Located in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir Valley, Pahalgam is a nature’s delight. Moreover, with unimaginably stunning panoramas that look like flawless portraits decorated with the sparkling Lidder River, soaring pines, lush meadows, and cherubic kids, Pahalgam has everything sure to take your breath away. Pahalgam further functions as the base of one of the holiest pilgrimages in India – the Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, situated roughly 16.6 km from Pahalgam, is the actual base center of the Amarnath pilgrim.
Also, it might not be wrong to say that all the sightseeing places in Pahalgam praise the pristine and magnificent nature in all its glory. And untouched by the city’s hustle and bustle, Pahalgam offers various sightseeing options for adventure buffs, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers. Read on to learn more about the comprehensive Srinagar to Pahalgam itinerary and the most suitable routes to reach Pahalgam via Srinagar.
Table of Contents
- Why travel from Srinagar to Pahalgam?
- Traveling from Srinagar to Pahalgam by Car
- Best time to take a road trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam by car
- Popular routes to travel from Srinagar to Pahalgam by road
- Other means of traveling
- Explore Pahalgam Like a Local: A Handy Guide
- Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Pahalgam
- Hotels and Resorts – Accommodation in Pahalgam
- Nearby road trips from Pahalgam
Why travel from Srinagar to Pahalgam?
Adding more laurels to the unmatched magnificence of Kashmir, Pahalgam is a glorious splendor waiting for you. While the whole area is surrounded by natural scenic beauty, its terrain remains incredibly diverse. So as soon as you reach the town, you will always get a breeze of fresh air and listen to the relaxing sound of water streaming over rocks. Experience the joy of being on the road by booking Srinagar cab service from Savaari.
Furthermore, a quick trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam would always be a visual treat as you can explore its breathtaking vistas of vast Himalayan ranges, lush greenery, and untouched mountain rivers. When you take a road trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam, you can enhance your experience by enjoying everything that lies on the way. When you take a road trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam, you can enhance your experience by enjoying everything that lies on the way. With a Savaari, you can turn your drive into a fun-filled journey and also customize the trip to your liking, travel time, and budget.
Travelling from Srinagar to Pahalgam by Car
Extended along the Lidder River, Pahalgam is also a famous place for adventure buffs to try trekking, trout fishing, and angling, among others. So if you plan to take a quick weekend getaway trip from Srinagar, make your way through snow-filled cliffs, lush fields, scenic lakes, and lofty pines to soak in the region’s breathtaking panoramas where beauty meets thrill. Book a Srinagar car rental for the best experience
In addition, the Srinagar to Pahalgam distance is roughly 88 km, and you can reach your destination in almost 2 hours, and it is better to travel by car if you want the most comfortable commute. The stunning tourist attractions and delightful climate of Pahalgam attract a crazy number of tourists worldwide. With our completely customizable Srinagar to Pahalgam trip packages, you can stop at Srinagar to Pahalgam any of these places and do a quick sightseeing. Let us help you discover the best routes to travel from by car.
Important Highway information – Srinagar Pahalgam highway
| Alternate name | Anantnag-Pahalgam highway |
| Highway Number | NH501 |
| Distance | 90 Km |
| Starting Point | Srinagar |
| Ending Point | Pahalgam |
| Highway quality | Good |
Best time to visit Pahalgam from Srinagar
Usually, the ideal time to visit Pahalgam from Srinagar is March to November when you can enjoy various adventure activities like sledging, trekking, and Skiing. The temperature during these months varies between 1 and 12 degree Celsius. Furthermore, the summer season between April to June is equally crowded as the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for picnics and sightseeing.
The Monsoon is captivating in Pahalgam, with mild rains that refresh the entire area. The dense, lush valley comes alive with mild rain and temperatures between 18°C and 30°C. The first snow during winter drops at the end of October and persists till January.
Popular Routes from Srinagar to Pahalgam
Route 1: Srinagar to Pahalgam via NH 44
Encompassed by towering mountains and dense, deep valleys covered with pine trees, Pahalgam is one of the most scenic hill stations in Kashmir for honeymooners, family vacationers, and Nature lovers. Furthermore, the approximate distance between Srinagar to Pahalgam via this route is 108 km which runs via NH 44.
Here’s the basic map from Srinagar to Pahalgam for this route.
Popular sightseeing attractions along this route
- Birdwatching at Manasbal Lake
Located roughly 60 km from Srinagar, Manasbal Lake is a bird watchers’ heaven. Several exotic birds reside here, and many migratory birds arriving here during the summers make this place even more mesmerizing.
- Take a detour to the Parihaspora town.
Famous for its stunning architectural beauty, the quaint Parihaspora town will never fail to delight you. One of the well-known scenic attractions on the Srinagar to Pahalgam route near Anantnag, this town is especially famous among travellers for its age-old archaeological monuments, namely Parihaspora Pattan and Pattan Bazaar that depict the architectural style of the ancient era.
- Visit the willow bat village – Sangam
Sangam, the quaint willow bat village, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, offers a glimpse into the age-old craftsmanship of willow bat making. Here, skilled artisans meticulously carve and shape willow into cricket bats, weaving together tradition and precision. A visit to Sangam immerses you in the artistry and passion behind the world’s beloved cricketing tools.
Places to eat along this route
- Mom’s Recipe: A quick eating spot near Srinagar, this restaurant serves the most authentic Kashmiri dishes.
- Taste Buds: This is another famous eating spot you can take a halt at en route to grab a quick bite or enjoy delicious hot kahwa.
Srinagar to Pahalgam Road Condition via Route 1:
This is the shortest and the best route to travel between Srinagar and Pahalgam. It is also the fastest because the Srinagar to Pahalgam traffic on this route is regular, and there are no road closures. Moreover, always check live maps and instant traffic updates for the latest information on Srinagar to Pahalgam road conditions for a better commute.
Route 2: Srinagar to Pahalgam via NH 501
If you are ready to glimpse the great magnificence of cliffs and hills, bright gardens, and evergreen pine forests, along with snow-laden cliffs, this scenic road trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam should be your pick. The approximate distance between Srinagar to Pahalgam via this route is 136 km, and the NH 501 merges with NH 44 after a few kilometers.
Here’s the basic map from Srinagar to Pahalgam for this route.
Popular sightseeing attractions along this route
- Glimpse saffron farms at Pampore
A short detour near Srinagar, Pampore is the only place after Spain that cultivates Saffron, one of the most expensive spices worldwide. Located on the eastern part of River Jhelum, Pampore is popularly known as the saffron town of Kashmir. Furthermore, according to ancient folklore, Persian rulers got Saffron to India and planted saffron corms in the soil of Kashmir around 50 centuries back.
- Witness beautiful city views from Hari Parbat
Located a few kms from the main Srinagar town near the Highway, Hari Parbat is a lush hill that offers dramatic city views and boasts a scenic Hindu temple & a fort.
Places to eat along this route
- Ovenfresh: A quaint cafe serving delicious North Indian and Chinese cuisine.
- Hungry Morsels: A perfect place to halt for a quick midnight snack if you take a road trip at night.
Srinagar to Pahalgam Best Route
Route 1 is unquestionably the best route you can take to travel to Pahalgam from Srinagar as the route is short and offers better sightseeing options en route. So if you want to save time and get a more scenic roadtrip, Route 1 should be your ideal pick.
Other means of travelling from Srinagar to Pahalgam
By Train
The closest railway station to Pahalgam is the Udhampur railway station, situated nearly 220 km away. Nevertheless, there is limited train connectivity to Udhampur. Therefore, many travellers prefer reaching Jammu Tawi, the nearest central railway station to Pahalgam. It remains connected by frequent trains to the rest of the country through cities like Amristar, Delhi, Kolkata, and Pathankot. And from both Jammu Tawi and Udhampur Railway Station, you can hire a cab to reach Pahalgam. For updated train timings for Srinagar to Pahalgam, visit IRCTC and follow their latest timetable.
By Flight
There is no immediate flight connectivity for Pahalgam. And Srinagar Airport (Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport), located approximately 91.1 km, is the closest airport that connects Pahalgam to prominent cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Leh, among others. Upon reaching the airport, you can hire a taxi at Srinagar airport to travel to Pahalgam.
Popular sightseeing attractions in Pahalgam
Pahalgam’s aura is so captivating that you can never express it in words. With snowy glaciers, sparkling lakes, and extensive grasslands, Pahalgam awaits visitors in this paradise. Here are some prominent sightseeing attractions in Pahalgam.
- Avantipur Temple
If you get a feeling of euphoria just by the idea of exploring age-old ruins and architecture, Avantipur temple is sure to captivate you. Also, constructed between 855-883 AD, Avantipur is one of the most impressive temples that is the perfect example of spectacular architecture and religious faiths. While numerous temples lie within the complex, the two primary structures are devoted to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Hence it might not be wrong to say that Avantipur temple is unquestionably one of the finest places to glimpse near Pahalgam and add a hint of devotion to your trip.
- Betab Valley
Situated 15 km from Pahalgam, Betab Valley is one of the most surreal places to visit in town, which became famous after the shooting of a Bollywood film. A place of surreal magnificence, this enchanting valley is one of the finest places to visit in Pahalgam in May when spring changes it to paradise. Moreover, you feel rejuvenated and spellbound as you stroll amidst dense fields to the sound of the gushing river and the panorama of snow-clad cliffs. And when in the valley, you can enjoy the scenic beauty with a cup of hot tea or indulge in zip lining or other activities for a bit of adventure in this oasis.
- Kolahoi glacier
Located over the Lidder River, Kolahoi glacier is a giant glacier known for its spectacular views. While trekking is the best way of reaching this glacier, you can also hire horses or ponies for some parts of the journey.
- Tarsar Lake
Tarsar Lake is another glorious spot in Pahalgam and the perfect place to glimpse nature in its full glory. Here you can enjoy the extraordinary charm during the summers when various migratory birds transform this place into a paradise. You would be compelled to keep your eyes stuck to the cloud to witness cinnamon sparrows and high-flying choughs. In addition, this almond-shaped lake becomes unreachable during the winter as it gets coated with snow. So, if you plan to witness the surreal beauty of Tarsar lake, the best time to visit here is usually during the summer and spring seasons.
- Chandanwari
Chandanwari is the perfect place to add to your Pahalgam travel itinerary if you wish to have some fun in the snow. This scenic area is gifted with vistas of snow-covered cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and the Lidder River. In addition, in Chandanwari, you can indulge in skiing adventures across the snow bridge, immerse in the divine beauty or play in the snow. Chandanwari is also the opening point of the holy Amarnath yatra, another reason for this being one of the well-known places to glimpse in Pahalgam.
Rent a car from Srinagar to visit all the beautiful places on your list in Pahalgam.
Popular places to eat in Pahalgam
Pahalgam promotes a nuanced distinctness in its cuisine from its neighboring state. The food preparations that give it this originality include Matschgand (chopped lamb meatballs in tangy red gravy) and Kaanti (lamb chunks in red hot gravy, usually consumed as a snack and not part of the main course).
Furthermore, other popular food items in Pahalgam are Modur Pulaav (Sweet Pulao, a dessert) and Nadir-Haaq/Monji/Gogji/ (lotus stems boiled with Spinach or Radish). You can even relish Muj Gaad (Fish with Radish), Marcha-wangan korma, and Soon Olav (Meat with Potatoes served in spicy gravy). Here is a brief overview of famous food joints in Pahalgam.
- Cafe Log Inn: Famous for pastries, cakes, fritters, muffins, pasta, pizza, and Kashmiri Kahwa.
- TroutBeat: Famous for Trout Fish and various other veg and non-veg delicacies.
- Punjabi Rasoi: Famous for Sarson da Saag, Makki di Roti, Kadai Paneer, Dal Makhni, Kadi Pakoda, Mysore Masala Dosa, and much more.
Hotels and Resorts in Pahalgam
| Hotel Name | Address |
| Royal Hillton | Circuit Road Pahalgam| Phone No. 01936 243 555 |
| Zebrina Guest House | Chandanwari road near by Poshwan Park main Pahalgam| Phone No. 097972 12965 |
| Radisson Golf Resort | Adj. Golf Course, Pahalgam| Phone No. 01936 243 184 |
| Walisons Peace Resort | KP Road, Langanbal,Pahalgham| Phone No. 095961 68975 |
Nearby road trips from Pahalgam
| Destination | Distance | Duration |
| Pahalgam to Sonmarg | 182.6 Kms | 4 hr 39 mins |
| Pahalgam to Gulmarg | 139. 6 Kms | 3 hrs 8 mins |
| Pahalgam to Kupwara | 173 Kms | 4 hrs 13 mins |
If you wish to get away from ordinary city life and spend some peaceful time amidst nature, Pahalgam is one of the most suitable options. Furthermore, Pahalgam blossoms on the energy of such wanderers, those who trek far off from their place and enjoy the tranquility of lush-green treks.
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