Kashmir trekking town at the Lidder and Sheshnag rivers, gateway to Aru Valley and Amarnath.
Pahalgam sits at the confluence of the Lidder and Sheshnag rivers at 2,130 m, about 96 km east of Srinagar. It is the main trekking base in the Kashmir Valley and the starting point for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages in India.
The setting is beautiful — pine forests climb the valley walls, alpine meadows rise above, and the Lidder river rushes through town. Aru Valley, a small settlement 12 km upstream, is a quieter alternative base with better mountain views. The trek from Pahalgam to Kolahoi Glacier (source of the Lidder) is a classic 2-day route; the longer trek via Aru to Lidderwat and Sheshnag Lake is one of the finest walks in Kashmir. Betaab Valley, 15 km further up the road, and Baisaran Valley, reached by horse or on foot, are the main scenic excursions from town.
Pahalgam is also the base for whitewater rafting on the Lidder (March to September, Grade II–III — good for beginners and intermediate paddlers) and for horse trekking into the surrounding hills. The Mamal Temple on the Lidder bank is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kashmir Valley.
The town has expanded with tourist development and can feel congested in peak summer, particularly during the Amarnath pilgrimage season. September and early October offer the best weather and smallest crowds. In April 2025, a terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley killed 26 tourists; security has been significantly increased in the area since. Check current government travel advisories before visiting.
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Getting There
Pahalgam is 96 km southeast of Srinagar, the main city in the Kashmir Valley. The route runs via Anantnag on the NH44 — a 2.5 to 3-hour drive in normal traffic, though the road is frequently slowed by pilgrimage convoys in summer.
From Srinagar, shared taxis and private cabs run regularly to Pahalgam. Shared taxis depart from the Lal Chowk area and are the budget option; private cabs are faster and more flexible. No direct bus from Srinagar airport to Pahalgam exists; you will need to reach central Srinagar first.
The nearest airport is Srinagar (SXR), with frequent domestic connections to Delhi, Mumbai, and other Indian cities. Overland from Delhi to Srinagar is possible but takes 15–20 hours by road; the Jammu-Srinagar highway is subject to closures due to weather and security conditions, particularly in winter.
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When to Go
Pahalgam's main season runs from May to October. The best months for trekking are June and September — after the worst of the snow has cleared and before the pre-monsoon heat builds (June), or after the monsoon rains and before the early snow closes the high passes (September). July and August bring the Amarnath pilgrimage, which floods the town with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and significantly stretches accommodation and transport. If you are coming specifically to trek, avoid the Amarnath peak weeks (typically late June to mid-August).
Early October is beautiful — clear skies, turning trees, and a sudden quiet as the pilgrimage season ends. The river is lower and calmer, and the trail to Aru and the Kolahoi base camp is still open. From November, snow closes the higher passes and most trekking routes become inaccessible. The town essentially shuts down from December to February.
Security conditions in Kashmir can change rapidly; check current government advisories before travelling.
