Aru is a small village set in open meadows about 12 km above Pahalgam. The road follows the West Lidder river upstream and climbs through pine and fir forest.
At the top the valley opens into wide green slopes with mountains all around. It is quieter than Pahalgam town. You will see shepherds' huts, grazing horses and a few simple guesthouses, and you can hear running water from almost everywhere.
Most visitors come up for a half day. They walk the meadows, take a pony ride or have a picnic by the water. Trekkers use Aru differently. It is the usual starting point for the walk to Lidderwat, and from there trails lead on to the Tarsar and Marsar lakes and towards the Kolahoi glacier. If you want a slower day in the hills, or want to see where some of Kashmir's well-known treks begin, Aru belongs on your Pahalgam plan.
What to see and do.
Walk the open meadows around Aru village and look up the valley at the surrounding peaks and forest.
Sit by the river or one of the streams for a picnic, a flask of kahwa or some photographs.
Take a short pony ride with the local pony operators into the slopes above the village.
Enjoy the pine forest and river views on the drive up from Pahalgam. Ask your driver if you would like a short photo stop.
See shepherds' huts and grazing herds, a glimpse of the valley's summer pastoral life.
Start the trek to Lidderwat, the usual first stage for both the Tarsar-Marsar lakes trek and the Kolahoi glacier trek.
Pair Aru with Betaab Valley and Chandanwari to make a full day of Pahalgam sightseeing.
From the valley
Local tips.
What we tell our own guests before they head to Aru Valley.
Plan for a local union taxi from Pahalgam to Aru. Ask about current rates and rules on the day, because they can change.
Carry a warm layer even in summer, because the weather can turn cool and wet quickly at this height.
Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip. The meadows can be uneven and muddy after rain.
Mobile signal can be patchy up the valley, so keep your driver's and hotel's numbers saved and agree on pickup times in advance.
If you plan to trek beyond Aru, go with an experienced local guide, never trek alone, and check the current registration or permission rules before you set out.
Trips
1 trip goes to Aru Valley.
From ₹11,999 per person · twin sharing. Every plan can be changed to suit your dates, and the final price is confirmed in writing.
Prices shown are starting prices, per person on twin sharing unless marked per couple or per group. Your final quote depends on travel dates, hotel category, vehicle and group size.
Good to know
Aru Valley, answered.
Anything else? WhatsApp us: a real person from the Batakote office will answer.
Can we visit Aru Valley as a day trip from Pahalgam?
Yes. Most visitors spend a few hours there, and many combine it with Betaab Valley and Chandanwari on the same day. A local union taxi from Pahalgam is usually needed for this sightseeing.
Is Aru suitable for elderly travellers and small children?
Generally yes. The road goes right up to the village, and families can stay on the gentler meadows near the water. The air is cooler and thinner than in the plains, so walk at an easy pace. Pony rides are available for those who want to go a little higher. Keep children and older riders with the pony handler at all times.
Do treks really start from Aru?
Yes. Aru is the usual starting point for the walk to Lidderwat, which leads on to the Tarsar-Marsar lakes and towards the Kolahoi glacier. These are multi-day treks for reasonably fit walkers. Do them with a guide, stay off glacier ice and snow bridges, and check current rules and conditions before you go.
4 days · 3 nights
Srinagar · Pahalgam · Aru Valley · Betaab Valley · Chandanwari 
Betaab ValleyA green meadow on the Lidder, just up the road from Pahalgam
ChandanwariSnow bridge, pine forest and the start of the Amarnath trail
Srinagar & Dal LakeShikaras, houseboats and Mughal gardens in the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir