About Aru Valley
- Suggested Duration: 3-4 hours
- Tickets: Entrance Counter
- Nearest Railway Station: Udhampur Railway Station, 181 kms away
- Nearest Airport: Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, 104 kms away
- Nearest Bus Stop: Pahalgam Bus Stand, 14 kms away
Situated in Jammu & Kashmir near Pahalgam, Aru Valley is a peaceful and scenic destination surrounded by lush meadows, snow-capped mountains, and clear streams. The valley serves as a base camp for famous treks like the Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, and Sonamarg trek, attracting trekkers from all over the world.
Apart from trekking, you can enjoy horse riding, camping, fishing, and bird-watching in this valley. During the winter season, the valley transforms into a skiing and heli-skiing hub, which makes it a must-visit for adventure lovers. Here, you will also find the Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve, where you can spot some of the rarest and endangered wildlife species of the valley.
For those exploring Kashmir tour packages, Aru Valley is a must-visit destination that offers breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and a peaceful escape into nature.
Aru Valley Highlights
• Admire the breathtaking meadows, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear streams that make Aru Valley a paradise for nature lovers.
• Embark on thrilling treks to Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Marsar Lake, and Lidderwat, where adventure meets breathtaking scenery.
• Enjoy exciting winter sports like skiing and heli-skiing as the valley transforms into a snowy wonderland during the winter months.
• Experience the thrill of horse riding and camping while soaking in the views of serene landscapes and fresh mountain air of the valley.
• Spot rare wildlife at the Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve, which is home to endangered and diverse range of species.
How To Reach Aru Valley
By Road: Aru Valley is located at a distance of about 13 kilometres from the Pahalgam city centre. You can easily reach the valley by a car in approximately 22 minutes via the NH501 route.
Best Time To Visit Aru Valley
Peak Season (July to September)
- Weather Insights- Mild temperatures, lush green landscapes, blooming flowers and occasional rain.
- Things to Do- Horse riding, photography, birdwatching, and hiking
Moderate Season (April to June)
- Weather Insights- Pleasant weather, refreshing ambience, and comfortable temperatures, meadows of rhododendrons and spring flowers.
- Things to Do- Nature walks and paragliding
Low Season (November to March)
- Weather Insights- Freezing temperatures, chilly winds and snow-covered landscapes.
- Things to Do- Skiing & heli-skiing, snowboarding, sightseeing
Aru Valley Other Essential Information
Why Visit?
- Aru Valley is home to traditional Kashmiri villages, where you can experience authentic local culture, food, and warm hospitality.
- Some believe that the valley was once a resting place for sages and travellers due to its tranquil surroundings.
Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will need to walk a lot to explore the valley.
- Bargain for pony rides as owners may quote high prices, to ensure best prices.
- Hire a taxi from Pahalgam since outside taxis are not allowed in Aru Valley.
- Check the weather and road conditions before visiting, especially in winter when roads may be blocked.
- BSNL postpaid is the only working network, so plan accordingly.
- Confirm activity prices beforehand, especially for skiing or other adventure sports.
- Permits are not required unless trekking to restricted areas or fishing.
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Experience the thrill of trekking
Trekking in Aru Valley is one of the best things to do in Pahalgam for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is the base camp for famous treks like Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Vishansar lake, and Kishansar Lakes. For a short trek, you can try Green Top, which is a moderate level one-day trek. On the other hand, Lidderwat is a longer and more difficult 8-kilometre trek that requires two days to be completed.
Spend the night camping
You can include camping in Aru Valley in your Kashmir family tour packages to experience its peaceful beauty and serenity away from the crowds. While there are no official campsites, locals and travel agencies can arrange camping if informed in advance. Spending a night under the starry sky, surrounded by lush meadows and mountains, is indeed a memorable experience that you should not miss.
Go horse riding
If you are visiting Kashmir in May, make sure to try horse riding in Aru Valley. Here, local pony owners offer rides to various viewpoints which might get difficult to reach by foot. Additionally, by riding a pony you get to explore and uncover all the secluded corners of the valley.
Soar high with paragliding
Paragliding in Aru Valley is an exciting adventure that lets you fly over the stunning meadows and snow-clad mountains. This fun ride offers you uninterrupted panoramic views of the valley for around 15 minutes. However, you can also choose the duration and enjoy this exhilarating activity in the Aru Valley.
Indulge in skiing and heli-skiing
During the winter season, typically starting from December to March, the snowy slopes of the Aru Valley offer an exciting skiing experience. On the other hand, heli-skiing takes you to untouched mountain terrains on a helicopter and gives you a thrilling ride down remote slopes.
Tourism Board Alliances
Aru Valley FAQs
Why is Aru Valley famous?
Aru Valley is one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam, famous for its beautiful meadows, lakes, and mountains. It is a popular tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir, situated just 12 kilometres from Pahalgam. The valley is a base camp for popular treks like Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. In winter, it becomes a famous place for skiing and heli-skiing.
What is the entry fee for Aru Valley?
The entry fee for Aru Valley is INR 25 per person. Within this price, you can take a tour of the misty valleys, snow-capped mountains, and pristine meadows. In the Aru Valley, you can also indulge in a variety of activities, like skiing, bird watching, horse riding, and a lot more.
Which is better Aru Valley or Betaab Valley?
Both Aru Valley and Betaab Valley are top places to visit in Kashmir. Aru Valley is more peaceful, while Betaab Valley is more popular with tourists due to its accessibility. Aru Valley is a perfect choice if you want fewer crowds and more natural beauty. It has fewer hotels and is a base for trekking activities. On the contrary, Betaab Valley is easier to reach and is famous for Bollywood movies.
How to reach Aru Valley from Pahalgam?
The best way to reach Aru Valley from Pahalgam is by hiring a local taxi, which takes around 22 minutes to cover a distance of about 13 kilometres. You can also rent a pony or trek to the valley, but a taxi is the most comfortable and quickest way to enjoy the scenic ride.
What is the cost of a pony ride in Aru Valley?
The cost of a pony ride in Aru Valley can vary between INR 500 to INR 800, depending on the ride duration and your bargaining skills. Riding a pony is a great way to explore the scenic beauty of the valley, especially for those who cannot trek long distances. The prices may also vary during the peak tourist season.
Aru Valley Reviews
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