colonnaded courtyard of 84 small cells, blending Gandharan, Gupta and Kashmiri styles. It was destroyed in the 15th century. The site looks out over the whole valley.

Pahalgam is a hill town at about 2,150 metres where the Lidder River meets the Sheshnag stream, surrounded by pine forest and meadows. Once a shepherds' village, it is now one of Kashmir's main resorts and the base camp for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage. Visitors ride ponies to the meadows, fish for trout and walk along the river.

The Amarnath Cave, at about 3,900 metres, is one of the holiest shrines of Hinduism. Inside, a stalagmite of ice forms each summer and is worshipped as a Shiva linga. The cave is reached only on foot, by pony or by helicopter during the Amarnath Yatra, usually held in July and August, from Pahalgam or the shorter, steeper Baltal route. Registration and a health certificate are compulsory.

Aru is a small village in a wide green meadow about 12 km upstream from Pahalgam, at roughly 2,400 metres. It is the starting point for treks to the Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar and Marsar lakes. Wooden houses, grazing horses and a clear stream give it a calm, pastoral feel. The road from Pahalgam follows the Lidder through forest.