How to plan your visit to Pahalgam?

Pahalgam is a small tourist town located in the heart of Lidder valley. Lidder Valley is formed by the Lidder River, which is a tributary of the Jehlum River. This is a famous family and honeymoon destination. This town is so small that you can trek most part of it or try pony rides during your visit to Pahalgam.

Pahalgam is the third destination in this Kashmir Triangle series. If you haven’t read the other 3 articles, you can check them below.

Kashmir Triangle series 1 : Detailed Guide to Visiting Sonmarg

Kashmir Triangle series 2: Everything You Need To Know About Gulmarg

This famous place in Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in Kashmir. Mostly we are more focused on Srinagar and Gulmarg on our trips to Kashmir. But a little research will take you to the tourist triangle that includes, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam. Routes radiate from Srinagar to these places and Srinagar is mostly the starting point.

You can check the J&K official website for more details.

How to reach Pahalgam

When it comes to Pahalgam, we need to remember another town called Anantnag. Distance between Anantnag and Pahalgam is 42Km and can cover in 1 hour. Anantnag is well connected to both Srinagar and Jammu by road. If you are coming by flight, the nearest Airport is Srinagar. From Srinagar, it is a 1 hour 30 Minutes journey to Anantnag. If you travel by train, the best way is to reach Jammu and from there take a taxi to Anantnag. It will take 6 to 7 hours to reach Anantnag from Jammu. It’s a long journey but this is the best. If you are traveling by your own vehicle, the route will be via Pathankot in Punjab, then to Jammu, Anantnag, and Pahalgam

By Road

Buses from Delhi to Jammu
Private / Shared taxi to Anantnag from Jammu
Sumo Taxi will be available from Anantnag to Pahalgam

By Car or Bike

Delhi – Ludhiana – Pathankot – Udhampur (Jammu) – Anantnag – Pahalgam

By Train

Book a ticket to Jammu Railway station
Private / Shared taxi to Anantnag from Jammu
Sumo Taxi will be available from Anantnag to Pahalgam

By flight

Reach Srinagar by flight
Private taxi to Anantnag or Pahalgam

Top places to see in Pahalgam

If I talk about the activities to do in Pahalgam, it’s all about nature and its enchanting beauty. Most people visit here to romance nature. Walking in the alpine forest hearing the melodies of the Liddar River is a serene experience that we can dream of. In addition to sightseeing, there are activities like camping, poly rides, exploring the local markets, and food. During the winter season, slow sledding and other winter activities are also available for visitors.

Aru Valley: This is the most visited place in Pahalgam. During the peak seasons, this place is crowded with a lot of tourists. You can have a great view of the Lidder river from there and the mountains beyond.

Betaab valley: This is a famous film location and is one of the most beautiful places in India. Again it is very much crowded during peak times.

Chandanwadi: It is of the same route as Betaab Valley and is the gateway for Amarnath Yatra. It is located at a distance of 11 km from Pahalgam town.

Baisaran Hills: You can try pony rides to Baisaran. There are other activities like Zorbing also available here for visitors.

Sheshnag Lake: Sheshnag is a bit far away from Pahalgam town. If you are not on a tight schedule, this place is a must-visit. There is a trek that starts from Chandanwadi and covers around 11 Kms.

Tullian Lake: Another pristine lake near Pahalgam. Tulian Trek from Pahalgam covers 48 Kms. This is not an easy trek, but it’s worth it.

Best time to visit Pahalgam

Unlike Sonmarg, Pahalgam can be accessible year-round. But visiting during the winter months and peak rainy season can be messy and dangerous.

Visiting Pahalgam in Summer

The average temperature mostly range between 7 to 9 degrees C

Summer starts from March to late June in the valley. Even though it’s summer, you may be able to see snow on the ground during March and April. The weather becomes pleasant and the inflow of tourists also starts.

Tourist season reaches its peak in June. When the rest of the country boiling in scorching heat during June, Kashmir welcomes you with the most warmth and comforts.

Visiting Pahalgam in Winter

The average temperature range between -5 to 5 degrees C during the winter season is Pahalgam.

Long winters embrace the valley from December to February. It is the best time to experience snow and winter activities. Make sure to carry heavy woolen clothes and winter gear as the thermometer can dip to sub-zero sometimes. We can expect cold winds and snowfalls also. So get ready for that snowfall Instagram clicks.

Snow sledding and Skiing are some of the activities that you can expect. Sipping hot Kashmiri chai and watching the snowfall through the glass window will defiantly take you those Bollywood filmy memories.

Visiting Pahalgam in Monsoon.

The average temperature range between 10 to 20 degrees C during these months.

Pahalgam always receives sparse rainfall and that mostly during the months of July and August. If you ask me, which is the best time to visit Pahalgam, my answer will be it’s just after the Monsoon. Valley cover in lush green, flowers everywhere, and you will feel the freshness in the air that you breathe.

Visiting Pahalgam with family

In my introduction, I have mentioned that Pahalgam is a family destination and most ideal for honeymooners. If you are traveling with your family included senior citizens, you may have to avoid the winter months. The best time to visit is in May, June or in September. Always remember that these are peak times and you may need to book everything in advance. For honeymooners and couples, December is also a great month to explore the snowfall and romantic snowy landscapes.

Visiting Pahalgam as Solo travelers

Pahalgam is open throughout the year for all adventure seekers. If you are traveling alone, safety should be the priority, especially during peak winter seasons. If you travel for peace and tranquility, avoid visiting during the peak tourist seasons as the valley is packed with travelers. Also, avoid traveling in July and August during the Amarnath yatra.

Visiting Pahalgam for Budget travelers

If you are on a budget like me, then visiting during the peak tourist season can cost you more. The best time to go with winters, if you are a little adventurous, is in January. Hotels are almost out of business and you can get them for cheap. But you may have to experience an extreme climate.

March and April are also ideal time period as it lies between the peak tourist seasons. Most people visit in February for winter activities. Then later from May to October, the main tourist season starts. Budget travelers can also visit in November and can get a good deal.

You can check these month-wise details for better understanding.

January

Ideal for: Adventurers and Budget travelers

Weather: Extremely cold, so heavy winters gears are a must.

Hotel and Restaurants: Can get rooms and food for reasonable prices

Not ideal for family trips

February

Ideal for: Snow photography and Snow activities

Weather: Cold with temperature between 5 to -1 degrees C. Need to carry heavy winters clothes.

Hotel and Restaurants: Prices increases as this is the top winter tourist