Aru Valley, Pahalgam: Meadows, Ponies and the Start of the Treks

What is Aru Valley, and where is it?

Aru is a small village and a wide, glacier-carved valley at the upper end of the road from Pahalgam. It lies about 12 km from the town, at roughly 2,400 m, along the Lidder, which is narrower and faster here than in Pahalgam. There are a few guesthouses and tea stalls, miles of open meadow and almost no traffic noise. Beyond the road end, the valley becomes a trail.

Aru is cooler than Pahalgam, and noticeably so in the shade and after rain. It is also quieter, which is the main reason to come.

How is Aru different from Betaab Valley and Chandanwari?

Most Pahalgam day trips take in Aru, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari together, by road, from the town. They are different places.

Read our Betaab Valley page if you only have time for one stop. If you can spare a half day, choose Aru.

What can you do in Aru Valley?

• Walk the meadows and the riverbank at your own pace. The easiest paths start at the village.
• Ride a pony up the valley towards the next meadow. Agree the price, route and time before you set off.
• Picnic by the river. Cafes are few, so carry water and snacks.
• Photograph the valley in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer.
• Spot birds in the pines and meadows if you are patient and quiet.
• Fish for trout in the Lidder, which needs a permit; ask us before you plan it.
• Start a trek. Aru is the base for trails up the Lidder valley, including the way to the Kolahoi glacier and the Tarsar-Marsar trek, which need a guide, permits and several days. See our Great Lakes trek page for how we handle multi-day treks.

How do you get to Aru Valley from Pahalgam?

By road, on a single narrow route along the Lidder through pine forest. The drive is about 12 km and takes a little over half an hour in normal conditions, more when the road is crowded. Local cabs from Pahalgam run the Aru trip. Our package tables list the trip to Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari Valley as an extra, paid directly, so it is not in the package price.

Snow can shut or restrict the road in winter, and rain can slow it in summer, so we confirm it on the morning. For the drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam, see our Srinagar to Pahalgam taxi page, and for the wider area, our Pahalgam guide.

When is the right time to visit Aru Valley?

If you are choosing a month for Pahalgam as a whole, our Pahalgam seasons guide guide compares them.

What should you pack for Aru Valley?

• An extra layer: it is colder than Pahalgam, even in July.
• A rain jacket, since showers arrive quickly in the hills.
• Shoes with grip for muddy or wet paths.
• Water, snacks and a hat; food stalls are few.
• Small cash for ponies and tea, because network and cards can be unreliable.
• A power bank, and a plan with your driver for the return time, as mobile coverage is patchy.

How does TDI plan Aru Valley?

We add Aru to the Pahalgam day of your itinerary and confirm the road, the weather and the local transport on the morning. If you want a quiet stay up the valley, tell us and we price it. The packages below all include a Pahalgam stay; the figures are from each package's own price table, per person on twin sharing, ex-Srinagar.

Send your dates through our contact page. If a stay in Pahalgam is what you need, see our Pahalgam hotel booking page.