Pahalgam In November
A Peaceful Autumn Escape
Pahalgam is one of those breathtaking tourist destinations of Jammu And Kashmir that offers you the ideal blend of peace and adventure. Located in the heart of the valley, it is popular for its lush valleys, pristine lakes and snow-laden mountains. As far as visiting Pahalgam in November is concerned, you surely can plan a wholesome trip to the town.
The onset of the cold season of winter starts from November itself as the white snow starts engulfing everything there is. While the apex of peaks starts getting covered with white snow, the vibrant palette of colours are still spread on vistas and around. As you visit Pahalgam, you truly know why it is among the most-visited towns of Kashmir. Plan a trip to Pahalgam with experienced travel agents in Srinagar, they can customize your tour as per your preference.
The sights you see there in different valleys like Aru, Betaab, Chandanwari etc. In November, you can indulge in various snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledging, snowmobiling etc. We have compiled important details about it in this blog. Have a look!
Weather and Temperature in November
Temperature in Pahalgam in November ranges between 10°C-15°C during daytime. At night, it drops significantly, going as low as -5°C. While the weather is not very extreme in November, evenings and nights make you shiver. Heavy snowfall hasn’t started yet in Pahalgam, the town does receive light snow. By the end of the month, the climate is freezing and the entire valley is covered in thick layers of snow, turning it into a winter wonderland.
There are almost no chances of rainfall at this time of the year. Even in November, you get enough day hours for sightseeing and activities in Pahalgam. Make sure you have enough warm clothes to fight the chill.
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Best Places to Visit in November
Aru Valley
Aru Valley comes first in the famous ABC valleys of Pahalgam in November. We have discussed the other two below. Aru Valley is known for the peaceful ambiance it contains where you can relax in the company of mother nature and it is one of the best place to visit in Pahalgam.
Other than a biological beauty, the place is the basecamp of many treks with Tarsar Marsar trek being the most sought-after.
The trek takes you to some of the most serene lakes of Kashmir like Tarsar Lake and Marsar Lake. Though it is a 7 day trek, there are many smaller treks too.
You can also enjoy Pony rides here. It is at a distance of about 12 kilometres from Pahalgam town and taxis and cabs are easily available.
Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is another spellbinding valley to visit in Pahalgam in winter which is known for being a perfect spot for movie scenes.
Although many movies have been shot here, the highly popular one is “Betaab” which is also responsible for its name. It was earlier named Hagoon Valley.
You can come here with your partner and reminisce about your childhood Bollywood dreams. The destination has the thriving meadows with water streams meandering in between them.
Due to winter yet to set completely, the valley is still accessible in November and you can surely visit here. About 15 kilometres separate Betaab valley from the main town of Pahalgam.
Baisaran Valley
Baisaran Valley or as it is called the mini-Switzerland of India, is another stunning hilltop destination located about 5 kilometres from the main town of Pahalgam.
When you visit here, you can see the locals grazing their cattle in the grassy vistas.
You can have a nice chit-chat with them. The valley is known to become dense forests of pine and fir surrounding it. Tulian Lake trek starts from Baisaran valley itself.
Other than trekking, some other activities to do are ziplining, zorbing, pony riding, horse riding etc. To cover the 5 kilometres distance, you can either pick a pony ride or simply hike there.
Chandanwari
November is a good time to visit Chandanwari as the sacred Amarnath Yatra that lasts from June to August has concluded by now.
You can come here during this particular month to enjoy the mesmerising sights that it offers.
Situated at an altitude of about 2895 m above the sea level, the tourists spot is ideal for some secluded time where you are accompanied by nature itself.
You can also visit the gushing Lidder Lake flowing in close proximity. Some activities to indulge in are sightseeing, bird-watching, shopping etc.
The total distance between Chandanwari and Pahalgam is about 16 kilometres and a half an hour ride by a taxi is enough to cover it.
Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag lake is one of the most religiously significant lakes of Kashmir. It is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and that the Sheshnag resides inside the water body.
Pilgrims often visit the lake when they are on their way to Amarnath cave. The lake is so immensely beautiful that people often add it to their religious tour in Pahalgam.
The Sheshnag Lakes trek where you cover a distance of about 9 kilometres is a popular one-day trek.
You can either complete it in a single day or camp there at night and return the next day. The lake is still not frozen in November so you are good to go.
Pahalgam Golf Course
Set amidst one of the stunning meadows of the city, Pahalgam Golf course is one of the greenest ones that you can visit.
The course is found in close proximity to the Kolahoi Glacier. It is an 18 hole golf course that is both beginner-friendly and suited for advanced golfers as well.
After having a good time at the golf course, you can visit the deer park that is situated at the very end. It opens throughout the week from 9AM to 7 PM.
You can definitely come here in November as the layout remains clear and accessible with gentle weather.
Aishmuqam Shrine
Aishmuqam Shrine is dedicated to Saint Sheikh Zain-Ud- Din Wali and it is a very popular Dargah of Kashmir.
Though it has been a sacred place for years now, ever since the popular song “Bhar Do Jholi” of Movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan was shot here, the fame sky-rocketed.
The Dargah is a symbol of secularism as both Hindus and Muslims come here alike with the same faith in their hearts.
It is 22 kilometres away from the Pahalgam bus stand and you can easily get a bus to the shrine.
leave your footwear outside the complex and carry a scarf to cover your head.
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Mamleshwar Temple
Mamleshwar Temple or Mamal temple is a religiously significant spot, found on the banks of Lidder river.
Legends have it that it is the same place where Lord Ganesha got his elephant head after Lord Shiva beheaded him in anger.
The size of the complex is quite small and is only 8 feet in height. However, the use of Kashmiri style in its architecture enhances its beauty.
You must add this temple in your religious journey of Kashmir.
The temple is remotely located in Pahalgam and is perfect for nature- lovers. The temple is open to the public throughout the year and November is a great time to make a visit.
To Reach Mamleshwar Temple checkout: Taxi Service in Srinagar
Lidder River
Lidder river offers you the magical mix of both serenity and thrill. From acting as one of the ideal place for picnics and strolls, differnt grades of white water rafting are also offered here.
The river gets its name because of its location in the Lidder Valley itself with Pir Panjal range increasing its beauty altogether.
The river is abode of different species of trout fishes like brown trouts, rainbow trouts etc. Hence, other than water rafting, other activities to do here are fishing, angling, horse riding, photography etc.
The river hasnt frozen in November hence you surely can add it to your itinerary.
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Famous Things to do in November
Enjoy pony riding
Pony riding is readily available in Pahalgam. Most of the places can be visited by pony rides. Those include Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari etc. Pony riding is one of the best things to do in Pahalgam.
While for some spots, it is just a recreational activity, for others it is the only mode of transport like Baisaran Valley or you have to hike there.
The cost of pony rides depend on the distance covered and it ranges between INR 500-1500.
You can either book it online or get one at the nearest Pahalgam bus stand. Routes are clear in Pahalgam in November for the ride.
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Trout Fishing
The various water bodies found in Pahalgam like alpine lakes and rivers are home to some rare kinds of fishes. The most found ones are trouts.
Some kinds are rainbow trouts, brown trouts, Himalayan trouts. Lidder river offers you the largest spot for fishing and angling in Pahalgam.
You can also visit lakes like Vishansar Lake and Krishnasar Lake to fish trouts.
The monsoon season from October -November is suitable for a fishing tour in Kashmir.
Don’t miss to obtain the fishing permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department.
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Trekking & Hiking
Pahalgam is every trekker’s bliss. The trekking trails here are nowhere to be found. The exhilarating treks to do in Pahalgam are Tarsar Marsar trek, Sheshnag Lake trek, Kolahoi glacier trek, Betaab Valley trek etc.
There are treks that take almost 7 days to conclude, others can be done in single trek. Try to plan it in the initial days of November as it starts snowing in the last of the month.
Make sure you are wearing proper clothes according to the prevailing weather. Carry all the necessary trekking and camping gears like a sturdy tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat etc.
ATV Riding
There are very few places in Kashmir where you can experience the thrill of ATV riding and Pahalgam is one of them.
The place not only offers the sport, the rugged plains and snow-capped mountain in the backdrop increases the overall enjoyment.
Although the ride is a bit costly as compared to other activities available in Pahalgam, the adventure is totally worth every penny.
The cost depends on the duration of the ride. For an hour, it would be around INR 2000-5000 per person.
November is one of the conventional time periods for ATV rides given the gentle weather and clear routes.
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Photography
The entire Pahalgam town is picturesque and the photos taken here don’t need any filter. Be it the calm lakes or snowy peaks, everything looks capturable.
Pahalgam in November presents the perfect opportunity for a photography session with the magical contrast of lush grasslands and snow-laden mountains.
Other than the nature photography, you can also do the wildlife photography, click portraits of locals after taking permission etc.
Carry all the gears like a high-quality camera, lens, tripod etc.
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Essential Information
How to Reach
By air: Travelling via flights to reach Pahalgam is the quickest and safest way. Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport located in the capital city of Srinagar. After landing at the airport, reach Srinagar city via a cab or taxi.
The total distance to be covered is around 15 kilometres taking half an hour. About 90 kilometres separate Srinagar and Pahalgam. A road trip of 2-3 hours are enough to cover the distance. Book Srinagar to Pahalgam Taxi service from Srinagar to enjoy the stress free ride.
By road: Srinagar-Pahalgam Highway (NH1) is the preferred route if you wish to visit Pahalgam by a self-drive. The route is a scenic one and the highway is free from snow until mid-November.
By train: Srinagar doesn’t have any functional railway. However, you can book your tickets to Jammu Tawi Station which is about 300 kilometres from Srinagar city.
Chexkout Kashmir taxi service to book a taxi to cover the distance. Once you are in Srinagar, Hire a cab to reach Pahalgam which is 90 kilometres away.
Where to stay in Pahalgam
Pahalgam is quite developed in recent years. You can easily find 2-3 star hotels offering excellent services like big, spacious rooms, meals included and much more.
If you are travelling luxury style, this is the best option for a comfortable stay. Other than these extravagant hotels, you can also opt for budget guesthouses or government cottages where the prices are much lower. They are ideal for pocket-friendly accommodation.
In remote locations, homestays are easily available where the owners offer you a place to stay in the comfort of their own home. You get home-cooked meals at a very low cost.
If you have gone trekking, the only choice for spending the night is by pitching a tent. Camping can be made really easy if you have got all the gears like a big-enough tent, sleeping tent, sleeping bag etc.
Road Conditions in November
In the initial days of November, the road conditions are in a decent condition. Heavy snowfall is still to begin. Highways and internal roads are clearer because of the continuous work of BRO.
As the month progresses and snow starts to set on roads, the government starts declaring them closed. Due to unpredictable weather, it is suggested to check the current weather forecast before getting behind the wheels.
Mobile connectivity in November
The time of the year rarely affects mobile connectivity. No matter when you visit the valley, get a prepaid sim. If you don’t, your phone will be dead as soon as you enter the valley. Mobile networks like BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone work here in 4G.
Electricity is not very regular here so you should carry a power bank to keep your phone charged. Carry a portable charger too.
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