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Baisaran: This meadow, about 5-km from Pahalgam and 150 m higher, provides excellent views over the town and the Lidder valley. Pine forests and the snow-clad mountains surround the grassy glen. One can hire ponies for this trek from near the centre of town.

Betaab Valley: A short walk or local bus ride from Pahalgam, this valley enclosed by the river on one side and deep pine forest on the other, was made famous as the location at which the movie Betaab was shot. It is indeed a lovely spot to just relax and soak in the beauty of Pahalgam, one can also get till the rushing ice-cold water here, fun in which, is joy in itself. Walking back downhill form Betaab Valley to Pahalgam is recommended as you get to meet the local people on the way, further enjoy the stunning views and also see the local villages along the way.

Aru: The song of birds, the gentle rush of the breeze, the brilliantly blue sky - the little village of Aru is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. Far away from the routine urban life, Aru is a meadow bordered on one side by a ravine of the Lidder River. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11-km upstream. At Aru one will often find the true Gujjars or Bakherwals) , living in their log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the summer. So magical is this getaway of the shepherds that you’d hardly feel like leaving Aru behind!

Hajan: On the way to Chandanwari, Hajan is an idyllic spot for picnics. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

Pampore: Only 16-km from Srinagar on the main highway south, Pampore is the centre of Kashmir's saffron industry, and one of the only places where Saffron grows in India (and in fact the world). Around harvest season just before October, it is an unforgettable to see these fields in full bloom. The bus stops here and one can buys authentic quality saffron for a fairly reasonable price; it makes a fabulous gift for friends and family back home.

Avantipur: On the main road to Pahalgam, Avantipur (Avantipora) is famous for its two ruined Hindu temples. Constructed by King Avantivarman, between 855 and 883 AD, the larger of the two is dedicated to Vishnu and known as the Avantiswami temple. The other temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and known as the Avantishvara, is about 1 km before the Vishnu temple, but also close to the main road. The nearby village of Bijbihara has a huge Chinar tree, claimed to be the largest in Kashmir.

Sangam: A little further down the road, Sangam is interesting for its strong local industry of cricket bat manufacturing! One'll see thousands of cricket bats displayed by the roadside and thousands more roughly cut lengths of wood being seasoned.

Anantnag: The junction town on the way to Pahalgam, Anantnag is not just a thriving town but home to a number of sulphur springs, esteemed for their curative properties. The largest spring is believed to be the home of Ananta, the serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines and from which the town takes its name - 'Abode of Ananta'. Ananta means 'endless' and the water issues from the base of a small hillock and rushes into another spring in the middle of which is a natural mineral deposit column which the locals revere as a lingam. On the 14th day of a full moon fortnight in September/October, there is a festival when the people fast and pour rice and milk into the spring to feed the fish. At one time Anantnag was known as Islamabad but this name is no longer used, due to the confusion it would cause with the not too far distant capital of Pakistan also named Islamabad.

Mattan – Martand: Only a few km beyond Anantnag, on the Pahalgam road, Mattan is an important Hindu pilgrimage point due to its fish filled springs. Just 3 km beyond Mattan, stands the majestic ruined temple of Martand, one of the most impressive ancient ruins in Kashmir Interestingly, the courtyard is surrounded by 84 columns - the multiple of the number of days in the week by the number of signs in the zodiac. From here to Pahalgam the road trails along the banks of the Lidder River, past some good trout fishing stretches.

Chandanwari and the Passage to the Amarnath Yatra
Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of the annual Amarnath Yatra, to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July / August, thousands of pilgrims come to Pahalgam to go for the Amarnath Yatra.

Although the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain, and can be undertaken by car, from Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, being accessible on foot or by pony. Located 11-km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which 13-km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6-km away from there.

The state government makes extensive arrangements every year for the successful completion of the pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, providing camps en route, and ensuring safe, comfortable and speedy progress of the Yatris. The Amarnath Yatra route is not only very scenic, but travelling along with a mass of pilgrims that come from all over India and from all walks of life, can be a unique experience in itself.

Even if one's visit to Pahalgam is not during the period of the Yatra, one can still take a pony ride up to Sheshnag Lake, returning late evening.

Places to stay in Pahalgam
There are a lot of places to stay in Pahalgam. It has a number of Hotels and lodges which are open only during summer months. Check hotels in Pahalgam.

One can get to Pahalgam only by road. The nearest large city is Srinagar.

By Air: There are daily flights to Srinagar from all major cities of India.

By Rail: The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu (280 km away) and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.

By Road: Pahalgam is connected by Highways from Jammu as well as Srinagar.

Every sort of   transport suiting every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. One can get State busses for the main bus stop that leave at fixed timings.

(On Road to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley with important spots of   Mattan and Aishmuqam. Besides tourist huts, several hotels in private sector have come up here and these hotels provide modern facilities to their guests)

Check out Driving Directions from Srinagar to Pahalgam