Aru lies on the left bank of the Aru stream, a tributary of the Lidder, and serves as the base camp for treks to the Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Marsar and Lidderwat.
Source: Aru, Jammu and Kashmir
Valley in Kashmir
Aru Valley
Trailhead village for Lidderwat, Kolahoi and Tarsar
Aru is a farming village and meadow at 2,414 m, 12 km above Pahalgam on the West Lidder. It is the trailhead for Lidderwat, the Kolahoi Glacier and the Tarsar and Marsar lakes. Stay one or two nights for dawn walks and herders' camps, or longer to trek.
Photo: KennyOMG · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsAru sits on the left bank of the Aru stream, a tributary of the Lidder, where a side valley opens into a broad meadow ringed by fir forest. The road from Pahalgam ends here. Beyond, everything moves on foot or pony: trekkers heading up to Lidderwat, herders taking flocks to the high pastures, and villagers bringing timber and fodder down. It is the kind of place day-trippers see for an hour and walkers wish they had stayed in for a week.
The village itself is a cluster of timber and stone houses with grass or tin roofs, maize and potato fields, and walnut trees. In summer the upper meadows fill with Gujjar and Bakarwal camps, their horses grazing loose and smoke rising from mud-and-log huts. Around Aru there are about 20 alpine lakes, peaks and meadows within a few days' walk.
Accommodation is simple: JKTDC huts, guesthouses and a few small hotels, some open only in season. Network is weak, and evenings are cold, even in July. That is the point. Aru is where we send travellers who want to slow down, walk at dawn and sit by the stream with a cup of nun chai.
Say it like a local · Gojri / UrduBakarwal
goat herder, from bakri, goat; the name of the nomadic herding community of the Pir Panjal
What to do in Aru Valley
Lidderwat day hike
A trail of about 10 km follows the Aru stream up through forest and meadow to Lidderwat, at the junction of the Kolahoi and Tarsar valleys. Fit walkers do it as a long day return; others camp and continue.
Tarsar and Marsar lakes
A six to seven day trek from Aru crosses high meadows to Tarsar, an almond-shaped lake below steep peaks, and on to Marsar. It is one of Kashmir's finest treks, with most nights above 3,000 m.
Kolahoi Glacier approach
From Lidderwat a trail continues north towards the Kolahoi Glacier, source of the West Lidder, about 35 km from Pahalgam. It is a two to three day trek for fit walkers with a guide.
Herders' summer camps
From June to September, Gujjar and Bakarwal families camp in the meadows above Aru with their flocks and horses. Visit with a local guide, greet first, and ask before photographing anyone.
Winter snow
Aru receives heavy snow in winter, and skiing and heliskiing have been practised here. Access from Pahalgam depends on snow clearance; most visitors come between April and November.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Aru Valley
There are about 20 alpine lakes, peaks and meadows within reach of the Aru valley, and in winter, when Aru gets heavy snow, skiing and heliskiing have been practised.
Source: Aru, Jammu and Kashmir
The Bakarwal and Gujjar herders who camp around Aru speak dialects of Gojri, have been listed as a Scheduled Tribe since 1991, and cross the Pir Panjal passes on their seasonal migrations.
Source: Bakarwal
Experiences
Three days worth having in Aru Valley
Photo: Mike Prince from Bangalore, India · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Aru Valley · 7–8 hours return
Aru to Lidderwat along the stream
A long but steady walk of about 10 km each way leads from Aru village through fir forest and meadow to Lidderwat, where…
Guide ₹1,500–2,500; pony ₹1,200–2,000 optional
Photo: Irfanaru · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Aru Valley · 6–7 days
Tarsar and Marsar lakes trek from Aru
From Aru, this trek climbs via Lidderwat and Shekwas to Tarsar, a deep blue lake below steep peaks at about 3,800 m, th…
Group trek ₹15,000–25,000 per person from Srinagar
Photo: Oliver139 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Aru Valley · 3–4 hours
Meet the herders' camps above Aru
From June to September, Gujjar and Bakarwal families camp in the meadows above Aru with goats, sheep and horses. A slow…
Local guide ₹1,000–1,500
Real prices
What things cost in Aru Valley
ItemIndicative 2026
Union taxi Pahalgam–Aru return₹1,200–2,000 per car
Guesthouse or JKTDC room per night₹1,500–3,500 a room
Local trekking guide per day₹1,500–2,500
Pony with handler per day₹1,200–2,000
Tarsar Marsar group trek from Srinagar₹15,000–25,000 per person
Plate of rajma rice or maggi at a dhaba₹100–250
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Aru Valley
Air
Fly to Srinagar, drive about 95 km to Pahalgam, then 12 km up the West Lidder to Aru. Allow 3 h 30 min to 4 h in total.
Bus
Reach Pahalgam by shared Sumo via Anantnag, then take a local shared or union taxi to Aru. Shared seats run mainly in the morning in season.
Road
The Pahalgam–Aru road is narrow and winding. Union taxis from Pahalgam operate it; Srinagar taxis may not be allowed. In winter the road depends on snow clearance; check current status before you travel.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Aru Valley
Saver: JKTDC huts and family-run guesthouses in the village offer simple rooms with blankets and shared or basic attached bathrooms, often with home-cooked dinner. Comfort: a few small hotels on the meadow edge have attached baths and heaters in season; most comfort travellers stay in Pahalgam and visit Aru by day. Signature: there are no luxury properties; base yourself at the Welcomhotel in Pahalgam and come up early.
Trips that stop here
See Aru Valley on a trip
Photo: Fulvio Spada from Torino, Italy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Comfort
Kashmir · 6 nights · sleeps to 2,730 m
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Kashmir in autumn: saffron, chinars and Aru
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From, per person₹39,000Oct – Nov
Questions
Aru Valley, answered
Is Aru Valley worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like walking. The meadow itself is pleasant, but Aru's real value is as a base for dawn walks, Lidderwat and herders' camps. Day-trippers get an hour; a night or two shows the valley quietly after the taxis leave.
How far is Aru from Pahalgam?
About 12 km, 30–40 minutes by taxi on a narrow road along the West Lidder. Pahalgam union taxis run it; return fares are roughly ₹1,200–2,000 per car or included in the full Aru–Betaab–Chandanwari circuit.
Can we stay overnight in Aru?
Yes. JKTDC huts, guesthouses and a few small hotels operate, mainly from April to November. Rooms are simple and heating is limited, so ask for extra blankets. Book ahead in June and on long weekends.
Is Aru safe to visit now?
Aru has generally remained open, but access to meadows and trails in the Pahalgam area has been restricted at times. Check current advisories before you travel, confirm with your hotel in Pahalgam, and register your trek with local authorities where required.
What altitude is Aru, and is altitude sickness a risk?
Aru is at 2,414 m, below the level where most people have trouble. Treks from Aru go above 3,500 m, where altitude sickness is a real risk. Ascend gradually, drink water, and talk to your doctor before trekking if you have a medical condition.
Does Aru have snow?
Yes, heavy snow from about December to March, when skiing and heliskiing have been practised. The road may close after heavy snowfall. Spring meadows from April to June often have snow patches on the upper slopes.
Is there network and electricity in Aru?
Electricity is available but cuts are common. Postpaid mobile coverage is weak and patchy; many guesthouses have no Wi-Fi. Carry a power bank and treat it as a digital break.
What is the best time to visit Aru Valley?
May and June for green meadows and snow on the peaks, July and August for treks, and September and October for clear skies and autumn colours. Winter is beautiful but harsh, with limited stays.
Can families with children stay in Aru?
Yes, the meadow is safe for children to play on and short walks are easy. Keep children away from the stream, which is cold and fast, and pack warm clothes. Basic rooms and limited food choices suit families who are relaxed about comfort.