Baisaran
Baisaran
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- Amelie9626Cape Town, South Africa1,618 contributionsBeautiful but not umissable.Paid 1000/- for each horse to visit "3 points". Took us 45 minutes to go up and 45 minutes to come down. saw 2 people fall off the horse, so its definitely not for all. When we went, the valley was not too crowded and it was ok ok. Clean, and though some vendors came to us, they didn't really pester us. We enjoyed looking at the view and came back soon enough. Its lovely but not unmissable. Depends on the crowds I guess. We paid 90 as entrance for 2 adults and 2 kids. They had ziplining for Rs, 350/- per person and also zorbing (but i dont know the rate for that one). There are 4-5 stalls selling maggi, tea and some other items.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 October 2023
- Lavenders BlueDhaka City, Bangladesh7 contributionsRisky pony ride, girls stay alert of locals.View is really breathtaking , but for pony ride, be careful, my parents where really scared, I think its risky for beginners, although I, being young, didn't find problem, the horses walk through the edges of mountains, but the horsekeepers are really reluctant about holding them, we had to tell them many times to hold on to the horses, other than that, Mini switzerland is a heaven. I had a zip riding, which was nice and smooth, but girls be aware, the owners might touch you while saying they'll help you wear essentials for zip lining. Same for getting up and down from ponies. Also please bargain in the pony place, we took ponies for 1300 each, you can bargain more. Visited - 3rd January, 2024.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 January 2024
- Rashmi BhatMysore District, India28 contributionsNot really worth risking one's life when there are far better options for sightseeingWe visited Baisaran valley in the 1st week of April'24. One needs to take Pony or walk through very steep hike of about 5-8km one way. The route which Ponywalas take is very muddy, dirty, narrow, steep and the total journey (one way) takes about 1 hr. Many people even slip off the pony, pony itself skids (happened with us too). Ponywalas claim that they will show you 3-4 other view points like Dabyan valley, Kashmir valley along with the final point Baisaran. But once you start your ride you will realize that they are just like any other view points and nothing exceptional. No doubt, Baisaran is beautifual but other places like Aru valley, Betaab valley etc also have mesmerizing valley views with less crowd, easy reachability. In my view one can definitely skip this unless he/she wants to do some adventurous hike risking the life! FYI: we were told by our taxi driver that- there are 2 pony stands (where you make payment). One is govt. with fixed rate (Rs 1850 as of April'24) and the other one is private which is of more cost.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 April 2024
- Anay P2 contributionsNot recommended for kidsThis place is extremely overhyped. From the beginning the entire place was stinking . The way up was extremely steep, overcrowded and the path was also very narrow. Due to rain in the past few days the path was also very wet and covered with potholes. Many horses also slipped. The view was nice at the top in Kashmir, but overall we can see better views in Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Srinagar. Not recommended for kids and elderly people.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2024
- TraveloverTiruchirappalli, India103 contributionsBai Bai saranA must see spot, one needs to go on horse back for 6 km up on the hill, way is muddy and steep, you are not alone, there are many travellers of different age group will accompany you either in the front and behind u in their horses. Its adventurous. Once u reach top, it is called Mini switzerland and you feel on top of the world. A meadow in the middle of mountains all sides. We need to thank the horses and the horsemen who train themVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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manu
Kochi (Cochin), India5 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
The pony riders charged us 5000 rs for six places(baisaran,denow valley, kanimarg, waterfall, old pahalgam, debyan). They also said like we can have whole day spent there and adviced us to come on morning 9 am and will return around 6pm. What happend next day was they just completed the whole ride in just 3hrs we didnt know what was happening. The horse man was just rushing like he has to take another ride after we reached back. We decided to not to give the full amount but they were like goons forcing us to pay and was not ready to discount any amount. After reaching our hotel when we discussed the situation with our other fellow travelers they said like they also went to the same places for rs 2800 after bargaining. Thats were we found out that those people has cheated us in every way. A suggestion to travellers going to pahalgam the pony ride is only worth 50% than the actual price that they have shared. Better go to aru valley, betab valley and chandanvari by car its worth the amount. There is not so much in these pony rides. Also pls dont trust the cab drivers because they are getting a commision from the pony ride union. They will remain silent when they reach there.
Written 13 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nitin B
Jodhpur, India3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Pony ride is very TOUGH , steep and dangerous climb, strictly NO for senior citizen, driver will push you this as mini Switzerland, I visit in March, place was not worth visiting. My wife fell down from horse and met few others who fell down. One person will be with two horses and he even leave horse free halfway. Although horses are trained for years on this path, but way is STEEP and RISKY. Strongly writing again, unless you love adventure of risky pony ride , do not waste money on this. They ask 2500 but can settle down as low as 1000 (depends on season). We pay 1300.
Written 28 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explore924
Australian Capital Territory, Australia5 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
I have already posted a review on the Dabyan Valley page, but I feel it's essential to share my experience here as well to protect fellow tourists, since page receives more frequent visits from travelers.
The horse ride experience was, unfortunately, far from satisfactory. We were asked INR 17,000 which after negotiations, we were charged INR 11,000 for three people to visit fabricated points of interest that lacked any genuine beauty. Also, later we came to know a family of 4 paid only 8000K. The only place worth visiting is Mini Switzerland. The best approach is to drive to a point away from the Horse/Taxi stand scam area and walk approximately 20 minutes to reach Mini Switzerland.
When it comes to visiting other places, such as Betab Valley (which is the only worthwhile location), Chandanwari (which is quite underwhelming), and Aru Valley (which was disappointingly dirty), beware of taxi drivers who claim that different taxis are required due to union regulations. This is an absurd scam, as there is no one monitoring which vehicles are allowed to go where. Private cars or any type of vehicle can access these sites. The drivers you will hire from srinagar, will tell you he can't go there due to restrictions, then contact their family or friends to charge you an additional 2500 INR to take you to these three locations. I strongly advise sticking to Betab Valley, enjoying a three-hour walk or a picnic, and skipping the rest.
The excessive hawking activity in the area makes it nearly impossible to relax in any of the gardens, even if you disregard the financial scams.
In conclusion, I would like to caution that the entire Pahalgam site appears to be rife with scams. It's best to avoid going there unless you have your own vehicle.
The horse ride experience was, unfortunately, far from satisfactory. We were asked INR 17,000 which after negotiations, we were charged INR 11,000 for three people to visit fabricated points of interest that lacked any genuine beauty. Also, later we came to know a family of 4 paid only 8000K. The only place worth visiting is Mini Switzerland. The best approach is to drive to a point away from the Horse/Taxi stand scam area and walk approximately 20 minutes to reach Mini Switzerland.
When it comes to visiting other places, such as Betab Valley (which is the only worthwhile location), Chandanwari (which is quite underwhelming), and Aru Valley (which was disappointingly dirty), beware of taxi drivers who claim that different taxis are required due to union regulations. This is an absurd scam, as there is no one monitoring which vehicles are allowed to go where. Private cars or any type of vehicle can access these sites. The drivers you will hire from srinagar, will tell you he can't go there due to restrictions, then contact their family or friends to charge you an additional 2500 INR to take you to these three locations. I strongly advise sticking to Betab Valley, enjoying a three-hour walk or a picnic, and skipping the rest.
The excessive hawking activity in the area makes it nearly impossible to relax in any of the gardens, even if you disregard the financial scams.
In conclusion, I would like to caution that the entire Pahalgam site appears to be rife with scams. It's best to avoid going there unless you have your own vehicle.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akshada C
66 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Make an informed decision about visiting Baisaran after reading this review.
We decided to go to Baisaran choosing the Pony ride (it's walkable if you are in good health) BUT in April, the route was covered in sludge and muck. The owner of the houses at times is different than the person who takes you to Baisaran. So, you would be handed over to this Ponywala. The Ponywala would insist he will take pictures of you in your camera - even if you say no. We had to be firm and tell him, we did not want any pictures to be clicked. Now began our journey! The first "point" was nothing but a bunch of houses. The second and third "points" were mountains which you would any which way spot - nothing that needs to be "shown". Because of the muck and sludge your shoes and clothes will start getting splashed with mud. This is nothing, now begins one of the most horrendous journeys - the roads are narrow, with slopes and steep edges around. What's worse is that the horses tend to skid, slip, loose balance making the journey extremely risky! The Ponywala will now tell you, this is a risky road and while going down you can choose another route which is less risky but you will have to pay more!
Once we reached the Valley, the Ponywala had the audacity to tell us, come back in 15 mins! Though the valley is picturesque, it's nothing exceptional. Why risk your life if there are other spots you can visit?
We decided to go to Baisaran choosing the Pony ride (it's walkable if you are in good health) BUT in April, the route was covered in sludge and muck. The owner of the houses at times is different than the person who takes you to Baisaran. So, you would be handed over to this Ponywala. The Ponywala would insist he will take pictures of you in your camera - even if you say no. We had to be firm and tell him, we did not want any pictures to be clicked. Now began our journey! The first "point" was nothing but a bunch of houses. The second and third "points" were mountains which you would any which way spot - nothing that needs to be "shown". Because of the muck and sludge your shoes and clothes will start getting splashed with mud. This is nothing, now begins one of the most horrendous journeys - the roads are narrow, with slopes and steep edges around. What's worse is that the horses tend to skid, slip, loose balance making the journey extremely risky! The Ponywala will now tell you, this is a risky road and while going down you can choose another route which is less risky but you will have to pay more!
Once we reached the Valley, the Ponywala had the audacity to tell us, come back in 15 mins! Though the valley is picturesque, it's nothing exceptional. Why risk your life if there are other spots you can visit?
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happiness11677912152
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
Not Worth the Risk.
Mini Switzerland is decent in summers, but the horse ride experience is terrible.
1) they provide one helper every 2-3 horses, so majority of times you would be handling the horse by yourself.
2) The area was overcrowded, the paths are not built for such long queue of horses at once. Due to overcrowding, you will constamtly keep bumping into other horses, which in unpleasnat and scary at times.
3) The route is very narrow and often very dangerous (no ledge svaing you froma steep fall), many a times the horse was walking on the edge of a steep fall. The only thing saving you from serious injury is the faith that horse knows what its doing and hope that trainer has fed and rested the horse.
4) There is no safety gear, if you loosen your grip or horse slips, that is it for you.
5) Worst thing is they will overpromise and underdeliver. I paid extra to go through a route that was less steep (deno valley route), but while returning they made an excuse and took through a very steep and narrow path, so that they can reach 15 mins earlier and take another set of tourists.
When you reach the top its nice. But again 80% of your 3 hour trip would be on horseback - up and down.
Yes, 100s of people do it everyday and retuen safe, but that doesnt justify the unnecessary risk.
If at all you want to go to mini switzerland, trek your way. Will take a couple of hours, but definitely will feel safer. This is more suitable for younger people.
I loved the Chandanwari cab ride. So beautiful. And betaab valey was good too. Took us 2.5 hours to cover both valleys
Mini Switzerland is decent in summers, but the horse ride experience is terrible.
1) they provide one helper every 2-3 horses, so majority of times you would be handling the horse by yourself.
2) The area was overcrowded, the paths are not built for such long queue of horses at once. Due to overcrowding, you will constamtly keep bumping into other horses, which in unpleasnat and scary at times.
3) The route is very narrow and often very dangerous (no ledge svaing you froma steep fall), many a times the horse was walking on the edge of a steep fall. The only thing saving you from serious injury is the faith that horse knows what its doing and hope that trainer has fed and rested the horse.
4) There is no safety gear, if you loosen your grip or horse slips, that is it for you.
5) Worst thing is they will overpromise and underdeliver. I paid extra to go through a route that was less steep (deno valley route), but while returning they made an excuse and took through a very steep and narrow path, so that they can reach 15 mins earlier and take another set of tourists.
When you reach the top its nice. But again 80% of your 3 hour trip would be on horseback - up and down.
Yes, 100s of people do it everyday and retuen safe, but that doesnt justify the unnecessary risk.
If at all you want to go to mini switzerland, trek your way. Will take a couple of hours, but definitely will feel safer. This is more suitable for younger people.
I loved the Chandanwari cab ride. So beautiful. And betaab valey was good too. Took us 2.5 hours to cover both valleys
Written 11 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lavenders Blue
Dhaka City, Bangladesh7 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
View is really breathtaking , but for pony ride, be careful, my parents where really scared, I think its risky for beginners, although I, being young, didn't find problem, the horses walk through the edges of mountains, but the horsekeepers are really reluctant about holding them, we had to tell them many times to hold on to the horses, other than that, Mini switzerland is a heaven. I had a zip riding, which was nice and smooth, but girls be aware, the owners might touch you while saying they'll help you wear essentials for zip lining. Same for getting up and down from ponies. Also please bargain in the pony place, we took ponies for 1300 each, you can bargain more.
Visited - 3rd January, 2024.
Visited - 3rd January, 2024.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passenger29275550134
Bengaluru, India5 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Kashmir was my dream destination. I was so happy when we stepped out of plane at Srinagar airport weather was cool. But all the happiness shattered when we visited Pahalgam a scenic village but people there are very cunningly force you to go for horse riding to visit Mini Switzerland. And they say that is the only way to go to that place. But it's not true. There is a trek path, which has stone benches also along the path. The horse ride terrain is horrible, they put the tourists lives at risk just to earn some money. The fellow who walked along side the horse said that it os good if we fall here and anyone falls and dies during Amarnath horse riding thwy will reach heaven directly!!!??😰😰😰 The Government should so something to regularise these horse riding with proper well maintained paths. Should do something for the protection of the tourists. And a word of caution, bwware of drivers, horse rides and the vendors who will not allow you to sit and enjoy the serene nature.
Mulberry jam, apricot, Apple and Fig jams are very yummy.
Hotel bookings are bad, the name of the hotel we stayed was Royal heritage resort but it was a homestay, in a residential area!!! He said breakfast nas dinner included, everyday bread was the breakfast....
Pahalgam Heritage Resort was good, its not a resort though. But clean and spacious.
Mulberry jam, apricot, Apple and Fig jams are very yummy.
Hotel bookings are bad, the name of the hotel we stayed was Royal heritage resort but it was a homestay, in a residential area!!! He said breakfast nas dinner included, everyday bread was the breakfast....
Pahalgam Heritage Resort was good, its not a resort though. But clean and spacious.
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shanta Baliarsingh
Bhubaneswar, India195 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
The place gives calmness to your heart. It's an amazing place.
But few things you need to know before you start your journey.Throughout your trip in Kashmir you have to bargain a lot specially regarding pony/horse rides.when we started from the hotel and after the bargaining (they will always say double or thrice of the real price,and he didn't lower the price much and showed us a board where prices were written which according to him is fixed by govt)we asked the concerned person to send three people with the horses for three of us .so we started and after 500 mtrs one person left and I asked where he is going.the other one said "arey madam chacha pe rehem Karo".so nothing to say.
After another 500 metres the same one asked us if we want an adventure road or normal road ,little bit longer route than the other ,with two more beautiful points ..but it would cost us additional 900/- per person.Do you have an option when you are not too young to try adventurous road?So again bargaining and agreed upon 2k for 3 persons.The hill to cross to rech mini Switzerland was very scary for me..So don't know which adventurous road was skipped by us by paying them more.
But few things you need to know before you start your journey.Throughout your trip in Kashmir you have to bargain a lot specially regarding pony/horse rides.when we started from the hotel and after the bargaining (they will always say double or thrice of the real price,and he didn't lower the price much and showed us a board where prices were written which according to him is fixed by govt)we asked the concerned person to send three people with the horses for three of us .so we started and after 500 mtrs one person left and I asked where he is going.the other one said "arey madam chacha pe rehem Karo".so nothing to say.
After another 500 metres the same one asked us if we want an adventure road or normal road ,little bit longer route than the other ,with two more beautiful points ..but it would cost us additional 900/- per person.Do you have an option when you are not too young to try adventurous road?So again bargaining and agreed upon 2k for 3 persons.The hill to cross to rech mini Switzerland was very scary for me..So don't know which adventurous road was skipped by us by paying them more.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dhwani J
Mumbai, India27 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Below are images of maps and pony rates for Pahalgam.
Tip for hiring pony to visit baisaran : Just tell them you want to see baisaran and kanimarg. 4 points come in between des 2 places so paying separately for each point does not make sense.
Bargain with dem and pay between 1500 - 1800 for all the 5-6 points.
Tip for hiring pony to visit baisaran : Just tell them you want to see baisaran and kanimarg. 4 points come in between des 2 places so paying separately for each point does not make sense.
Bargain with dem and pay between 1500 - 1800 for all the 5-6 points.
Written 19 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Souvik S
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India523 contributions
Oct 2021
Do not miss this place ! the pony ride upto the top is both exciting and adventurous. But the view once u reach the top cannot be explained in words. Lush green hilltop surrounded by dense deodar trees.
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for the detailed write-up. May I know if you have Usmaan's number? or even any other guides for them atter?
Written 16 April 2024
How much time does it take by Pony to visit only Bisaran from Pahalgam and is it risky? Is there any other mode, other than Pony and walking, to reach Bisaran from Pahalgam?
Written 28 April 2022
I am visiting pehalgam on 3 1st and 1st April with 4 and 10 yr old girls,is pony ride safe for baisaran,what is cost
Written 27 March 2019
Place is undoubtedly spectacular but the terrain is pretty rough which makes it adventurous and risky at the same time. As far as cost is concern its somewhere around 1300-1500 per Pony.
Written 11 April 2019
Is it mandatory to take a pony ride? can't I just walk there?
Written 23 May 2018
You can walk to baisaran in about an hour... Pony ride not required if you are fit and capable of walking for 60 minutes on gradual uphill terrain... Only thing to watch out is mud and slurry on the way up... But the 60 minutes or ao walk is extremly scenic..
Written 7 June 2018
Is it posible to reach Baisaran on foot? If yes, what is the difficulty level of the trek?
Written 6 January 2018
Yes it is possible since the people who take our horse go walking, it is difficult and includes a lot of walking, difficulty level I would say is high, but if u could walk a lot with ur gumboots it's not that difficult for u.
The poni people charge from 2000 to 2500, so it is difficult to go up or why would they take so much money.
Written 19 March 2018
There is no another mode of transport to go baisaran from pahalgam???
Written 22 February 2017
Hi,
I will reach pahalgam on 10th may around 13.00hrs and play leave at 11th may evening to srinagar.Can you please suggest a itinerary.
Written 2 May 2015
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