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Forested valley with a river in the Pahalgam area

Village · Pahalgam

Aru Valley

Wooden village houses and a big open meadow ringed by peaks.

Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Quick answer

Aru is a wide meadow bowl and traditional village about 11–12 km from Pahalgam at roughly 2,408 m, reached by union vehicle. It's the least commercial of the three valleys and the base for treks to Lidderwat, Kolahoi glacier and Tarsar–Marsar lakes. Mornings are quiet and clear; it's our pick for the start of a valley day.

Aru Valley at a glance

Last checked 29 September 2026
Type
Village & meadow
Where
~11–12 km from Pahalgam; ~2,408 m
Time needed
1.5–2 hours
Best time
Morning
Entry / ticket
Union vehicle per vehicle
Access status
Open
What to expect

What to expect at Aru Valley

Wooden village houses and a big open meadow ringed by peaks.

Pony rides lead further up the valley.

The road follows the West Lidder through a narrowing gorge.

Best months

Best in Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct

  1. GoodJan
  2. GoodFeb
  3. GoodMar
  4. BestApr
  5. BestMay
  6. BestJun
  7. GoodJul
  8. GoodAug
  9. BestSep
  10. BestOct
  11. GoodNov
  12. GoodDec
BestGoodOff-seasonClosed

Photos

Packages

Plans with Aru Valley built in

Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam — Kashmir Tour Plan
Family

Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam

5N / 6DKTP-002

Srinagar 2N • Gulmarg 1N • Pahalgam 2N

HotelTransfersBreakfast & dinnerSightseeing
Indicative from₹21,499per personon twin sharing, deluxe hotels
Family Kashmir — Kashmir Tour Plan
Family

Family Kashmir

6N / 7DKTP-004

Srinagar 2N • Sonmarg 1N • Gulmarg 1N • Pahalgam 2N

HotelTransfersBreakfast & dinnerSightseeing
Indicative from₹25,299per personon twin sharing, deluxe hotels
Kashmir Classic — Kashmir Tour Plan
CLASSICFamily

Kashmir Classic

4N / 5DKTP-001

Srinagar 2N • Gulmarg 1N • Pahalgam 1N

HotelTransfersBreakfast & dinnerSightseeing
Indicative from₹17,599per personon twin sharing, deluxe hotels
FAQ

Aru Valley questions

O
Written by Omar, trip planner in SrinagarChecked on the ground: 29 September 2026 · How we check

About 11–12 km.

Yes, tour cabs can't drive up.

Less than Betaab, especially early.

Yes; it's the base for Lidderwat, Kolahoi and Tarsar–Marsar treks (guides needed).

Morning.

Add Aru Valley to your Pahalgam plan. We'll time it right.

No payment to ask. A real person in Srinagar replies on WhatsApp, 9 am to 9 pm every day.

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Plans that mention this place

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