Pahalgam is a city in the Kashmir Valley. It's a small place of 2-3 km, but you can spend a week there without getting bored.
Three main sites in Pahalgam are: Chandanwari, Betaab Valley (so called because the Bollywood movie "Betaab" was shot there) and Aru valley. You can only take local taxis – Sumo, Tavera or similar 7 seater car – as taxis from Srinagar or Jammu are not allowed to take you sightseeing here. It will cost you about ₹1500, as there is no bargaining.
- Amarnath Yatra The holy pilgrimage to the Shiva Lingam can be done during a two-month period that starts in June or July (dates vary each year). The pilgrimage starts in Pahalgam and takes 3 days. Pilgrims take a taxi 16 km to Chandiwari then they walk or take a pony to the cave and back which takes at least 2 days with an overnight stay in either Shishnag or Panchtarni. It is a trip not for the faint hearted as it is quite arduous though the faithful in their devotion to Shiva push on regardless and always make it.
- Pahalgam offers lots of treks: Aru Valley, Kohli Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Chandiwari and Leh. The road to Ladakh is now open after winter so jeep safaris and camping trips to Leh, Pahalgam offers Fishing.
- Go for a pony ride from the city centre to Kashmir Valley, Dabian and Baisaran where you can even have a picnic. Make sure to carry food and water along with you. Pony rides cost ₹500 or less (depending on your bargaining) in off-season (Feb-Mar) and can even go as high as ₹1500 in peak season (May-July). Baisaran is also called 'Mini Switzerland' by the locals and is well worth the ride. Chandanwari is a glacier and the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. Aru valley is also a scenic spot.
- Shooting the rapids - Pahalgam offers white water rafting trips down the Lidder River. It is a beautiful trip winding down the Lidder River through the natural forests and down the exhilarating rapids.
Amarnath Yatra The holy pilgrimage to the Shiva Lingam can be done during a two-month period that starts in June or July (dates vary each year). The pilgrimage starts in Pahalgam and takes 3 days. Pilgrims take a taxi 16 km to Chandiwari then they walk or take a pony to the cave and back which takes at least 2 days with an overnight stay in either Shishnag or Panchtarni. It is a trip not for the faint hearted as it is quite arduous though the faithful in their devotion to Shiva push on regardless and always make it.
Pahalgam offers lots of treks: Aru Valley, Kohli Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Chandiwari and Leh. The road to Ladakh is now open after winter so jeep safaris and camping trips to Leh, Pahalgam offers Fishing.
Go for a pony ride from the city centre to Kashmir Valley, Dabian and Baisaran where you can even have a picnic. Make sure to carry food and water along with you. Pony rides cost ₹500 or less (depending on your bargaining) in off-season (Feb-Mar) and can even go as high as ₹1500 in peak season (May-July). Baisaran is also called 'Mini Switzerland' by the locals and is well worth the ride. Chandanwari is a glacier and the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. Aru valley is also a scenic spot.
Shooting the rapids - Pahalgam offers white water rafting trips down the Lidder River. It is a beautiful trip winding down the Lidder River through the natural forests and down the exhilarating rapids.
Pahalgam has many shops offering all things from Kashmir like, shawls, carpets, clothing with the unique chain-stitch embroidery and farens (long woollen ponchos unique to Kashmir). There are also two banks with ATMs for withdrawing cash.
Pahalgam has many restaurants, dhabas and coffee shops and all the hotels and guest houses have their own restaurants.
- Dana Pani is a vegetarian restaurant serving delicious North Indian food at cheap rates (₹100-150 pp in off season) [₹50 for a Masala Dosa]. Fixed meals come at ₹75.
- Nathu Rasoi is a budget restaurant (dhaba) specialising in North Indian food. It is highly recommended by the locals, although it opens only during the peak season.
- Punjabi Rasoi' is next to the Nathu Rasoi.
Dana Pani is a vegetarian restaurant serving delicious North Indian food at cheap rates (₹100-150 pp in off season) [₹50 for a Masala Dosa]. Fixed meals come at ₹75.
Nathu Rasoi is a budget restaurant (dhaba) specialising in North Indian food. It is highly recommended by the locals, although it opens only during the peak season.
Punjabi Rasoi' is next to the Nathu Rasoi.
One can drink special Kashmiri tea.
If you are visiting in June and July the use of sunscreen is recommended, especially if your skin is somewhat fair.