Pahalgam
Pine forests, the Lidder river, and the valleys of Aru and Betaab.
Distance from Srinagar
~95 km (2.5 hrs)
Altitude
2,130m
Best time
March to November; a quieter, cooler visit in winter.
Ideal stay
1–2 nights
Pahalgam sits where the Lidder river runs through pine forest, and it's the base for two of the valley's prettiest side trips — Betaab Valley (named after the film shot there) and Aru Valley, reached by local union cabs from the town.
It's also the traditional base camp for the Amarnath Yatra in season, which brings a different kind of energy to the town for a few weeks each year.
What to do here
- Betaab Valley by local union cab
- Aru Valley by local union cab
- Riverside walks along the Lidder
- Chandanwari, snow-covered even in early summer
- Horse riding through the pine forest (paid locally)
Packages that include this
Part of our Kashmir itineraries.
Kashmir Delight
Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam as day excursions from one base.
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam
From ₹10,500 per person, twin sharing, min 2 pax
Kashmir Classic Tour
Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam — the full valley circuit, no overnight moves.
Srinagar · Sonmarg · Gulmarg · Pahalgam
From ₹13,500 per person, twin sharing, min 2 pax
Kashmir Honeymoon Special
A houseboat night on Dal Lake, then Pahalgam and Gulmarg together.
Srinagar (houseboat night) · Pahalgam · Gulmarg
From ₹15,900 per person, twin sharing, min 2 pax