Aru Valley, Pahalgam: Visiting Nature’s Marvelous Creation
Aru Valley is among the best-kept secrets of Kashmir, making it a perfect travel destination for someone looking to spend quality time with fewer crowds. Just 12 km away from Pahalgam at an altitude of 2414 m, there is a beautiful valley with ravishing mountain lines enough to mesmerize visitors.
Not many tourist knows about such a majestic creation of nature, giving you the leisure time to enjoy various activities. During winter, the entire valley gets covered with snow, giving a picturesque view. And in the summer, experience the green, lush environment accompanied by cool, pleasant weather.
Experience the extravagant paradise through the medium of our guide, letting you get an immersive experience of Kashmir’s heaven.
Best Spots in Aru Valley
There is no such thing as the best spot in Aru valley, every point is worth your attention and time. Beautiful rivers straight out from melting glaciers gushing down the streams that are surrounded by ice-capped mountains, a dream destination for anyone seeking peace.
There are certain points that you should not miss during your visit to Aru Valley, Kashmir. Especially if you’re exploring the best places to visit in Pahalgam.
01
Lidder River
People enjoy trout fishing and riverside picnics at the graceful Lidder River, which flows down Aru Valley. The crystal-clear water of the river and neighboring pine forests make for a charming background for relaxation and photography.
02
Tarsar and Marsar Lakes
Visitors can access the mountain lakes through treks starting from Aru where they will find them in their natural pristine beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Many trekkers choose the Tarsar-Marsar trek because they want to experience mesmerizing views and complete solitude.
03
Kolahoi Glacier
Visitors can plan trekking adventures to Kolahoi Glacier from Aru since it represents the biggest glacier in the Kashmir Valley. The trek provides both breathtaking snow-peaked mountain views and a range of landscape features that draw countless adventure seekers.
04
Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary holds an area of 511 km², which provides a habitat for extinct species such as the Kashmir stag (Hangul) and Himalayan brown bear along with many other types of flora and fauna. This place provides complete refuge for anybody interested in both wildlife observation and bird watching.
05
Lidderwat
Lidderwat lies 9 kilometers from Aru, where it operates as the starting point for different treks. Camping and nature walks thrive at this location because its peaceful environment combines with the lush green landscape.
06
Kootpathri & Posh Pathri
One can access these mountain meadows by pony rides while exploring the valley’s countryside essence through spectacular vistas. These natural locations let visitors witness the remarkable beauty of this region.
07
Kastoorwan
Kastoorwan stands as a hidden treasure of a meadow whose mix of dense forest lands creates spaces for private connection with the natural world. For people who want to explore unusual adventures, this destination serves as an excellent base.
08
Thajiwas Glacier
Travelers find Thajiwas Glacier both enchanting and attractive because it lies to the east of Lidderwat. Travelers will enjoy the various natural views that decorate the passage to the glacier because the way to the destination is almost as delightful as reaching it.
09
Aru Village
Visitors can enjoy two main attractions in this appealing village, which combines charming wooden buildings and accessible locals with spectacular mountain scenery. The location serves as an origin for multiple trekking adventures.
If you want to explore the above hidden gems of Aru Valley and you can book a cab service in kashmir for your convenience.
Things to do in Aru Valley
There are plenty of activities to take part in while embracing the beauty of the valley. The activities that are helpful get changed based on the weather and conditions. For example, winter is the perfect time for skiing, and summer is best for trekking around the valley.
So here is the complete list of activities you can take part in at Aru Valley, along with the best time for it.
Horse Riding
There are a couple of horses and ponies around the area for the visitors. You can ride on them to cover the trekking area in a couple of hours or explore the 360-degree view of the valley. Mostly, there are no shortages of horses around the area, but the best time is during summer.
Fishing
Visitors are allowed to fish along the gushing Aru River. It’s surely a fun activity to do with friends and family, even though if you don’t consume fish, you’ll surely have leisure time around the river. You can light a campfire or stack stones to please natural deities.
Paragliding
Don’t miss out on paragliding if you are visiting during summers. Witness the epic beauty from the sky, giving you a panoramic view of the entire valley. It would roughly cost you ₹1000-1500 for a shorter duration, but the experience is surely worth it.
Picnic
The Entire valley is filled with picnic spots and sightseeing, giving you a relaxing time. Enjoy your meal while being surrounded by lush mountains and meadows, along with cool breezes.
Skiing
Winter is the perfect time for skiing and heli-skiing, which rushes adrenaline all over your body.
During your visit to Valley, don’t forget to interact with friendly locals to get the best essence of Aru Village.
Best Time to Visit Aru Valley: Wrapping Up
The feasible time to visit Aru Valley is from October to March, which allows you to explore the nearby regions comfortably and take part in adventurous activities too. However, if you plan to trek around under pleasant conditions and witness some of the gorgeous flora, July to September is the best time for you.
Aru Valley is a must-include in your Kashmir holiday package itinerary, making it a perfect destination to end your trip. This place is not just an escape for city-dwellers, but also home to several endangered species like the Asiatic bear, snow leopard, and fox.
You can easily find plenty of guesthouses and cottages for staying with excellent food. Don’t forget to try authentic Kashmiri dishes and qawah, which makes it the perfect combination with pleasant weather.
Best Places to Visit Nearby Aru Valley
- Lidderwat -7.8 km
- Kolahoi Glacier – 12 km
- Tarsar & Marsar Lakes – 12.4 km
- Chandanwari – 12.5 km
- Pahalgam – 12.6 km
- Baisaran Valley (Mini Switzerland) – 17.7 km
- Betaab Valley – 18.6 km
FAQs
Q1. How to reach Aru Valley?
Ans. First reach Kashmir, then travel to Pahalgam. Aru Valley is just 12 km away; hire a private or shared taxi that will drop you off at your destination.
Q2. What is the average temperature of Aru Valley?
Ans. During winters, the temperature drops to -13 degrees Celsius, and in summers the maximum recorded temperature is 25 degrees Celsius.
Q3. How big is Aru Valley?
Ans. Aru Valley is spread over an area of 511 km².
Q4. What are some must-try foods in Aru Valley?
Ans. Some of the cuisines worth trying in Aru Valley are Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Pulao, Dum Aloo, Yakhni, and Goshtaba.