What to do in Pahalgam now: Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari by union taxi, rafting on the Lidder, riverside walks, trout fishing, treks from Aru, and what is open and closed this season, including Baisaran, with distances and prices.
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Quick Answer: The best things to do in Pahalgam are the three valley trips by union taxi (Betaab Valley about 15 km and Chandanwari about 16 km on one road, Aru Valley about 12 km on another), rafting on the Lidder from May to September, a slow walk along the river, and trout fishing or a trek from Aru. Baisaran meadow has stayed closed to visitors since April 2025, so check its status before you plan around it. Two nights is the right length.
Pahalgam sits where two branches of the Lidder river meet, about 90 km from Srinagar at around 2,130 m. It is greener and gentler than Gulmarg, built around the river rather than a single attraction, and best enjoyed slowly. This guide lists what is open and worth doing this season, with the local rules that trip up first-time visitors.
For hotels and the town itself, see our Pahalgam travel guide.
Open and closed in 2026: Baisaran meadow, above the town, has been closed to visitors since the attack there in April 2025, and was reported still closed in July 2026. Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari are open to visitors in season. Status can change at short notice, so we confirm it for your dates before you travel.
Pahalgam at a glance
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 2,130 m |
| From Srinagar | About 90 km, 2.5 hours; from ₹2,900 one way by sedan on our fare guide, plus 5% GST |
| Time needed | Two nights; one night is rushed |
| Best months | April to October; rafting May to September |
| Local rule | Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari are reached by local union taxi from Pahalgam, not your outside cab |
The three valleys
1. Betaab Valley
About 15 km from Pahalgam on the Chandanwari road, Betaab is a wide green valley with the Lidder running through it, named after the 1983 film shot there. There are level paths along the river, which makes it the easiest valley for families and older travellers. There is a small entry fee at the gate. Our Betaab Valley guide has more.
2. Chandanwari and the snow bridge
About 16 km from Pahalgam, a little beyond Betaab on the same road, Chandanwari is where the Amarnath Yatra trek begins. In early summer a natural snow bridge spans the stream and you can walk on old snow. The road is closed by snow in winter and busy with Yatra traffic in July and August.
3. Aru Valley
About 12 km up a separate road to the northwest, Aru is a quiet meadow village and the start of treks to Lidderwat, Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar. It is calmer than Betaab and good for a walk and a picnic. See our Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari guide.
4. How the union taxi works
Cabs from Srinagar drop you in Pahalgam; the valleys are served by the local taxi union at fixed rates from the stand, either per valley or for all three in a day. Rates are set by the union and revised from time to time. Agree which points are included and how long the driver waits before you leave.
On and by the river
5. White-water rafting on the Lidder
The most popular activity in Pahalgam: short, splashy, beginner-friendly runs through pine forest, with guides, life jackets and helmets provided. The official minimum run is about 2.5 km from about ₹750 per person; longer runs cost more. Season is roughly May to September, depending on water levels. See river rafting in Pahalgam.
6. Walk along the Lidder
The riverside paths from the town upstream past the old trout hatchery are flat and peaceful in the early morning. In the evening, sitting on the rocks by the water with a cup of kahwa is the best thing Pahalgam has to offer.
7. Trout fishing
The Lidder is one of Kashmir's best trout streams. Fishing needs a licence from the Fisheries Department, and some stretches are reserved. The season runs roughly April to September. See trout fishing in Kashmir.
8. Mamleshwar Temple
A small, very old stone Shiva temple across the river from the main town, with a spring-fed tank. It is a short walk from the market and quiet most of the day.
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Treks and longer days
9. Lidderwat and Kolahoi Glacier
From Aru the trail climbs to the meadow camp at Lidderwat and on towards Kolahoi Glacier, a multi-day trek with a licensed guide. Check the current status of trek routes before you book; some were restricted after April 2025. See Kolahoi Glacier trek.
10. Tarsar and Marsar lakes
Two high alpine lakes reached from Aru over several days, among the most beautiful treks in Kashmir. Season is roughly July to September.
11. Pony rides
Pony rides run to viewpoints around the town at union-fixed rates per point. Rides to Baisaran are not possible while the meadow is closed; check which points are operating before you agree a price. See pony rides in Pahalgam.
12. Golf and a picnic
Pahalgam has a scenic golf course by the river, open in the warmer months, and plenty of riverside spots for a long lunch.
Related reading: Winter Activities in Kashmir (2026-27): Skiing, Snow Days and Warm Kashmiri Traditions
A two-day Pahalgam plan
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive from Srinagar with a stop at the Pampore saffron fields; afternoon walk along the Lidder; evening by the river |
| Day 2 morning | Union taxi to Betaab and Chandanwari |
| Day 2 afternoon | Aru Valley, or rafting on the Lidder in season |
| Day 3 | Early walk, then drive to Srinagar or on to Gulmarg |
Our Pahalgam Riverside Retreat 3N4D (from ₹25,285 per person) keeps you by the Lidder in a 4-star hotel, and Pahalgam First 4N5D (from ₹14,060 per person) gives Pahalgam two nights in a full Kashmir trip.
Tell us your dates and we will check what is open in Pahalgam that week and plan your days around it.
Plan my Pahalgam trip →Frequently asked questions
Is Baisaran open in 2026?
Baisaran has been closed to visitors since April 2025 and was reported still closed in July 2026. Check the current status with the district administration or our team before planning around it.
How far is Betaab Valley from Pahalgam?
About 15 km, on the Chandanwari road. Chandanwari is about 16 km, a little further on the same road, and Aru is about 12 km on a separate road.
Can I take my Srinagar cab to Betaab and Aru?
No. Outside cabs drop you in Pahalgam; the valleys are served by the local union taxi at fixed rates from the stand.
How much does rafting in Pahalgam cost?
From about ₹750 per person for the official minimum run of about 2.5 km, more for longer runs. Guides and safety gear are included.
How many days do I need in Pahalgam?
Two nights. That gives you a full day for the valleys and time for rafting or a riverside walk without rushing.
Is Pahalgam good for families?
Yes. Betaab has level paths, the river walks are flat, and rafting suits children above the operator's minimum age.
What is there to do in Pahalgam in winter?
Snow walks along the Lidder and in Betaab and Aru when the roads are open, sledging, and quiet riverside hotels. Chandanwari is usually cut off by snow.
When is the best time to visit Pahalgam?
April to June for spring green and snow on the peaks, September and October for clear skies and autumn colour. July and August are busy with the Amarnath Yatra.
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