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Named after the famous Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ starring Amrita Singh and Sunny Deol, Betaab Valley in Kashmir is a sprawling green expanse near Lidder River that offers panoramic vistas of the Himalayan ranges. Betaab Valley in winter is adorned with thick snow-clad mountains and pine trees covered with mist. The place also serves as a base camp for trekkers looking to explore the rocky terrains of the surrounding mountains. Betaab Valley is also one of the stops of the sacred Amarnath Yatra.
Quick Details About Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley Location: Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir
Elevation: 9500 feet above sea level
Entry Fee: ₹100/person
How To Reach: It takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the valley from Pahalgam via cab, taxi or bike.
Nearest Airport: Badgaam district
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Railway station
Temperature: Maximum 28°C in summer and below 0°C in winter
About Betaab Valley
Photo: Hums4r / Wikimedia Commons
Originally called the Hagan Valley, Betaab Valley is located around 7 km from Pahalgam. Home to lush green meadows and several wildlife species like brown bears and snow leopards, Betaab Valley is a popular tourist destination in Kashmir. It is a part of the stunning Pahalgam trio of valleys, the other two being Aru Valley and Chandanwari Valley. The valley is not only known for its stunning landscape but also a renowned camping site and trekking base for travellers looking for some adventure.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kashmir
Places To Visit Near Betaab Valley In Winter
Betaab Valley has several sightseeing options nearby that are a traveller’s delight due to its awe-inspiring natural beauty.
1. Pahalgam Golf Course
Photo: Kreativeart / Wikimedia Commons
Located at a height of 2,400 m above sea level, the Pahalgam golf course is an 18-hole course with different levels of elevation and stretches required to create a dramatic game. Surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains, golfing at this picturesque locale is a rejuvenating experience. The place was established originally in 1915 and also has a deer park at one end. One of the best times to golf at this beautiful course is during April to November as the weather is pleasant and the golf course is in full bloom.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹150/person
2. Lidder River
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
The beautiful Lidder River skirts the small town of Pahalgam and is located a short distance away from Betaab Valley. It gushes against the backdrop of the lush green Pir Panjal mountain range. The river also houses several species of fish that make for an enchanting sight. One can also indulge in different water sports in this Indus tributary like fishing, horse riding and whitewater rafting. As you trace the course of the river, there are wondrous Pahalgam sights to explore.
Altitude: 1615 m
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar In Winter
3. Aru Valley
Photo: Shail Sharma / Unsplash
Located around 12 km from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is a popular tourist place to explore near Betaab Valley in winter. The place has pristine blue lakes, lush green meadows and snow-clad mountains. The valley is also the base camp for treks to Tarsar Lake and Kolahoi Glacier. Betaab Valley trek is an enchanting experience that you cannot miss here. If you are looking for more exciting things to do in Betaab Valley in winter, this is a famous destination for heli-skiing and skiing.
Entry Fee: ₹25/person
4. Tulian lake
Photo: Raqueeb Mir / Wikimedia Commons
The trek to Tulian Lake from Betaab Valley is a nature lover’s dream come true. There are pine, spruce, fir and chir trees with European-style vegetation. Located at a height of 12,000 ft, the lake has icebergs floating inside it and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks soaring over 15,000 ft. Naturally designed like 8, this is a vast lake and the shape of the river compels you to take a look at its every curve.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
Where To Stay
Photo: Leroy Filon / Pexels / Image For Representation
There are several resorts, private camps and hotels located near Betaab Valley. Some of the good options to stay are Hotel Pine Spring, Hotel brown palace, ITC Welcomhotels, Radisson Golf Resort Pahalgam, Valley View Resorts and The Mansion Hotel. For budget-friendly stays, you can opt for Hamdard Resort, Volga Resort, Al Ayaan Guest Houses, and more.
Where To Eat
Photo: gahdjun / Wikimedia Commons
There are several eating joints and restaurants located near Betaab Valley where one can taste local Kashmiri delicacies and multi-cuisines. Dana Pani restaurant, TroutBeat, Welcomcafe Lolaab, Punjabi Rasoi, and Nathus Rasoi are some of the best options. For budget-friendly eating options, you can visit Sonu Dhaba, Dana Pani Rafting Point, and Heena Hotel and Restaurant.
Suggested Read: Camping In Kashmir
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Abdul Muiz Khan / Unsplash
The best time to visit Betaab Valley is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for indulging in outdoor activities like nature walks, camping, hiking, and trekking.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash
Tourists need to consider a few other factors while planning their trip to Betaab Valley in winter, such as:
- Avoid visiting the valley in the monsoon season as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and make the valley slippery.
- Pack essentials like light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen and insect repellant.
- Betaab Valley is an ecologically sensitive area. Thus, it is important to be mindful of the place and avoid damaging or littering the valley.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kashmir
Also known as Wadi-e-Hajan, Betaab Valley in winter transforms into a snowy wonderland. This popular Kashmiri destination is a favourite spot for trekkers and campers. The chilly and crystal-clear water of the stream flowing through the Betaab valley makes this place a true delight. Plan your trip to this picturesque destination of Kashmir with TripXL and enjoy a memorable trip.
Cover Photo: ImagesofIndia / Shutterstock
