What Is The Srinagar To Pahalgam Distance By Road? Know The Journey From Srinagar To Pahalgam
The terrorist attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam on 22nd April, 2025, and India’s Operation Sindoor to combat terrorism have made Pahalgam the point of highlight in recent times.
Also, thanks to the heinous act of terrorism, there is a common concern among tourists: “Is Kashmir Safe?” However, the Srinagar to Pahalgam distance has always been one of the most scenic road trips in Jammu and Kashmir.
The route also passes through Anantnag, famous for its religious and spiritual tourism attractions, such as the Amarnath Caves and the Martand Sun Temple.
Furthermore, to make the Srinagar to Pahalgam journey easier, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has proposed the construction of a new road from Srinagar to Pahalgam via Khrew. When the road is ready, it will reduce the distance between the two places by around 30 kms.
However, before the new road gets ready, you can read this Dream and Travel Guide to know the existing travel options for the Srinagar to Pahalgam distance.
What Is The Srinagar To Pahalgam Distance? Starting The Journey
It goes beyond saying that Pahalgam adds more laurels to the unparalleled beauty of Kashmir. The distance from Srinagar to Pahalgam is 89.2 km, which takes 2 hours and 18 minutes by car.
As soon as you reach the town, you dive into a breeze of fresh air with sparkling water flowing right beside you. You can either book a rental cab, which is easily available, or travel in your personal car.
Movies have certainly raised the bar of Pahalgam’s beauty. While visiting it from Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital, there are endless sights that would make you feel like a romantic hero in a cinema.
Covering Srinagar to Pahalgam Distance By Car: Undiscovered Routes For You!
Travelers looking forward to covering the distance via road can choose from a wide variety of routes. Each of them comes with scenic landscapes, attractive stops, and much more. Check out some of them below:
1. NH44 Route Via Pampore and Awantipora
Distance: Nearly 100 km.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours approx.
Road Conditions: Wind might affect otherwise, but the road is good to travel.
Stops and Attractions: Saffron Fields at Pampore, Awantipora Ruins.
2. Anantnag Route Via Bijbehara and Mattan
Distance: More or less 100 km.
Duration: Nearly 2.5-3 hours.
Stops and Attractions: Bijbehara Market and Mattan Temple.
Road Conditions: Picturesque landscape laid over well-maintained highways.
3. Reach Quickly By The Bypass Route
Distance: Differs from other routes.
Duration: 2-2.5 hours approx.
Road Conditions: Good, safe for fast traveling.
Stops and Attractions: Few attractions on this route, but you reach faster.
You get to witness a plethora of sights, from historical ruins to saffron fields. The choice is yours, what do you prefer? Make sure to know real-time road conditions for a pleasurable journey during winter.
Cab Options For The Srinagar-Pahalgam Commute
If you are new to any of these cities, you can get readily available cabs at Anantnag as well as Dal Gate. The fare for each person ranges between Rs. 200-300.
If it’s a private taxi…
The word “private” automatically rings the bell as these taxis come with flexibility and convenience. However, they are a bit costly and might cost you somewhere around Rs. 3000 for a single way.
Another drawback of private taxis is they start from Srinagar and end at Pahalgam. This means you cannot stop in between for sightseeing as there is a dedicated time duration for the travel.
In the case of shared taxis…
Shared taxis like Bolero or Tata Sumo vehicles are more or less like local buses, only with few people. Share cab drivers usually divide the Srinagar to Pahalgam Distance into two parts.
The first one starts from Srinagar’s Dal Gate, where you board a shared taxi up to Anantnag. Then, you have to take another cab from Anantnag to Pahalgam.
Bus Information And Detailed Breakdown Of Prices
Timing: Buses from Srinagar to Pahalgam run throughout the day, and there’s no stringent schedule. The bus service begins after an adequate number of passengers are seated.
Expected Fare: The minimum cost of traveling to Pahalgam via bus is Rs. 120, although prices might vary according to bus type.
Buses To Pahalgam From Airport: Unfortunately, there are no direct buses available to Pahalgam from Srinagar airport. You might opt for shared cabs or buses to Anantnag and continue the journey. Another option is to reach Dal Gate and take cabs to Pahalgam.
Total Distance: You are expected to travel 2 hours 30 minutes approx to cover this 100 km distance from Srinagar to Pahalgam via the Anantnag route.
Flight Options And Famous Routes For Srinagar-Pahalgam
Since Pahalgam does not own a personal airport, the nearest option is Srinagar’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport.
| Routes | Distance Covered | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar-Pahalgam | 89.2 km | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Gulmarg-Pahalgam | 139.7 km | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Srinahar-Gulmarg | 51 km | 1 hour 31 minutes. |
| Srinagar- Leh Ladakh | 415 km | 8 hours 6 minutes. |
| Sonamarg-Srinagar | 79.5 km | 2 hours 15 minutes. |
| Srinagar-Delhi | 838 km | 14 hours 56 minutes. |
| Srinagar-Jammu | 292 km | 6 hours 48 minutes. |
Landing Onto Pahalgam’s Popular Sightseeing Attractions
Undeniably, Pahalgam has a captivating aura that is impossible to express in words. Extensive grasslands, sparkling lakes, and snow-capped mountains make visitors fans, and they keep coming back. Check out some sightseeing attractions:
Avantipur Temple
Do old-age architecture and ruins attract you? Then, you must definitely stop at Avantipur Temple while covering Srinagar to Pahalgam distance. The construction goes back to 855-883 AD, which makes the temple historically significant.
The temple is quite famous as it sets an example of rooted religious beliefs and astounding architecture. On your journey, you’ll find multiple temples that are located in picturesque spots.
Betab Valley
Betab Valley, one of the most surreal destinations in the town, lies at a distance of 15 km from the city. This valley has been shot in multiple Bollywood movies and carries a magnificent aura.
There’s no way you’d not feel rejuvenated and out of words once reaching this beautiful valley. You also get to relish the scenic beauty accompanied by hot beverages that make the trip perfect.
Betaab Valley also catches attention due to its horse-riding options. From pine to deodar, there are so many trees which simply makes you a nature-lover.
Tarsar Lake
If you have a water spirit, Tarsar Lake is where you go to find ultimate peace. Get a clear glimpse of nature, which blossoms as spring arrives. During the summer season, you get to see migratory birds traveling in this paradise.
From high-flying choughs to cinnamon sparrows, there’s nothing that doesn’t captivate you. Tarsar Lake is unique as it is almond-shaped, and the lake is snow-fed, which means you cannot reach it during winter.
Make sure you travel here and enjoy the splash of freshness during the summer season.
Chandanwari
Pahalgam’s travel itinerary is incomplete without Chandanwari’s visit. This is where you get all the snow, skyscraping mountain peaks, and rushing waterfalls. The Lidder River also flows here.
Additionally, you get to take part in skiing adventures and travel amidst the snow bridge here. You are surely going to forget all your worries once you enter this paradise.
Chandanwari also acts as an entry point for the divine Amarnath Yatra, which is why so many tourists visit it every year. The valley mostly remains covered under snow during winter.
You can visit here and watch glaciers melting down, but make sure you take safety measures.
Aru Valley
Located in the Anantnag district, Aru Valley is no short of mesmerizing sites and serene tourist spots. It is just 12 kms away from Pahalgam and has green grasslands all around it.
Find tranquility in Aru Valley, which serves as a base camp for 90% of treks. Indulge in skiing, horse-riding, bird watching, wildlife and heli-skiing. You will find pristine meadows at the valley’s heart accompanied by misty grasses.
You can also take part in fishing and camping if you love to indulge in physical exercises. Aru Valley needs no specific permits, but it might need some ID proof for restricted areas and trekking activities.
Baisaran
Baisaran is just 5 kms from Pahalgam, which is an ideal sightseeing spot. Some travelers love referring to it as mini-Switzerland owing to its unparalleled beauty. The hilltop meadow is speckled with tall pine trees and snow-clad peaks.
The base camp for the Tulian Lake visit is an eye-catching destination in the entire Kashmir. Trust me when I say this: this place is a must-visit if you are done with the hustle-bustle life.
On the way, you will find small villages and children playing cricket, thereby giving a glimpse of authentic Kashmiri life. The Alpine touch makes you want to stay here and spend the rest of your life.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know about the Srinagar to Pahalgam distance, this might be your best chance to book tickets for Jammu and Kashmir. Summer months are ideal for visiting the place because you find awesome weather here.
You will find pleasant weather from April to June as you won’t find risks of landslides and seasonal rain showers. The temperature is between 11℃- 25℃, which is perfect for outdoor activities.
That being said, it’s a wrap on this article. I hope you loved reading this! Do not forget to share your journey to Pahalgam by commenting below. Thank you!
Srinagar To Pahalgam Distance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Srinagar to Pahalgam distance.
No, one day is not enough for visiting Pahalgam. You need at least two days to visit the Baisaran Valley, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Lidder River.
If you are staying here for 3-4 days, you can try some adventurous activities such as trekking and river rafting.
There cannot be any definite answer about which one is better between Gulmarg and Pahalgam. The elevation of Gulmarg (2,682 m) is higher than that of Pahalgam (2400 m).
Furthermore, Gulmarg is more touristy, with outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding, especially in the winter season. Further, in Gulmarg, you can enjoy the famous Gondola or cable car rides.
On the other hand, Pahalgam is more tranquil, with beautiful views of meadows, valleys, trees, and snow-capped mountains. Trekking and horse riding are the most popular outdoor activities here.
Moreover, spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Pahalgam.
Baisaran Valley is known as the mini Switzerland in Kashmir. It is a 5 km horse ride from Pahalgam to Baisaran Valley.
The valley has expansive green meadows, a surrounding of snow-capped mountains, and the embrace of Pine and Deodar trees. Overall, the scenic beauty here resembles the Swiss countryside.
Furthermore, from Baisaran Valley, you will enjoy an excellent view of the Lidder Valley. Also, Baisaran Valley is ideal for outdoor activities such as horse riding, trekking, and camping.
