You know that feeling when you come across a place that just hits different? That's Aru Valley for you. It's about 12 kilometres from Pahalgam, and honestly, most people drive right past it without even stopping. Their loss.
The valley is basically a huge green carpet surrounded by mountains. No fancy hotels or loud crowds - just you, the grass, and some really good mountain air. We've seen people sit there for hours doing absolutely nothing, and somehow it's the best part of their day.
A lot of trekkers use it as their starting point, but even if you're not into hiking, it's worth the visit. When someone asks us about places to visit in Kashmir, this is always on our list.
We include Aru Valley in our Kashmir tour packages because some places you just have to see for yourself. Trust us on this one.
About Aru Valley in Pahalgam
About Aru Valley in Pahalgam, it is more than just a tourist stop. It is a living, breathing mountain village with people who still follow age-old ways of life - grazing cattle, farming, and welcoming travellers with open arms. The village is small, with wooden homes and a few guesthouses, surrounded by wide meadows that bloom with wildflowers in summer.
The simple scenery is what makes Aru Valley so special. Here, we see shepherds guiding their sheep along flower-filled trails, local women carrying firewood, and little ones running after ponies. There is a sense of timelessness in Aru Valley that makes us pause and reflect on what really matters.
Do Checkout: Magnificient Kashmir For 5N/6D
Best Time to Visit Aru Valley
When is the best time to visit Aru Valley? That depends on what you want from the trip.
- April to June is the most popular time. We see the valley bursting with green grass, blooming flowers, and pleasant temperatures for trekking and exploring.
- September to October brings warm days, cool nights, and beautiful fall colours. The valley glows with shades of orange and gold.
- December to February turns Aru Valley Pahalgam, into a winter wonderland. If you love snow, this is your season, though travel may get tricky with heavy snowfall.
Overall, summer is the best time to visit Aru Valley for easy travel and comfortable weather, but there is something magical about each season.
1. Reach Srinagar (Sheikh ul-Alam) Airport
The nearest airport is in Srinagar, about 95 km (60 miles) from Aru Valley, Pahalgam. Srinagar is well-connected by direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
2. Travel from Srinagar to Pahalgam
The journey from Srinagar to Pahalgam covers roughly 95 km via NH 44 and NH 501, taking about 2-3 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Transport options include:
- Private taxi - Most convenient for comfort and flexibility. Expect to pay around ₹2,500-₹3,500 for a one-way trip, depending on vehicle type and season.
- Shared taxi or minibus - Cheaper; shared taxis to Anantnag cost around ₹100, and onward to Pahalgam around ₹80.
- Public buses - Budget-friendly but limited in frequency and slower.
3. From Pahalgam to Aru Valley
Aru Valley is just 12-14 km from Pahalgam, roughly a 30-minute journey by vehicle.
Options here:
- Local shared cabs/jeeps depart from Pahalgam town when full, costing around ₹30-₹100 per person.
- Private taxi from Pahalgam - Flexible, quicker, and about ₹1,000-₹1,500 for a return trip.
- Rent a vehicle (car/motorbike) - You can drive up yourself via a scenic but narrow and steep road. The paved route usually takes 30-40 minutes from Pahalgam.
Important: Taxis from Srinagar cannot enter Aru valley directly due to local regulations-you’ll need to hire from Pahalgam after reaching there.
4. Alternate Routes & Options
- Trekking from Pahalgam: For adventure lovers, trekking to Aru is possible, usually a scenic 3-4 hour hike through valleys and streams.
- Pony rides: You can ride horses from Pahalgam, though the full ride might take longer. Pony rental rates range from ₹500-₹800 one way.
5. By Rail or Long-Distance Road
- By train: The nearest major railway stations are Jammu Tawi (~255 km, taking 7+ hrs) or, soon, the Srinagar station (now part of the Srinagar-Baramulla line, operational June 2025).
- By road from Jammu: About 255 km via the Jammu-Srinagar highway, followed by the Srinagar-Pahalgam route.
Things to Do in Aru Valley
There is a lot to experience, and you might wonder about things to do in Aru Valley. The truth is, this valley offers simple joys and thrilling adventures side by side:
- Trekking: Some of Kashmir’s most spectacular treks start in Aru Valley. The Kolahoi Glacier trek and the Tarsar Marsar lake trek are both bucket-list worthy. These routes lead through green valleys, thick forests, and towards crystal-blue alpine lakes.
- Horse Riding: You can hire ponies to reach nearby viewpoints or to explore the meadows. Pony rides are easy on the legs and allow us to cover more ground while enjoying stunning landscapes.
- Village Walks: Take a walk through Aru village itself. Greet the locals, admire the traditional Kashmiri homes, and watch daily life unfold at a gentle pace.
- Camping: Sleeping under the stars is a magical experience here. With a clear sky, the Milky Way feels almost within reach. Many local guides offer camping packages, so we can stay safe and comfortable.
- Fishing: The Lidder River is rich in trout. If you have a fishing permit, this can be a relaxing and memorable way to spend a few hours.
- Photography: Whether you use a phone or a fancy camera, you will find endless things to capture. Wildflowers, snow peaks, grazing sheep, and wide open skies - all perfect subjects.
By exploring these things to do in Aru Valley, we discover that a slow, simple life can be deeply satisfying.
Also Checkout: 6 Days Tour to the Jewels of Kashmir
Attractions in Aru Valley
Beyond its meadows, Aru Valley holds many beautiful surprises. Let’s look at a few of the best attractions in Aru Valley that we should not miss:
- Lidder River: Running through the valley, this river is both a picnic spot and a source of life for the people and animals here. We can dip our feet, enjoy a meal on the banks, or just sit and watch the water flow.
- Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary: Just a short distance away, this sanctuary protects many species, including the rare hangul deer and the Himalayan monal pheasant. A guided walk here is perfect for nature lovers.
- Kolahoi Glacier: Adventurers can trek toward the glacier from Aru, experiencing changing landscapes from green meadows to snowfields.
- Tarsar Marsar Lakes: Known for their stunning beauty, these twin lakes are best reached with a multi-day trek that starts from Aru.
- Aru Meadows: The wide green meadows themselves are the biggest attraction. Children run barefoot, horses graze freely, and the setting sun paints everything golden.
These attractions in Aru Valley remind us that sometimes nature itself is the greatest wonder of all.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Aru Valley
When it comes to hotels in Aru Valley, choices range from warm, family-run guest houses to luxury resorts, with options to suit every kind of traveller - whether you want a basic stay close to nature or a full-service retreat.
1. Friends Guest House
A star among local options, Friends Guest House is a family-run guesthouse located in pine trees, just above the Lidder River. It’s officially approved by the J&K Tourism Department and has built a reputation for genuine Kashmiri hospitality, comfortable rooms (all with attached baths and hot showers), and DIY-style dining. Guests consistently praise the scenic river and mountain views from the balcony, the helpful staff, and the cosy, homey vibe.
- Rates start around ₹1,400 to ₹3,400 per person, with meals and an extra bed available.
- Facilities include transport help, guides, and a warm living room ambience ideal for evening chats.
- This is one of the top hotels in Aru Valley for those who enjoy a local, homely experience.
2. Rohella Guest House
A solid mid-range pick, Rohella Guest House was well-reviewed by a solo traveller who highlighted clean, bright rooms (with hot water on request), a small garden, and easy access to local hiking guides. It also serves as a starting point for camping treks, with permit support, and has friendly, English-speaking staff.
3. River Front Guest House
Located right along the Lidder River (about 2.5 km from the main cluster of guesthouses), River Front Guest House pairs simple guest rooms with great river views. It offers kitchenette access, a lounge area, bonfire evenings, and clean, serene surroundings - much like camping with added comfort.
4. Hotel Fimi & Snow Mount
For those looking for more comfort, Hotel Fimi is a 4-star property just minutes from the valley entrance, offering a restaurant, bonfire space, and kid-friendly facilities. Similarly, Hotel Snow Mount offers warm hospitality, mountain views, and winter-ready amenities like fireplaces - ideal for cold-season stays.
5. Riverside Heaven, The Footprints & Milkyway
On the higher end of comfort within Aru Valley Pahalgam:
- Riverside Heaven offers scenic river-facing rooms and nature trails nearby - a quiet luxury experience in a hidden spot.
- The Footprints is a luxe campsite 2 km from Aru village, blending outdoor living with full amenities and meals included.
- Hotel Milkyway, located in the heart of Aru, offers full-service rooms with a bonfire and family-friendly setups, rated around ₹4,500/night.
6. Pahalgam-Base Options
If you’re open to staying in Pahalgam and commuting to Aru, there are several fancier hotels and lodges like Welcomhotel by ITC Kashmir - Pine N Peak, Radisson Golf Resort, Green Top Resort, and Hotel Royal Hillton. These feature full-service amenities (restaurants, pools, spas) but are about 12-15 km away, requiring daily travel back and forth.
Tips for Visiting Aru Valley
It helps to plan ahead. Here are a few practical Tips for visiting Aru Valley:
- Bring warm clothes, even in summer. Evenings can be surprisingly cold.
- Carry some snacks and essentials because shops are few shops.
- Cash is important, since there are no ATMs in Aru Valley.
- Respect local traditions and dress modestly.
- Avoid leaving any waste behind - let’s keep the valley clean.
- Book accommodation in advance during peak months.
These simple steps make sure our trip goes smoothly and supports the local community.
Final Thoughts - Why Visit?
Aru Valley is a place that shows us how beautiful simplicity can be. Whether we’re trekking to a faraway glacier, riding a horse through a flower-covered meadow, or just chatting with a local over tea, there is something here for every kind of traveller.
If you are wondering what are the best things to do in Aru Valley, remember that sometimes the best activity is doing nothing at all — just breathing, watching the sunset, and feeling grateful.
Next time you feel tired of your routine, think of this little valley. Remember the river’s song, the children’s laughter, the smell of pine in the air. That’s what will call you back, again and again.
So pack your bags. Leave behind your worries. Go see Aru Valley.
