Jammu & Kashmir · India
Pahalgam
A 'valley of shepherds' on the Lidder river — pine-and-meadow country of the Betaab and Aru valleys, base for the Amarnath yatra, and a serene Kashmir riverside retreat.
Pahalgam is riverside Kashmir: the rushing Lidder, the film-famous Betaab valley, alpine Aru, Chandanwari as the Amarnath yatra base, pony treks, and Wazwan and kahwa.
Plan your trip
Pahalgam Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Pahalgam Photo Spots
Medium crowdEntry Free
Aru Valley
- Best timeEarly morning for mist on the meadow and smoke from the village; afternoon in autumn for warm, golden grass.
- ColorsRustWhiteForest green
Entry Not applicable while closed
Baisaran Valley
- Best timeClosed to visitors at present; morning at Betaab or Aru valleys instead, for similar meadow views in soft light.
- ColorsRedCreamForest green
High crowdEntry Nominal
Betaab Valley
- Best timeMorning for soft light on the meadow and fewer people; late morning in autumn for golden grass against blue sky.
- ColorsRedCreamForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free
Chandanwari
- Best timeMorning, when access allows, for clear skies over the snow bridge; late morning for bright light on the snow and river.
- ColorsRedWhiteBlack
Medium crowdEntry Free (rafting extra)
Lidder River
- Best timeEarly morning for mist and soft light on the water; evening for a warm glow on the pines along the banks.
- ColorsWhiteTealRust
For the feed
Trending Wear in Pahalgam
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Pahalgam Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Pahalgam
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Pahalgam
A river town in the Lidder valley
Pahalgam sits at about 2,100 m where two branches of the Lidder river meet, around 90 km east of Srinagar. Pine forest climbs the slopes on both sides, and side valleys run up towards glaciers and high pastures. The name is usually translated as village of shepherds, and in summer Gujjar and Bakarwal families still move their flocks through on the way to higher grazing. The town itself is a long main street of hotels, shops and taxi stands along the river.
What is open, and what is not
Access around Pahalgam has changed since the attack at Baisaran meadow on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed. Many sites across Kashmir were closed afterwards and have reopened in stages. By 2026, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and the rafting stretch of the Lidder River had reopened, with security checks and, at times, a rule to leave by late afternoon. Baisaran itself remained closed to visitors, and Chandanwari was open mainly to registered pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra. The list changes, so check with your hotel, the local taxi union or the tourism office the day before any excursion. A memorial to the 26 victims now stands in Pahalgam.
What to do
The river is the heart of any visit: walk the banks in town, raft the Lidder's rapids in season, or sit by the water with a cup of kahwa. Betaab Valley, about 15 km up the road towards Chandanwari, is a wide meadow with a stream and pines, and the easiest outing. Aru, about 12 km up the western branch, is quieter and higher, and a base for longer treks when those routes are open.
Getting around
Sightseeing trips to Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari must be made in local union taxis from the Pahalgam taxi stand; outside vehicles are stopped at checkpoints. Rates are fixed and posted. Pony rides are organised the same way.
The pilgrimage season
Pahalgam is the base for the traditional route of the Amarnath Yatra, the pilgrimage to the ice lingam in the Amarnath cave. In 2026 it ran from 3 July to 28 August. During the Yatra the town fills with pilgrims and security, and rooms and taxis are scarce.
When to go
Late spring to autumn is the main season. Winter brings snow and a much quieter town. See the best time to visit for more.
Questions
Pahalgam — FAQ
Is it safe to visit Pahalgam now?
Pahalgam town and the reopened sites have a heavy security presence, and visitors have returned in large numbers. Some places, including Baisaran, remain closed. Check the current list locally and follow instructions at checkpoints.
Can I take my own car to Betaab and Aru?
No. Trips to Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari must be made in a local union taxi from the Pahalgam taxi stand, at fixed, posted rates.
How far is Pahalgam from Srinagar?
About 90 km, usually two and a half to three hours by road through Anantnag.
Which Pahalgam sites are closed?
Baisaran has stayed closed to visitors since April 2025. Chandanwari and some other spots have been restricted for long periods. The list changes, so check with the tourism office or your hotel before you go.
Where is the memorial to the Baisaran victims?
A memorial to the 26 people killed on 22 April 2025 has been set up in Pahalgam. Ask your hotel or the tourism office for directions.