Pahalgam  

🗺️ How to Reach Pahalgam

• By Air: Nearest airport is Srinagar Airport (SXR), about 90 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pahalgam (approx. 2.5–3 hours).

• By Road: Well-connected by road. You can drive from Srinagar or hire a cab.

• By Train: Nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi (285 km away). From there, travel by road.         

  📅 Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (April–June): Pleasant weather, great for sightseeing and trekking.

  • Monsoon (July–September): Lush greenery, but some routes may be slippery.

  • Winter (October–February): Snowfall, ideal for snow activities like skiing and snowboarding. Very cold.  

    🌄 Top Places to Visit in Pahalgam

    Attraction	Description
    Aru Valley	Perfect for trekking, camping, and nature walks.
    Betaab Valley	Lush green meadows, ideal for picnics. Named after the Bollywood film Betaab.
    Chandanwari	Snow point and starting location for Amarnath Yatra.
    Baisaran	Known as "Mini Switzerland", offers horseback riding and panoramic views.
    Lidder River	Great for fishing, rafting, and nature photography.
    Pahalgam Golf Course	Scenic 18-hole course surrounded by mountains.

    🧗‍♂️ Activities to Do

    • Trekking (to Tarsar Lake, Kolahoi Glacier)

    • Horse riding (especially in Baisaran and Aru Valley)

    • White-water rafting (on the Lidder River)

    • Camping

    • Photography & birdwatching    

      🏨 Where to Stay

      • Luxury: Welcomhotel by ITC, Heevan Pahalgam

      • Mid-range: Hotel Mountview, Pine Cliff Resort

      • Budget: Guesthouses and lodges in the town center 

        🍛 What to Eat

        Try local Kashmiri cuisine:

        • Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Kashmiri Pulao

        • Kahwa (traditional green tea) 

          📝 Travel Tips

          • Carry warm clothes even in summer — nights can get chilly.

          • Book accommodations in advance during peak season (May–August).

          • If visiting in winter, roads may be slippery — check weather reports before traveling.

          • Respect local customs and be environmentally conscious. 

            🧭 Popular Places to Visit

            • Aru Valley: A picturesque village about 12 km from Pahalgam, known for trekking and horse riding.

            • Betaab Valley: Named after the Bollywood film Betaab; lush green meadows and stunning views.

            • Chandanwari: Starting point of the Amarnath Yatra; also known for snow activities.

            • Baisaran: Nicknamed “Mini Switzerland” for its rolling meadows surrounded by pine forests. 

              🏞️ Natural Beauty

              • Lidder River: Flows through Pahalgam, offering scenic spots and trout fishing opportunities.

              • Lush Valleys: Surrounded by pine forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains.

              • Climate: Pleasant in summer (ideal for sightseeing and trekking), snowy in winter (ideal for snow activities).