Aru Valley Pahalgam is a beautiful place located 12 km away from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. This serene and scenic village is a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to enjoy Kashmir’s true beauty and charm away from the chaos and crowds of popular tourist places.
Aru Valley is located in the heart of the Lidder Valley, at 2,400 meters above sea level. Au Village is famous for some treks, including the Kolahoi Glacier Trek and Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek, so take some time and include the Aru Valley on your Pahalgam tour. it is best for family, couples and adventure activities. we are going to talk about Best places to visit in Aru Valley,Kashmir valley,Aru weather treks
About Aru Valley Pahalgam
Aru Valley Pahalgam is nestled between snow-capped mountains and dense grasslands. This valley is the meeting point of two branches of the Lidder River, which originate from the north and west of the village.
Aru Valley is also a starting point for a trek to Kolahoi Glacier. Adventure enthusiasts can trek from Aru Valley Pahalgam to Sonamarg, which will be completed in three days.
A wildlife sanctuary also protects the valley, as the valley is home to some of the distinct species of wild animals such as brown bear, black bear, Musk deer, leopards, Snow leopards, and wolves.
Aru Valley is also famous for camping activities. Trekkers and nature lovers can enjoy camping here amidst lush greens, snow-covered mountains, and crystal-clear streams.
You can visit Aru Valley Pahalgam in summer when the weather is cool and pleasant and enjoy different activities. In winter, the land freezes due to snowfall, becoming a skiing paradise for ski lovers.
Why Visit Aru Valley
Plan for a trip to Pahalgam valley then you should to visit the Aru Valley here are some points you can read
Breathtaking Landscapes:
Filled with beautiful valleys, green meadows, full grown forests and the streams flowing down, Aru Valley is paradise on earth and enchanting enough to keep fascinating everybody.
Trekking and Camping Hub:
Favoured by adventure lovers are Kolahoi Glacier Trek and Lidderwat Trek.
Aru Wildlife Sanctuary:
This is a source of unique Himalayan flora and fauna, and help make it a wildlife and bird watching enthusiast’s haven.
Offbeat Charm:
It is an offbeat destination which can be very pleasing for those people who are fond of travelling alone and don’t want to get lost in the crowd of tourists spots.
Check Out Our: Pahalgam Tour Packages
Things to do in Aru Valley Pahalgam
Aru Valley Pahalgam offers a variety of travel activities for tourists of all ages and interests. Some of the activities that you can experience in this Valley are
- Horse Riding- Horse riding in this Valley is a popular tourist activity that allows tourists to witness the beauty of this valley in a exciting and unique way. You can enjoy the picturesque views of Aru Valley Pahalgam with lush meadows, pine forests, and alpine landscapes on horseback.
Pony riding allows you to immerse in the natural beauty of this village with a glimpse of local culture and surroundings. The best time to do horse riding in This Valley Pahalgam is from March to November when the weather is warm and the horses are available.
- Camping- Camping in Aru Valley is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the stress of daily life and reconnect with nature in a serene setting that provides mental peace.
Aru Valley Pahalgam is a camper’s dream place as it provides various camping sites which are surrounded by mighty mountains with fresh meadows and sparkling streams.
Camping in Aru Pahalgam is a beautiful experience to enjoy the solitude and pure beauty of this village with a touch of local culture and cuisine.
There are various camping sites in the Valley where tourists can pitch their tents. These sites offer basic facilities such as clean water and restrooms.
The best time to go for camping in Aru Pahalgam is from May to September when the climate is comfortable and the nights are clear.
- Photography- Whether you are a professional or an amateur photo lover, the Valley offers a wealth of photography opportunities as the valley is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty such as dense meadows, snow-clad mountains, and clear streams.
With its varied light conditions from soft morning tones to golden sunset hues, Aru Valley offers captivating photography conditions.
- Skiing – Skiing in Aru Valley Pahalgam is a delightful experience to enjoy winter and snowfall. It is an adventurous activity that offers enchanting views of this beautiful valley. The best time to enjoy skiing in Aru Valley is from December to March when the weather is cold and the snow is frozen which is perfect for skiing.
- Fishing- Fishing in Aru is a peaceful activity to enjoy the beauty of water and wildlife. Trout fishing is the primary activity in Aru Valley attracting anglers from far of places. The best time to enjoy fishing in Aru Valley is from April to October when the weather is warm and the fishes are active.
- Birdwatching: Aru Valley offers various opportunities for travel activities. One of the most enjoyable activities to enjoy here is birdwatching as the valley is home to several species of birds. Some of the birds that you can find here are the Crescent Serpent eagle, Himalayan Mogal, and Koklass Pheasants. Bird lovers from all over Kashmir visit Aru Valley to capture some beautiful pictures of these rare birds.
Travel Attraction to visit in Aru Valley
Several places in Aru Valley Pahalgam are worth visiting during your trip to Aru. Some of these are mentioned below
Aru Forest: If you are a nature lover, you must visit the forest of Aru which is home to scenic natural beauty as the land here is covered with many mighty cedar and pine trees.
Aru River: the Valley is a perfect example of natural wonder as the place offers immense beauty making tourists mesmerized. Aru River is a beautiful water body in Aru which is a tributary of the Lidder River and here you can enjoy nature walks, and photoshoots along the banks of the river.
Aru Temples: Apart from scenic natural beauty, the Valley also has religious and cultural significance. There is a small Shiva temple which is a cave representing the spiritual importance of the place. Visitors can pay their visit to this temple during their this Valley trip.
Check Out: Things to do in Kashmir
How to Plan a Trip: Travel Tips
Visiting Aru Valley offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Kashmir’s natural beauty and tranquility.
- Packing Clothing: Layered clothing is essential. Pack light cotton clothes for summer and warm woollens if visiting during fall or winter
- Trekking and Adventure Activities: Aru Valley is famous for its trekking routes, such as the Kolahoi Glacier Trek and the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek.
- Camping: Aru Valley offers terrific camping spots. If you plan to camp
- Hotel Stays: stay in one of the cosy homestays or guesthouses in the valley.If you prefer luxury, Pahalgam (12 km away) offers several 4- and 5-star hotels.
- Weather Precautions:The weather in Aru Valley can be unpredictable, especially during the monsoon and winter months.
Best time to visit Aru Valley
the Valley is a year-round destination for travelers. However, the best time to visit this village depends upon your preferences and the type of activities you want to enjoy.
Spring(march to May)
Spring is the most ideal time for visiting this beautiful Valley as the weather is mild with blossoming flora. This season is best for trekkers, nature lovers, and bird watchers as the valley remains alive with colorful and lush flowers. Trout fishing is also mostly done in the spring season as the weather is favorable and fish are active.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season in this beautiful Valley as the temperature is warm and the valley is vibrant with lush meadows. This valley is most verdant in the summer season and is perfect for camping, horse riding, and trekking.
Autumn( September to November)
In the autumn season, the weather in Aru is relatively cool with clear skies. This season is a transition from monsoon to winter and the valley is adorned with golden and red hues. This season is ideal for trekking and camping as the weather is crisp and the views are eye-catching.
How to reach Aru Valley from Pahalgam
The Valley is situated 12 km away from Pahalgam town. You can reach Pahalgam by air, road, or rail from any city in India.
By road- the distance between Srinagar and Pahalgam is 95 km and from Jammu it is 255 km. You can book a cab or private car from Srinagar or Jammu to reach Pahalgam. The road to Pahalgam is well-maintained and scenic passing through the towns of Anantnag, Bijbehara, and Mattan. Once you reach Pahalgam, you can take a pony ride to reach thisValley which will take one hour to reach. You can also book a taxi to this valley which will take about 30 minutes to reach.
By Air- Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport to Pahlagam. You can take a flight to Srinagar from Mumbai, Delhi, or any other city. From Srinagar, you need to book a cab to reach Pahalgam which is 95 km and will take you 3 hours to reach.
By rail- the nearest railway to Pahalgam is Jammu Tawi which is about 255 km away. you can take a train to Jammu via Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh or any other city in India. From Jammu Tawi, you can book a bus or taxi to reach Pahalgam which will take 7 hours to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Aru Valley?
The best time to visit this Valley depends on your preferences. Spring and summer (March to August) are popular for pleasant weather and outdoor activities, while autumn (September to November) offers vibrant foliage. Winter (December to February) is ideal for snow-related activities.
Are there accommodations available?
Yes, there are accommodations available in this Valley ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Camping is also a popular option for accommodation, offering a closer connection to nature.
do I need a permit to visit?
no special permit is required for Indian nationals to visit this Valley. However, foreign tourists may need to check the latest regulations and secure any required permits due to the sensitive nature of the location near the Line of Control (LOC). It is always advisable to check the latest travel advisories and regulations before planning a trip.
What is the entry fee for visiting?
the Valley is situated 12 km from Pahalgam and it takes about 30 minutes to reach there. You will need to pay an entry fee of Rs. 25 per head to enter Aru Valley.
Can we visit Aru Valley in the winter season?
Yes, the Valley is accessible in winter also and it receives a good amount of snowfall. Those who are snow lovers, can enjoy snow skiing and heli-skiing in the winter months.
Is it safe to visit Aru valley?
Yes, it is safe to visit Aru and there are no travel restrictions to this place. You can visit here all year round and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
Nearest Travel Attractions
- Betaab Valley Betaab Valley or Hagoon Valley is a beautiful place which is situated 15 km from Pahalgam. Tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of lush green meadows, snow-clad mountains, verdant landscapes, and sparkling streams.
- Chandanwari: Another attraction to explore near Aru valley is Chandanwari which is a mesmerizing hidden gem of Pahalgam located just 16 km away from it. The place features snow-capped hills along with the scenic beauty of Sheshnag Lake. It is also a base camp for the annual Hindu pilgrimage Amarnath Yatra.
- Sheshnag Lake: This beautiful alpine lake is worth visiting near Aru valley. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and pine trees. It is perched at an altitude of 3, 658 meters above sea level and is a famous trekking destination.
- Baisaran Valley: situated 18 km from Pahalgam, it is an eye-catching place with lush meadows and dense green pine forests. Its landscapes resemble those of Switzerland and that is why it is famously called “Mini Switzerland”.
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