Pahalgam and Aru Valley – Full Circuit Tour Package – Budget

Pahalgam – Full Circuit Tour Packages – Budget – 02 nights/03 days

Ever thought you should give yourself some exercise surrounded by majestic mountains, fresh water streams and beautiful meadows?

Get your bag packed for an unforgettable trip – Pahalgam is what you’re looking for and Sontrips your gateway to this paradise!  

Day 01: Srinagar to Pahalgam via Anantnag and Lidder Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwadi Valley

Please plan to arrive at Srinagar International Airport (SXR) in the morning as sometimes due to weather changes, your flight might get cancelled and if that hsppens you could still get a later flight.

You will be picked up by taxi from Srinagar Airport and brought to your hotel in Pahalgam.

On your way to Pahalgam you will pass “Saffron fields” (crocus fields) near a small city called Pampore. Notice the purple colored blossoms between end of October and beginning of November. In Kashmir, Saffron is closely linked to a very delicious tea, called “Kahwah”. It is this green tea which has some of the saffron stigmas/strands in it. Did you know that Saffron has been the most costly spice worldwide for a long time? The reason is quite simple: Each crocus plant has only three small stigmas/strands colored crimson red which is known as the “Saffron”. In Kashmir, you can get 1g of Saffron for around INR150/- . To get 1kg of Saffron you need to pick around 500 000 stigmas – and then you would have to wait for it to dry! Ok, you can do your own math to find out how much that would cost!.

There are two main ways to reach Pahalgam. Come via the district city Anantnag and return via a so called Apple Valley (and we would add “Walnut Valley”). Going through Anantnag though about 10km longer (expect a total distance of about 100km), will give you the opportunity to view the countryside from a different perspective and in addition you could have a stop-over at a sun temple called “Martand” which is now a ruin. It is located in a village called Mattan, roughly 6km from Anantnag.

At Anantnag think about having a stop-over and also lunch. Before arriving at Pahalgam, this may provide the best location. At the so called KP road, you will pass cafes like 9 Miles Café & Grill, Hunger Street, Amigos, Kooks, Parsa’s, and Al-Muizz to name just a few.

If you stop after lunch at the temple ruins, they can be seen on a hill right side off the main KP road. It dates back to the 8^th century AD and is dedicated to the Hindu sun deity called Surya. From there on you will travel beside a  canal on your right and then as the road winds up slowly uphill you will witness the spectacular Lidder river on  your left. During the warmer months of the year you may spot river rafters there.

Just before you reach Pahalgam, there will be a road toll check post (municipal toll plaza): welcome to Pahalgam!

At hotel Bombay Palace which is located about 3km from the main market in Pahalgam, make yourself comfortable – you’ve made it – a long’s day journey! In the hotel, a welcome drink with a little snack will be served. Depending on the time, you may want to order here something for lunch.

Once you’re ready, get your basic items packed and off you go.

Your first destination will be “Chandanwadi” which could literally be translated as “family valley”. In order to get there (and return) please organize a local taxi yourself at the hotel or at the village nearby, otherwise you will have to go back for example to a main taxi stand at the KP main road of Pahalgam (3km walk). You may want to tell the driver that you plan a stop-over on your way back at the “Betaab Valley”. A nonstop journey to Chadanwadi would be around 45 minutes (17 km) from Pahalgam. You may have already realized that this is not going to be a straight highway road – so be prepared! In addition, it is very likely that you’re going to stop the driver on your way for some photo opportunities. So overall, allow 1 hour to Chandanwadi, half an hour at this place, one hour Betaab Valley and another hour return journey, totals around 3.5hrs. This is what you want to communicate to your driver to avoid misunderstandings later on.

At Chandanwadi follow a footpath towards the beautiful but wild river Lidder. The small village is basically known as the starting point of the annual so called Amarnath Yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage to a cave located about 26km away from Chandanwadi. During the months of July/August this place usually gets very busy. It is also likely that you will be able to see some snow before May. Locals will be offering you then you a ride on a self-made wooden sledge at the hill that goes up steep across the river. Other than that, ponies of course are waiting for their customers and last but not least the beautiful scenery is to be admired. Along the footpath toward the river you can find some stalls offering souvenirs and basic food/drinks.

Once you’re ready, request your taxi to take you to your next destination: Betaab Valle. It is located about 20 minutes away and you have already passed it on your way to Chandanwadi. There are certainly some spectacular spots to pause for a moment, though be very careful as the cliffs plunge down steeply at certain points! Please make use of the dedicated platform which gives a stunning outlook to Betaab Valley. Your driver will then descend steeply following some hairpin bends in order to reach a parking lot which is the starting point for a nice walk into the valley. There is an entry fee to pay at a booth on your right before passing the gate. Depending on the season, the more recent attraction is a zip-line that leads across this river. Otherwise, walk along the path, cross the bridge and keep left alongside the river until you’d reach the open plain which you could cross until you spot a (children’s) park. The entire area is very pleasant for a picnic on the soft grass, of course also depending on the season you’d arrive. This valley became even more famous due to its appearance in some Bollywood movies. In fact, it is said to have the same name as the movie “Betaab” (released in 1983). There are again few stalls, too, where you could quench your thirst or enjoy a snack.

Certainly by the time it gets dark request your driver to return to Pahalgam, which is about another 20 minutes ride. There are of course also some restaurants, mainly directly at the main KP road located (3 km from your hotel). In addition, one could say that all hotels basically also offer a restaurant. The following are some options: Punjabi Rasoi, Dana Pani, Café Log Inn, Hotel Paradise and Restaurant, Nathu’s Rasoi, etc. Otherwise, your hotel of course is another choice.

After such a long day with extensive travels – you definitely deserve a good’s night rest!

Day 02: Pahalgam to Aru Valley and Meadows / Lidderwat

After you have got up, enjoy your breakfast! You’re going to need some energy today – depending on your choice of course – as you venture out into the majestic woods and meadows that Pahalgam offers you today.

Before you get started: Please wear good footgear/clothing today – this would be especially true if you decided to hike over using a pony in order to reach your destination “Lidderwat”. How long does it take to reach Lidderwat from Aru? Well, it much depends on whether you walk or use the pony. Estimate 2-3hrs for walking and half an hour less for the trip on horseback. The distance is about 8.5 km.

Food/Drinks: get some basic snacks/food in Aru Valley, but if you want to make sure, you can also arrange supplies for your lunch and the snacks you require before you start today’s trip. Usually restaurants offer take-away also, or take some “finger-food-type” to carry you through the day. Be sure to take 2 liters of mineral water. A very kind gesture would be to  take something with you which you could share later with your guide.

Your first destination would be “Aru Valley”. Book a taxi not only to drop you there but also to wait for you for the return journey. In general,  exchange phone numbers with your driver and if possible (and cheaper) you could ask him to only drop you there and you’d call him again for the evening’s return journey.

Taxi stand or your hotel: these are the best options to get a taxi to take you to Aru Valley which is about a half hour trip. Try not to leave later than 10am – it gets late quickly and you do not want to hike when it’s dark.

At Aru (Valley), which is a small village, it is very likely that you will be offered ponies on getting out of your taxi. Either manage yourself or you kindly request your driver to help you with getting a pony – if you intend to take one at all. At minimum you definitely need  a local guide. You could also say you take a guide and a horse which could take care then of your luggage and serve as “emergency transport” in case you can’t manage to walk anymore – or worst case for instance, twist your ankle.

Depending on your situation, you may want to ask for a toilet stop here, as this is the last opportinity before you reach the open forest. Please collect all your rubbish and never throw it away in the countryside. Leave the place you have been in a better state than when you arrived.

Hike/ride steeply uphill from Aru towards an area called “Green Top”. Not much further away you will be able to spot the Lidder river on your left. The river is basically your companion and orientation for the entire trip. It leads you through beautiful woods and scenic meadows. Do take the time every now and then for a short break to enjoy this unique breathtaking environment. Very likely you will also pass blockhouse buildings which serve the local nomadic people as their shelter during the warmer months. You may spot their livestock nearby, too. For good reason, Pahalgam is called the “Valley of the Shepherds”.

In order to reach the camping site “Lidderwat”, which consists literally of a wooden hut, on the left of the river, you need to cross the river at least once – hopefully with an intact bridge :).

Take a longer break of about an hour at Lidderwat with a rest and snacks/refreshments and again enjoy this fantastic scenery.

Get ready for your return journey – taking the same path by which you came.

Depending on your arrangement with your taxi driver, you could try to call him once you get closer or reaching “Green Top”. Your driver will then take you from Aru back to your hotel in Pahalgam. After  getting refreshed at the hotel, you have the choice again about where to go for your evening meal.

Congratulations! you made it, after a long day being out and probably getting lots of fresh air and exercise, too. You should be able to “Sleep well”!

Day 03: Pahalgam to Srinagar via Walnut / Apple Valley

Get up and have your breakfast at the hotel. After checking out, your taxi will be waiting for your return trip to Srinagar International Airport. If you plan to have longer shopping/eating stop-overs on your way to the airport you need to arrange this with your driver before departure and pay if required accordingly.

Your return trip would be slightly different compared to your trip to Pahalgam. Since Kashmir is also famous for its delicious apples and walnuts it would be sad to miss out the opportunity to visit the respective growing areas. Coming from Pahalgam you will cross the Lidder River again and follow it for a while. On your way you will notice the walnut trees. September marks the harvesting seasons for this stone fruit. You will be able to buy some – if not fresh then dried. Ideal as a tasty souvenir for your loved ones at home. So too are the apples. However, you will need to look very carefully for sliced dry apples! In order to buy a full box or only a few fresh ones, October will most likely work best. Not difficult to miss them either: “Apple Valley Resort” could be the address to have a short break. It is located in the middle of a roughly 2 km totally straight section of this road. During harvest season lots of trucks are parked beside this road. Not far from the “Apple Valley” you will reach a town called Bijbehara which marks the entry point one could say so to the new National Highway (NH 44) which you have already used on your way to Pahalgam. Just in case you were not able to get your box of apples at the “Apple Valley”, this is where to look out for them now before you reach a little colony on both of the NH 44 called Sangam. After Sangam you cross the Jhelum River again and this is where you could get a good bargain for a cricket bat! You very likely have noticed the many shops already on your way to Pahalgam. It is THE spot we would say in Kashmir when it comes to buying a cricket bat fresh from the factory. If you have enough time, you may want to ask the shopkeeper to show you how these cricket bats are manufactured – there is still a lot handicraft and patience involved (a good bat needs to dry for quite some time)! If you are interested in dried fruits, saffron, etc. you may want to stop again at one of the shops that you will notice right and left of the National Highway between the towns Awantipora and Lethipora. If you want to plan a stop-over at a restaurant, the ones closest to the road to the airport are “14^th Avenue”, turn right at Hyderpora Flyover, then continue for about 1km and find it on the right side,   and “The Caliph”, on the NH44 about 2km further from Hyderpora Flyover, on the right side. Hyderpora Flyover is the junction where you would exit left to the airport, which is familiar to almost anyone, and about 5km away from the airport.

Upon reaching the airport your driver will drop you – but we hope you will not forget the splendid memories of your journey with Sontrips :).

We hope you have had a pleasant and relaxing stay – share your memories with your loved ones and recommend us please.