✅ Betaab Valley
Named after the Bollywood movie Betaab, this lush green valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests.
A favorite spot for picnics, photography, and nature walks.
Perfect during spring and summer for vibrant flowers and clear skies.
✅ Aru Valley
A quaint village located about 12 km from Pahalgam.
Famous for its scenic meadows, horse riding, and as a base camp for treks to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake.
Offers peaceful landscapes ideal for solitude seekers and photographers.
✅ Chandanwari
Located 16 km from Pahalgam and the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra.
Known for its snow bridges and serene mountain views.
Great for sledding and snow play during late winter/early spring.
✅ Lidder River
A glacial river that cuts through Pahalgam, offering opportunities for trout fishing, riverside picnics, and white-water rafting.
The sound of the river adds to the calm ambiance of the town.
✅ Pahalgam Golf Course
A scenic 18-hole golf course perched at 7,200 ft with panoramic views of surrounding mountains.
Open in summer and ideal for golf lovers and casual strollers alike.
✅ Mamleshwar Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the 12th century.
Made entirely of stone, the temple is revered for its peaceful spiritual atmosphere and traditional Kashmiri architecture.
✅ Tulian Lake (Trek)
A high-altitude alpine lake located between Zanskar and Pir Panjal ranges.
Accessible via a challenging trek from Aru or Baisaran; the lake remains partially frozen even in summer.
✅ Baisaran Valley (Mini Switzerland)
Just 5 km from Pahalgam, Baisaran is a green, hilltop meadow surrounded by thick pine forests.
Known for horse riding and panoramic views of the entire Pahalgam region.
✅ Shopping in Pahalgam Market
Explore small shops offering Kashmiri handicrafts, woolens, dry fruits, saffron, and local honey.
Don’t forget to try Kashmiri kahwa (saffron tea) and gushtaba at local eateries.
Cradled in the picturesque Lidder Valley of Jammu & Kashmir, Pahalgam is where tranquility meets untamed beauty — a pristine slice of paradise framed by alpine forests, snow-dusted peaks, and glistening rivers. Often referred to as the “Valley of Shepherds,” Pahalgam is a timeless retreat for nature lovers, adventure seekers, pilgrims, and romantics alike.
Set against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, this charming town is a gateway to Kashmir’s most enchanting landscapes. The Lidder River winds gracefully through the valley, inviting anglers and rafters to enjoy its crystal-clear waters. Lush meadows like Betaab Valley and Aru Valley captivate the senses with wildflowers, rolling grasslands, and a sense of untouched serenity.
Come summer, Pahalgam becomes a haven for trekkers, campers, and horseback riders exploring nearby valleys and alpine lakes. In winter, snow blankets the landscape, turning it into a quiet wonderland perfect for snow hikes and sledding at Chandanwari.
✅ Day 1: Arrival in Pahalgam | Leisure & Riverside Stroll
Morning:
Arrive in Pahalgam (approx. 2–2.5 hrs drive from Srinagar).
Check in to your hotel or riverside cottage.
Afternoon:
Enjoy lunch with a view of the Lidder River.
Take a gentle walk through Pahalgam Market and riverside parks.
Evening:
Relax with a cup of Kahwa by the riverbank.
Optional: Short nature trail to Deer Park.
Overnight Stay: Pahalgam
✅ Day 2: Aru Valley + Betaab Valley + Chandanwari Excursion
Morning:
After breakfast, hire a local cab (required) for:
Aru Valley – known for its scenic meadows and starting point of treks.
Betaab Valley – named after the Bollywood film Betaab, lush and cinematic.
Chandanwari – starting point of the Amarnath Yatra; known for snow play in spring/summer.
Afternoon:
Picnic lunch amidst the green meadows.
Optional: Short horse ride in Aru or Betaab Valley.
Evening:
Return to Pahalgam.
Optional: Bonfire by the riverside (if arranged by hotel).
Overnight Stay: Pahalgam
✅ Day 3: Local Exploration & Departure
Morning:
Visit Mamleshwar Temple – a sacred and ancient Shiva temple.
Optional: Take a short hike or pony ride to Baisaran Valley (Mini Switzerland of Kashmir).
Afternoon:
Check out from hotel.
Drive back to Srinagar or onward destination.
Dehradun ➜ Paonta Sahib ➜ Nahan ➜ Amb ➜ Una ➜ Hoshiarpur ➜ Pathankot ➜ Jammu ➜ Srinagar ➜ Pahalgam
March to June (spring/summer) for lush greenery and pleasant weather. December to February for snowfall and winter activities.
You can drive or hire a taxi via Jammu and Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Srinagar (about 90 km from Pahalgam), and then a 2–3 hour drive.
Yes, Pahalgam is generally safe for tourists. However, always check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.
No permits are required for Pahalgam. However, permits are needed if visiting restricted or higher-altitude regions like Amarnath Cave during the yatra.
- Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Lidder River, Chandanwari, Baisaran Valley (Mini Switzerland), and Amarnath Base Camp.
Yes. Aru and Lidder Valley offer great short treks. Longer treks like the Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar-Marsar trek also start near Pahalgam.
Yes, white-water rafting is available in the Lidder River during spring and summer.