Pakharpora Shrine in Budgam district honours Syed Balkhi, the fifteenth-century saint from Balkh who followed Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani. It sits on the Yousmarg side of Budgam and rarely stands empty. The Urs, marking the saint's death anniversary, fills the whole compound.
Duke Kashmir Travels, registered with the J&K Department of Tourism as JKTA00003978 since 2011, adds the Budgam shrines to Yousmarg days on request. Kashmir packages start near ₹6,350 per person, twin sharing.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- At Pakharpora in Budgam district, on the road towards Yousmarg.
- Dedicated to Syed Balkhi, who came to Kashmir from Balkh in the fifteenth century.
- He was a follower of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani.
- Visited through the year; the Urs is the peak.
- Part of the Rishi tradition that shaped Kashmiri Islam.
- A short stop, easily combined with Charar and the meadows.
Who was Syed Balkhi?
A saint who came to Kashmir from Balkh, in present-day Afghanistan, in the fifteenth century and became a follower of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani.
He preached across the valley in the Rishi manner, and the shrine at Pakharpora grew around his memory. Kashmir's description of itself as the valley of saints rests on figures like him.
When is the shrine busiest?
At the annual Urs, the death anniversary, when devotees come from across Kashmir. Ordinary days see a steady local flow.
Dress modestly, remove shoes at the threshold and follow the separate arrangements for men and women. Photography inside is best avoided during prayers.
How does it fit a day out?
It sits on the Budgam road towards Yousmarg, so it pairs with Charar-i-Sharief and the Nilnag walk.
Half an hour covers the shrine. See Kashmir tour ideas for itineraries that take in the Budgam side rather than only the northern resorts.
Booking this with us
Behind the itineraries: Duke Kashmir Travels, a Srinagar agency carrying tourism registration JKTA00003978 from March 2011, IATO membership ALD150928 and a seat in the JK Tourism Council. Details on About Us.
Give us the dates and the number of travellers; the itinerary and the quote come back the same day. +91 9018 44 0000, info@dukekashmirtravels.com, or the contact page.
About the founder
Duke Kashmir Travels is owned and run by its founder, Rayies Ahmad Zargar, who set it up in Srinagar in 2011 and checks these destination pages himself. LinkedIn.