Warm house near the river in Pahalgam, Kashmir
4.9· 150 stays
Things to do nearby.
Pahalgam is a starting point for many walks and drives into the Lidder Valley. Aru Valley is a 12-kilometre drive away, a wide meadow of pine forests that serves as the gateway for the trek to Kolahoi glacier. Closer by is Betaab Valley, named after a film shot there, just 7 kilometres from town. It's a family-friendly spot for a half-day picnic by the river.
The Lidder River itself runs through Pahalgam. The banks are good for short walks, and the river is known for its trout. For more serious walkers, the trek to Tulian Lake is a 16-kilometre return journey to an alpine lake at 3,353 metres.
Chandanwari, 16 kilometres away, is the starting point for the annual Amarnath Yatra and a popular spot to find snow in the winter months. A shorter 5-kilometre uphill journey, often done on ponies, takes you to Baisaran, an alpine meadow sometimes called 'Mini Switzerland'. For a bit of history, the 12th-century Mamleshwar Temple is right in Pahalgam village.
Getting there.
By Air: The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar (SXR), which is 95 kilometres away. The drive to Pahalgam takes around 3 hours, passing through the town of Anantnag.
By Rail: The closest railway station is in Banihal, 110 kilometres from Pahalgam. It connects the valley to the rest of India's rail network via a tunnel. Taxis are available from the station.
By Road: Most travellers arrive by road from Srinagar (95 km). The district headquarters of Anantnag is 45 kilometres away and is the last large town before you enter the Lidder Valley.
Best time to visit.
The best months to visit Pahalgam are from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the mountain passes are open. The Amarnath Yatra takes place during July and August, which can make the town busy. From November to March, heavy snowfall is common, blanketing the landscape and blocking access to higher altitude trails and sometimes the main road itself.


