The admiration and exquisite beauty of Betaab Valley lies in the variety of names it holds- Wadi-e-Jahan Hajan Valley, or Hagen Valley. Located around 15 km from Pahalgam, the popularity of this place comes from the shooting of the popular Bollywood movie, “Betaab.” If you are considering visiting Betaab Valley in April, there are a variety of activities and attractions to explore around. The valley transforms into a breathtaking paradise during April, enabling you to indulge in trekking, nature walks, hikes, etc.
Weather In April
Photo: Alinamidhat / Wikimedia Commons
April ushers in the spring season in Betaab Valley, marking the beginning of pleasant weather. If you aren’t a fan of the harsh cold winter months, you are in luck because April has a temperature ranging from 10°C to 25°C. With this comfortable weather and clear skies, there are several unique activities like trekking and nature walks that become a lot easier during this time of the year. The surroundings also sport an array of vibrant blooming wildflowers, which add to the beauty of the experience too.
Suggested Read: Camping In Pahalgam
How To Reach
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By Air: Srinagar International Airport (SXR) is the nearest airport to Betaab Valley, located around 90-95 km away. Once you reach the airport, there are private taxis, jeeps, etc. that you can hire to take you to Pahalgam. It takes 2-3 hours. From Pahalgam, you’d have to hire another local vehicle to reach Betaab Valley.
By Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT) is the nearest railway station to Betaab Valley, located 250 km away. From the railway station, you can hire a private taxi or a shared shuttle to Pahalgam. From there, you’d need to take another local vehicle to reach Betaab Valley.
By Road: If you are driving from nearby states or cities like Delhi, you’d need to take the well-maintained National Highway 1A to reach Jammu and Kashmir. Once in Kashmir, you’d have to follow the local route until you reach Pahalgam and then another short drive from Pahalgam’s main town takes you to Betaab Valley.
Things To Do
1.Trekking
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Trekking is one of the most popular activities in Betaab Valley, and April is an ideal time for it. With the blooming flowers, lush green meadows and steep pine trees in the dense forests in the surrounding area, trekking is one of the most thrilling adventure activities to indulge in. One of the most popular trekking routes is the trail to Baisaran Valley, also known as Mini Switzerland, where you get to witness the views of the majestic mountains, rugged terrains and stunning meadows on the way.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kashmir
2. Camping
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If you are exploring Betaab Valley with your family, especially with children and older people, camping is a great activity to indulge in. It is a laid-back yet fun activity in April when the weather is mild and the scenery is breathtaking. Several camping sites are available, offering an opportunity to spend a night under the stars amidst nature.
3. Photography
Photo: Fabrizio Verrecchia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For nature and photography enthusiasts like you, Betaab Valley offers a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of the greenery, steep mountains and blooming flowers. The beauty of this valley explains why the directors chose this spot for shooting the movie, Betaab. You can put your photography skills to the test and capture stunning views with your camera lens. Also, the skies are clear in April, making it easier for you to capture Betaab Valley photos in natural light.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Pahalgam
4. Bird Watching
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Betaab Valley is home to a variety of bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers like you. The spring season attracts numerous migratory birds, adding to the valley’s charm. Some of the popular bird species that you might get to witness are the Himalayan Bulbul, Yellow-Billed Blue Magpie, and White-Capped Redstart. They are usually hiding high up on the pine trees or in the dense forests, so carry your binoculars for a clear view of the birds.
Places To Visit Around
1. Pahalgam
Located near the Lidder Valley, Pahalgam is a charming and popular hill station that’s located in Kashmir. In April, Pahalgam comes alive with vibrant spring colours. Beyond exploring the natural beauty of the meadows and forests, you can also explore the town’s bazaars or visit the golf course that’s quite popular in the town. You can also embark on various trekking expeditions from Pahalgam.
Distance From Betaab Valley: 15 Km
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2. Aru Valley
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No trip to Betaab Valley is complete without visiting Aru Valley. Both of them are easily accessible from Pahalgam, so ensure that you take the time out to explore Aru Valley too. The combination of lush meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks makes this a haven for nature enthusiasts. You can embark on several treks like Lidderwat or Base Camp to enjoy the thrill of the experience.
Distance From Betaab Valley: 11 Km
3. Chandanwari
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Located a short drive from Betaab Valley and Pahalgam, Chandanwari is located at a higher altitude than Betaab Valley and is the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. There’s snow in some spots of this town, which offers a very contrasting view from the lush greenery of the Betaab Valley. Besides embarking on the pilgrimage, you can also admire the mountain views and explore the surrounding glaciers.
Distance From Betaab Valley: 16 Km
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4. Baisaran
Photo: Hellohappy / Wikimedia Commons
Among the popular sightseeing spots from Betaab Valley, Baisaran is one of the most stunning meadows to visit and explore while you are there. In April, the meadows are blanketed in different-coloured wildflowers, which add to the beauty of the place. You can trek to Baisaran from Betaab Valley, which will give you a thrilling experience for a lifetime.
Distance From Betaab Valley: 8 Km
5. Kolahoi Glacier
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Although located slightly far from Betaab Valley, a visit to Kolahoi Glacier is an absolute must the next time you are in the Pahalgam area. The trek to Kolahoi Glacier is fairly challenging, taking you through rugged terrains and dense forests, but it is a rewarding experience. While April might be early for a full-fledged trek, you can explore the lower reaches of the glacier and remain in awe of the beauty around.
Distance From Betaab Valley: 32 Km
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kashmir
Betaab Valley in April features bright-coloured wildflowers, lush green meadows and a serene environment. If you want to explore the beauty of Kashmir and its hyped spots like Betaab Valley during the spring season, ensure that you pre-book your vacation with TripXL for the best deals on the market.
Cover Photo: Nandanupadhyay / Wikimedia Commons