Aru and Betaab Valleys: How to Visit Pahalgam's Two Open Meadows
With Chandanwari and Baisaran on the closure list, Aru and Betaab are Pahalgam's star day out. Distances, union taxis, what to do in each valley and the best time to go.
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Quick answerAru Valley is about 12 km and Betaab Valley about 15 km from Pahalgam town. Outside cabs stop in town, so you hire a local union taxi for both, usually in one morning. Aru is a wide meadow with a village and walking paths; Betaab is a green bowl with the river running through it. Both are open as of our latest check.
If Pahalgam were a band, Aru and Betaab would be the two hit singles everyone came to hear. With Chandanwari and Baisaran currently on the district's closure list, they carry the show, and they do it well. Plan a relaxed morning for both, and keep your afternoon for the riverside in town.
Aru Valley
- Distance: about 12 km from Pahalgam along the Aru stream, 30–45 minutes by union taxi.
- What it is: a broad alpine meadow ringed by fir forest, with a small village and shepherd huts.
- What to do: gentle walks across the meadow, pony rides at fixed rates, a picnic, and photographs of the peaks.
- Treks: Aru is traditionally the base for treks to Kolahoi and Tarsar, but the tourism department has said trekking routes stay closed until further orders. Stick to walks around the meadow.
Betaab Valley
- Distance: about 15 km from Pahalgam, on the road that once led on to Chandanwari.
- What it is: a landscaped green valley with the Lidder's stream running through it, named after the 1983 film Betaab shot here.
- What to do: walk the paths and bridges, sit by the water, and take family photographs. A small entry fee may apply.
Union taxis: how it works
At the Pahalgam taxi stand, local union taxis run fixed-rate trips to the valleys, priced per vehicle. A combined Aru and Betaab trip usually takes 3–4 hours. Agree the stops and waiting time before setting off. Read more in our Pahalgam in 2026 guide.
Best time to visit
- May–June: wildflowers and fresh green meadows.
- September–October: clear skies and autumn colours.
- December–February: snow; roads may need chains, and some days are cut short by weather.
Plan it into your trip
Aru and Betaab need at least one night in Pahalgam, ideally two. Our 5 nights 6 days package is built around them, and you can request a free plan through the Get My Travel Plan form.
Plan the rest of your Kashmir trip
- Pahalgam Travel Guide: Pine forests, a roaring river and valleys you reach by union taxi. How to get to Pahalgam, what is open in 2026, where to stay and how many nights to spend.
- River Rafting in Kashmir: White water on the Lidder and Sindh rivers, the best months, what a run is like and the safety checks to make.
- Trout Fishing in Kashmir: Brown and rainbow trout in cold mountain streams, a licence system dating back over a century and trout farms you can visit.
- Trekking in Kashmir in 2026: Kashmir's famous treks are on the closure list this year. An honest update on the trekking ban, how to check for changes and the walks and activities you can still enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Aru Valley from Pahalgam?
About 12 km, or 30–45 minutes by local union taxi.
Can I go to Betaab Valley in my own cab?
No. Outside cabs stop in Pahalgam town; local union taxis take you to Aru and Betaab.
Are Aru and Betaab open in 2026?
Yes, as of our latest check. They are not on the Anantnag district closure list dated 7 July 2026.
Can I trek from Aru Valley?
The tourism department has said trekking routes remain closed until further orders, so stick to walks in the meadow.
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