Aru Valley

Aru Valley is a peaceful meadow village set above Pahalgam, where the Lidder valley opens into rolling green pastures ringed by high mountains. Quieter and more rustic than the main town, it is a favourite base for trekkers heading deeper into the Himalayas, including routes toward Kolahoi and the Tarsar Marsar lakes. Even if you never lace up for a long trek, Aru rewards you with wide meadows, grazing horses, clear streams and clean mountain air. It is the kind of place where you slow right down, walk a little, and let the scenery take over.

Things to do

• Wander the open meadows and pastures that surround the village
• Use Aru as a base for treks toward Kolahoi glacier and the Tarsar Marsar lakes
• Take a pony ride to nearby viewpoints and higher grazing grounds
• Sit beside the Lidder and its clear streams for a quiet break
• Photograph the wide valley, grazing horses and encircling peaks
• Enjoy simple local food and tea at the small guesthouses and stalls
• Spend a slow half-day soaking in the calm, rustic mountain setting

Best time to visit: May to September is best, with green meadows, walkable trails and the trekking season in full swing. October brings crisp autumn air. Winters are cold and snowy, and higher trekking routes stay closed, so plan those for the warmer months.

How to reach: Aru Valley is about 12 km from Pahalgam, a scenic drive of roughly 30 to 40 minutes by local taxi along the upper Lidder. Pahalgam is around 90 to 95 km and about 3 hours from Srinagar, so Aru is usually visited as part of a Pahalgam stay.

How to reach Aru Valley

Aru is about 12 km from Pahalgam along the Aru river side of the Lidder valley. Outside cabs stop in Pahalgam, so Aru is reached by the local union taxi, usually as part of the Betaab, Chandanwari and Aru round. A few simple guesthouses make it possible to stay overnight.

Treks starting from Aru

See the Kolahoi Glacier trek guide and Tarsar Marsar trek guide.

Plan your visit