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Kashmir

Pahalgam

River valleys, pine forest and the trailhead for Kashmir’s best-known treks.

Best time: April to November; snow from December to February Altitude: 2,130 m 90 km (about 2.5 hours) from Srinagar
Pahalgam sits where the Lidder river comes down out of the mountains, and the valleys running off it — Aru, Betaab, Chandanwari — are the reason to come. It is greener and quieter than Gulmarg, and better for walking.

It is also the traditional starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which makes July and August busy. Outside those months it is one of the more relaxed places in the valley to spend two nights.

Main attractions

  • Betaab Valley
  • Aru Valley
  • Chandanwari
  • Baisaran Meadow
  • Lidder River
  • Mamleshwar Temple

Things to do

  • Drive the three valleys in a day
  • Trout fishing on the Lidder
  • River rafting
  • Ride or walk up to Baisaran
  • Start the Kolahoi Glacier trek

Trips that include it

Pahalgam tour packages

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Nearby

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