Pahalgam

Pahalgam, on the banks of the Lidder river amid pine-forested hills, is one of Kashmir's most popular hill stations and the traditional base camp for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Beyond its role as a pilgrimage gateway, the town's river walks, pony rides and easy access to satellite valleys like Betaab and Aru have made it a fixture of most Kashmir valley itineraries.

The Lidder river running through the town splits into two branches near Pahalgam, and gentle walking trails along both banks, along with numerous points for trout fishing, give the town a relaxed, outdoorsy character distinct from the more built-up feel of Srinagar. Its position as a hub for onward trips to several of the valley's most scenic side valleys means many visitors base themselves here for two or three nights rather than passing through on a single day trip.

Long a traditional starting point for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, Pahalgam's development as a broader tourist hill station grew alongside its established pilgrimage role through the 20th century.

About 90km from Srinagar, roughly 2.5-3 hours by road.