Cover Image Credit: Wikimedia
Pahalgam is a scenic hill station in the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory of India. The scenic mountain valleys in Pahalgam are a popular tourist destination which looks like heaven on Earth. These are like silent valleys in the wilderness of the Mighty Himalayas present in the Indian Territory. The Pahalgam Valleys are an important trekking route to Amarnath and Mount Kailash pilgrimage. These scenic mountain valleys are with prominence with 8,000-ft above the mean sea level. They are with snow during the winter and alpine meadows during the summer. They are an eye-soothing place that one must visit once in a lifetime. Pahalgam is a tourist-friendly place in Kashmir. Its locals are the guide to go trekking trails in the Pahalgam Valley. Its mountain valleys are the best place to visit by honeymooners, adventure seekers, nature lovers, and Himalayan tour takers in India. This place has one of the best tourist facilities and amenities.
3 Best Mountain Valleys in Pahalgam
Here, we have listed the top three mountain valleys in Pahalgam. These are the best places to visit by people of all ages.
1. Betaab Valley
2. Lidder Valley
3. Apple Valley
1. Betaab Valley
Image Source
This is a scenic valley in Pahalgam, which got its name after the Bollywood film shooting the Betaab. Since then, this place has had many tourists arrivals throughout the peak season. Earlier, this valley was lesser known to the tourists as Hagoon Valley. They are like a silent valley, where you cannot find any places with modernization. The conifers forest covers this valley with exotic greenery looks. This is followed by the streams from Lidder River flowing down-streams of this valley. You can also see the Lidder River while trekking to reach Betaab Valley in Pahalgam. Its hiking and trekking routes are with moderate difficulties.
Yet, once you reach this valley, you will feel you are in a paradise. You can breathe fresh air, hear the sound of water streams, and see the lush green conifers forest alongside the mountain valley. In-between the valley, there are lush green meadows to walk along with streams of waters here and there. You can see many hangul, and musk deer in this valley. One can see them while hiking in this valley. It is the best place to camp and does night stargazing. The adventure seekers can try their trail routes during the summer season. Yet, you will be on the lap of Mother Nature throughout your hike in this scenic mountain valley.
How to reach: Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is just 15 kms away from Pahalgam. You can reach via road through scenic mountain drive.
Entry fee: Nil
Timing: Open to tourists 24-hours April to October. November to March this valley is open from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Tips: Carry a good pair of hiking and trekking shoes and stick. You must bring warm clothing or woolen dresses. Bring enough energy food and bottled drinking water.
Must Read: 6 Awesome Places For Shopping In Pahalgam On Your Kashmir Escapade
2. Lidder Valley
Image Source
This is a 40-km stretch of mountain valley caused by the Lidder River. You can see this river flowing in the midst of this valley. Its water is from a nearby glacier. One can hear the flow of water sound in this entire valley. You can do trout fishing in the entire valley. Its 4-km width allows tourists to hike this valley with mild difficulties. During summer, you can explore this valley by horse riding.
It will take at least 3-day to explore this valley to the fullest. Riverside camping is allowed during the summer season. You can spot Musk Deer near the mountain meadows. You can trek and reach the famous Dachigam National Park from this valley. You can see the snow-fed Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. They are high altitude mountain ranges of the Himalayas. It is one of the finest mountain valleys to visit by honeymoon couples and nature lovers. During the winter, this valley will be white, as it will be covered with snow. You can see the frozen river too.
How to reach: Lidder Valley
Lidder Valley is 24 kms away from Pahalgam. It has a very good mountain road to reach by an hour.
Entry fee: NIL
Timing: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Tips: Carry a good pair of hiking and trekking shoes and stick. You must bring warm clothing or woolen dresses. Bring enough energy food and bottled drinking water.
Suggested Read: 14 Best Places To Visit In Pahalgam That Will Enchant You With Their Vivid Imagery
3. Apple Valley
Image Credit: Mariiamir for Wikimedia Commons
This is a valley of apple farms. Thus, it got the name as Apple Valley in Pahalgam. It is one of the best places to eat fresh apples, hike in an apple garden and stay in Mountain View resorts. You can find many apple plantation workers doing their routine jobs like plucking apples, sorting apples by size and sending them in baskets to the warehouse. This place has cool weather throughout the year. Yet, you can visit during the winter season too. You can see the red apples hanging amid the white snow-covered apple trees.
Hiking is the only way to see the orchid beauty of Apple Valley present on the Himalayas found in Pahalgam Tehsils. A day trip is necessary to hike and explore this exotic valley. The romantic people can spend their leisure time by staying here in resorts for a weeklong. Apart from Apple gardens, there are dicotyledonous herbs found on the slopes of this mountain valley. It is the best place to take photos of the wild orchids present on the Himalayas. The Apple garden found here are private properties. Yet they allow tourists without taking any admission charges. Sometimes, they do give apples as free to the tourists. Yet, you can buy them by paying a price, if you wish to take them home and distribute them in the name of the Apple Valley tour.
How to reach: Apple Valley
Apple Valley is 40 kms away from Pahalgam. You can reach here via road through private taxis.
Entry fee: NIL
Timing: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Tips: Carry warm clothing, hiking shoes, photo camera, jerkins, enough food, and water.
Further Read: 7 Home-Like Cottages In Pahalgam Which Will Make You Want To Extend Your Trip!
So are you ready for a quick getaway to these valleys in Pahalgam while visiting Kashmir? These valleys are located at some of the finest locations and offer a surreal view to the visitors. From the famous Betaab valley to the Lidder valley, these valleys are a great addition to the bucket list while you’re planning a vacation in Kashmir.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valleys In Pahalgam
Which is the best season to visit the Pahalgam Valleys in Kashmir?
April to September is the best season to visit Pahalgam Valleys in Kashmir.
When is the Pahalgam Valleys in Kashmir are snow-fed?
You can find snow throughout the winter season in Pahalgam. You must visit here from in-between October to March to enjoy the snowfall and play in the snow.
At what altitude the Valleys in Pahalgam are present of the Himalayas?
Valleys in Pahalgam altitude ranges from 7,000-ft to 8,900-ft above the mean sea level on the Himalayan Mountain Ranges of Kashmir, India.
Are there any threats from wildlife present in Pahalgam Valley?
There are many wild bears and monkeys in Pahalgam Valley. You must not disturb them during your hiking and trekking trails in Pahalgam Valley.
Can a solo woman tourist explore the valleys in Pahalgam?
Yes, a solo woman tourist must visit valleys in Pahalgam under an organized tour. This will be with a registered local guide, food, transport, and accommodation.
Is it necessary to carry acute mountain sickness medication while trekking in Pahalgam Valley, Kashmir?
No, The Pahalgam Valley comes under mid-altitude mountain ranges of the Himalayas. The chances of getting acute mountain sickness are less in this valley.
Is it safe to explore the valleys in Pahalgam?
Yes, Pahalgam is a small scenic mountain village in Kashmir. The villagers are friendly people to tourists. Yet, you must not take a risk to visit in the snowy season, which is from October to March.
Is there film shooting going on in the valleys of Pahalgam, Kashmir?
Yes, if you are lucky, you can find a film shooting taking place in the valleys of Pahalgam.
Is it safe to explore the valleys in Pahalgam by an elderly tourist?
Yes, they must not have any arthritis related health issues.
People Also Read:
Valleys In Sikkim Valleys In Kashmir Valleys In Arunachal Pradesh