Betaab Valley, about 15 km above Pahalgam on the road to Chandanwari, is a broad green meadow where the river loops beneath forested slopes and snow peaks. Once known as Hagan or Hajan, it takes its current name from the 1983 Bollywood film Betaab, shot here. Today it is a managed park with walking paths, bridges and picnic lawns.
Aru, about 12 km up the West Lidder in the other direction, is a shepherd village and meadow at the head of its valley. It feels more remote, with log houses, grazing horses and trails leading on towards Lidderwat, the Kolahoi glacier and Tarsar lake — some of Kashmir’s classic treks.
Top things to do at Betaab & Aru Valleys
Walk the Betaab Valley meadows
Cross the footbridges, follow the river and picnic under the pines. A small entry fee is charged. It is at its greenest from May to July.
Continue to Chandanwari
Beyond Betaab, the road ends at Chandanwari (about 2,900 m), start of the Amarnath Yatra trail, where snow bridges over the stream often linger into summer.
Explore Aru and start a trek
Wander Aru’s meadow and village, ride a pony up the valley, or set off with a local guide on a multi-day trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier or Tarsar lake.
How to get to Betaab & Aru Valleys
- From Pahalgam: use the local taxi union stand in town; Betaab (with Chandanwari) and Aru are usually sold as separate fixed-price trips.
- From Srinagar: first reach Pahalgam (2.5–3 hours), then switch to a local taxi.
- On foot: Aru can be reached on a scenic walking trail from Pahalgam for fit walkers.
Insider tips
- Carry cash for entry fees, pony rides and snacks.
- Chandanwari may be closed or restricted during the Amarnath Yatra and in winter.
- Treks beyond Aru need a local guide and proper gear; weather changes fast.
- Check the current status of trails and meadows locally; access can change for security reasons.
Tours that include Betaab & Aru Valleys
These guided trips cover Betaab & Aru Valleys or combine easily with a visit:
Private day trip from €199 From Srinagar: Private Pahalgam Day Trip with Guide
A private day to Pahalgam with a guide: stop at the saffron fields of Pampore and the valley’s ancient temple ruins, then spend the afternoon by the Lidder river in the pine forests of Pahalgam.
- Saffron fields of Pampore on the way
- Ancient temple ruins en route
- Time beside the Lidder river in Pahalgam
Multi-day tour from €471 Kashmir: 7-Day Tour to Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg
A classic week in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar’s lake and gardens, Pahalgam’s pine valleys and Gulmarg’s meadows, with transfers, accommodation and breakfast arranged for you.
- Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg in one trip
- Transfers and accommodation included
- Breakfast every morning
