Pahalgam Visit
08:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Book a cab for Pahalgam drop from your hotel. Check out from your hotel in Srinagar early, preferably by 08:00 AM, or earlier if possible. Pahalgam is 90 km away from Srinagar and takes about 2 hours. Check-in at a hotel in Pahalgam by 10:00 AM and head out for days sightseeing. The best area to book a hotel in Pahalgam is the Pahalgam Main Market near Lidder River.
Café Log Inn is a nice, cosy place to have your brunch before beginning your sightseeing.
Pahalgam has two circuits which can be explored in 2 separate days.
1. Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari (Need to hire a taxi)
2. Kanimarg, Baisaran, and Dabiyan (Need to hire a Horse)
The one with a Taxi
11:00 AM – 05:00 PM
You need to book a Pahalgam-operated taxi from any taxi booth in the main market. Taxis from other cities are not allowed to carry passengers for sightseeing.
Aru Valley: This location was used in filming Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Thus became a prominent tourist destination of Jammu and Kashmir. Like most of the valleys in Kashmir, Aru Vallley is an exquisite place to relish the pristine condition of nature.
Time duration: 1 – 2 hours
25 km from Aru Valley is Chandanwari.
Chandanwari: Another valley on the lap of nature, Chandanwadi is the starting point of Shri Amarnath Yatra trek. Vehicles are not allowed beyond this point. Snow-biking and sledge ride are common activities in the valley.
Time duration: 1 – 2 hours
10 km downhill of Chandanwadi is the Betaab Valley.
Betaab Valley: Previously known as Hagan Valley, it got its name from the Bollywood movie Betaab which was shot at this location. A must-visit place for movie buffs.
Time duration: 30 – 45 mins
Dana Pani is a pure vegetarian restaurant where you can dine in for some Kashmiri cuisines.
Also read: Kashmir Itineraries
The one with a Horse
11:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Horses or ponies can be booked from the Main Market. They cover 3 – 4 points – Baisaran Valley, Kashmir Valley, Kanimarg and Dabiyan.
Few things to keep in mind before take a pony ride:
1. You have to bargain a lot to get the best deal. Owners charge a very high amount at the beginning.
2. It becomes difficult for the animal to climb up and down the valley with extra luggage and chances of slipping, falling, and getting injured are very high.
3. If you are a budget traveller or afraid of animals you can skip this sightseeing tour.
4. Not recommended for elderly people and children. This is ideal for people traveling in groups and young couples.
If not interested in the horse ride, then you can check-out and leave for the airport which takes 2.5 hours from Pahalgam.
