For budget travellers, the cheapest way to reach Pahalgam is to travel to Jammu by rail and then catch a share taxi (4WD Sumo or Minibus) from the Jammu bus stand to Srinagar which costs Rs. 200-400 pp and get off at Khanabal. This journey takes 6-7 hours. Within Khanabal district, catch a three-wheeler auto to Anantnag Sumo stand (Rs. 30 for an auto) from where you should be able to get another 4WD share Sumo to Pahalgam for Rs. 40-50 per person which drops you off at the Pahalgam Sumo stand in approximately 1-1.5 hours.
These rates vary from season to season with extreme rates in peak season (Mid-April to June). For those without any budget constraints, another option is to hire a personal Sumo from Jammu bus stand to Pahalgam for Rs. 3400 (March 2008). A hired sumo from Anantnag to Pahalgam costs Rs. 500-700 (March 2008)
Sometimes the localites confuse the word Share taxi with a hired taxi. So its easier to explain it to them by saying that you want to travel in a "Service ''gaadi''".
Buses also ply from Jammu bus stand to Pahalgam but they are very uncomfortable and take more time (12-14 hours). The rates are around Rs. 150-200.
Other tourist spots include the fisheries, Bobby hut, Golfcourse, Amusement park. These places can even be covered by a pony ride but its better to walk.
Kashmir is known not only for its natural beauty but a number of other things also. One of them is adventure tourism. In fact, adventure tourism in Kashmir is one of the major draws for the tourists. An array of options exists in the valley for the adventure loving visitors. Some of the places in the valley where the adventure sports facilities are available are Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Drass, etc. The mountain ranges as well as the gushing rivers of the valley provide abundant opportunities for adventure tourism in Kashmir.
The challenge of the turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams they race along tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids.
With the intricate network of mountain rivers flowing through a myriad of different colours of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Lidder River Pahalgam provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.
The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practised mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it frothes and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients.
As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty. The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus April to September are most appropriate. The equipment required is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting wet
Conditions of Travel
Your place is reserved on receipt of your booking. If tours are cancelled on grounds of safety you will receive a voucher to the value of the tour (this does not include travel costs). Please inform our staff of any health problems or if you have limited swimming abilities. White-water activities are not suitable for pregnant women. We cannot be held responsible for loss of valuables or glasses. Route changes, price changes and changes to exchange rates may occur. Minimum ages must be respected. Insurance is the responsibility of passengers Please understand that in the event of your cancellation you will be charged any costs incurred by us Alternatively, you can nominate somebody else to travel in your place at no charge. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that for insurance purposes hydrospeed / Riverboogie may be considered a risk activity that may result in a reduction of your insurance cover or may not be covered at all. Important
Cancellations and changes of bookings can only be accepted by telephone during office hours from 9.00 AM to 12.00 AM and 14.00 PM to 18.00 PM.</do>
Pahalgam has many restaurants, dhabas and coffee shops and all the hotels and guest houses have their own restaurants.