Sweet Escapes · Destinations · Pahalgam
Anantnag districtPahalgam
Pahalgam means village of the shepherds. It sits at 2,200 metres where the two arms of the Lidder river meet, in a valley of pine, fir and spruce about 95 km south-east of Srinagar. From here the valley splits — one way up to Aru, the other towards Chandanwari — and the river stays beside you the whole way.
- From Srinagarabout 95 km from the airport, via Anantnag
- Altitude2,200 m
- Best timeApril to October. June to September for the meadows; the side valleys can be shut by snow in winter.
About Pahalgam
The three side trips everyone makes are Aru, a meadow village up the western arm; Betaab Valley, a green bowl named after the film shot there; and Chandanwari, about 16 km up the eastern arm, where the road ends and the Amarnath pilgrimage begins each summer. Baisaran, a meadow above the town, is reached by pony.
For walkers, the trail from Aru leads up the Lidder to the Kolahoi glacier, about 35 km, hanging below Kolahoi Peak. Pahalgam also has a golf course on the valley floor and trout in the river.
Summer runs from June to October; winter brings heavy snow, sometimes metres of it, and the side valleys close.
Pahalgam in your trip
Days 3 and 4 of the 4 nights / 5 days route: Srinagar to Pahalgam, a night there, the side valleys in the morning, and back to Srinagar in the afternoon.
See the day-by-day itinerary and packages and prices, or tell us your dates and we plan the trip around them.
Ask about Pahalgam Call 7006488952
Questions about Pahalgam
How far is Pahalgam from Srinagar?
About 95 km from Srinagar airport, through Anantnag — roughly two and a half to three hours by car.
Are Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari included?
The drive to and from Pahalgam is in your own car. The side valleys are reached by local vehicles and ponies, which are arranged on the spot and paid there — we tell you the going rates before you go so there are no surprises.
Is one night in Pahalgam enough?
One night covers the town and the three side valleys. Walkers and anyone wanting Baisaran or the Kolahoi trail should add a second night.
Is Pahalgam open in winter?
The town is, but heavy snow can close the side valleys and the road to Chandanwari. Tell us your dates and we will say what is reachable.
The other destinations
Somewhere quieter? See our offbeat places in Kashmir.
Want Pahalgam in your trip? Tell us your dates.
We'll send back a plan with Pahalgam in it, and a price, the same day.