Pahalgam

A mountain town on the Lidder River in Kashmir, surrounded by pine forests and meadows, with access to Aru and Betaab valleys. It is also the starting point for the Amarnath pilgrimage and high-altitude trekking.

Pahalgam lies in Anantnag District of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India, at an altitude of about 2,200 m. It sits at the confluence of the two branches of the Lidder River and is known as the 'Valley of Shepherds.' Pine forests, meadows, and snowy peaks surround the town. It is about 95 km from Srinagar (2.5–3 hours by car). The nearest airport is in Srinagar, and Jammu railway station is about 260 km away.

The main activities follow the two river valleys. Traveling 12 km north up the western branch brings you to Aru Valley. On the way is Betaab Valley, made famous by a film, and beyond it you can trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi Glacier. Following the eastern branch 16 km upstream brings you to Chandanwari, the starting point of the Amarnath cave pilgrimage trail, where snow bridges can still be crossed in early summer. In town, you can walk along the Lidder River, go rafting, fish for trout, and visit the ancient Mamleshwar Temple, as well as a high-altitude golf course. Trips to the valley sights must be made in local taxis hired from the town's taxi union, as private cars and vehicles from outside the area generally cannot enter.

April to June is when the meadows turn green, and September to October brings the best autumn colors. July and August are the Amarnath pilgrimage season, with large crowds and strict security checks. In winter, the snow is good for playing, but some valley roads may be closed. Plan to spend 2–3 days. On the way from Srinagar, you can stop at the Martand Sun Temple, Achabal, and the Mughal gardens in Verinag.

Note: In April 2025, a terrorist attack took place at Baisaran Meadow. Since then, some sights and trekking routes have been closed. They began reopening in 2026, but Baisaran was still closed as of April 2026. Check the security situation and the opening status of each sight before you go, carry your passport, and cooperate with checkpoint inspections.

Top sights

• Pahalgam – The "Valley of Shepherds" on the banks of the Lidder River, surrounded by pine forests, streams, and snow-capped peaks. It is the base for…
• Aru Valley – A high-altitude meadow village northwest of Pahalgam, and the starting point for treks to Kolahoi Glacier and the Tarsar and Marsar lakes.
• Betaab Valley – A lush valley named after the Bollywood film Betaab, with snow peaks overhead and a clear stream winding through it. Pahalgam's most popula…
• Baisaran Meadow – A high alpine meadow ringed by pine forest, known as “India's Switzerland,” with views over the Lidder valley and snow peaks.
• Chandanwari – A snow-bridge valley 16 km east of Pahalgam and the starting point of the Amarnath cave pilgrimage trail. In early summer you can play on t…
• Lidder River – A glacier-fed river running through the town. Riverside strolls, rafting and trout fishing are classic Pahalgam experiences.
• Tulian Lake – A high-altitude glacial lake at about 3,700 m, reached by roughly 11 km of trekking from Baisaran. Floating ice can still be seen on the su…
• Mamleshwar Temple (Mamal) – An ancient stone-built Shiva temple on the edge of Pahalgam town, believed to date from the 5th to 8th centuries CE, with a spring-fed pool…
• Pahalgam Golf Course – A high-altitude course at about 2,400 m, with pine forests and snow peaks behind the greens. It is the most open grassy area in town.
• Lidderwat – A riverside high-altitude pasture upstream of Aru Valley, reached on foot in about 11 km. It is also a base camp for Kolahoi Glacier and Ta…
• Achabal Gardens – A spring-fed garden built by the Mughal queen Nur Jahan, with stepped water channels and fountains cascading under plane-tree shade.
• Verinag Spring – The source of the Jhelum River, with an octagonal stone-built deep pool ordered by Emperor Jahangir. Its green water is full of trout.

Where to eat

• Dana Pani – A pure-vegetarian landmark on the main market, open since 2002, known for its Kashmiri vegetarian thali and rice puddin…
• Cafe Wilo – A riverside wooden café at Hotel Heevan, known for wood-fired pizza and hot chocolate; the river view is its main draw.
• Troutbeat – A small eatery at the entrance of the Pahalgam Hotel, serving Lidder River trout in French butter, masala, tandoori and…