Anantnag District · Kashmir Valley
Aru Valley: Things to Do, Food, Markets & Local Guide
A quiet shepherd's valley above Pahalgam, the trailhead for treks to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi Glacier, and a favourite for camping.
Overview
Aru Valley is a serene meadow-and-river hamlet about 12 km upstream from Pahalgam in Anantnag district. Quieter than Pahalgam itself, it is a base for treks to Lidderwat, Tarsar-Marsar, and the Kolahoi Glacier, and a popular spot for camping and horse riding. Its wooden houses, log bridges, and open meadows make it one of the prettiest corners of the Lidder valley.
Aru Valley on the Map
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Aru Valley
Aru Meadows & Village
View on map →Open riverside meadows, wooden houses, and gentle walks in a quiet setting.
Lidderwat & Kolahoi Trek
View on map →Aru is the trailhead for treks to Lidderwat and on to the Kolahoi Glacier.
Tarsar-Marsar Trek
View on map →One of Kashmir's finest alpine-lake treks starts from the Aru side.
Camping & Horse Riding
View on map →Aru is a favoured base for camping and pony rides into the meadows.
How to Reach Aru Valley
Aru Valley is about 12 km from Pahalgam (a 30 to 40 minute drive), reached by local Pahalgam cab. From Srinagar it is around 100 km via Anantnag and Pahalgam.
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Aru Valley FAQs
What is Aru Valley known for?
Aru Valley is a quiet meadow hamlet above Pahalgam, known as the trailhead for treks to Lidderwat, the Kolahoi Glacier, and Tarsar-Marsar, and as a favourite spot for camping and horse riding.
How do you reach Aru Valley?
Aru is about 12 km from Pahalgam, reached by local Pahalgam union cab in 30 to 40 minutes. From Srinagar it is roughly 100 km via Anantnag and Pahalgam.
Planning to visit Aru Valley?
Our local Srinagar team can arrange your stay, transport, and a route that includes Aru Valley.
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