The most picturesque hamlet in Kashmir is Aru Valley. The most popular tourist destination in all of Kashmir is this valley, which is located around 12 miles from Pahalgam. The Aru Valley has continued to be a popular destination for both international and Indian tourists. With its lush grasslands, glittering Lidder river, dancing down to Pahalgam, and pine and fir forest, the valley has some of the most beautiful scenery. There are a few villagers who have established themselves in this valley.
The starting point for the most well-known hikes in Kashmir is the Aru Valley, also known as Aru Valley Pahalgam. From Aru, people can go on treks to places like Tarsar Marsar, Nafran Valley, Kolahoi Glacier, etc. Additionally, the Kolahoi peak top begins from this valley. Just a 10-kilometer walk leads to the renowned Lidderwth from Aru Valley.
Along with its lengthy treks and expeditions, Pahalgam's Aru Valley is renowned for its breathtaking day hikes. The starting point for many of the day treks at Cliffhangers India is Aru. The Lidderwth hike, Gagarpathri hike, Nafran hike, Sunmarg hike, etc. are a few day hikes that depart from Aru.
Because of the peace of its surroundings, the Aru Valley is worth visiting. This valley has a distinctive atmosphere. It is isolated from modernity and has nothing but pristine nature to offer, which is an absolute delight. Many Bollywood celebs have been drawn to this valley to film in it. Aru Valley served as the backdrop for Imtiyaz Ali's well-known film Highway.
Approximately 12 kilometers separate Aru Valley from Pahalgam, which is then 54 km away from Srinagar. The town is situated amid lush meadows with a view of the magnificent Himalayan peaks. Renting a car from Pahalgam will make it simple to get to Aru.
Aru Valley is located at a height of about 2400m. And from Srinagar, the valley is around 112 kilometers away. Aru Valley Pahalgam must be on your bucket list if you travel to Kashmir. You can relax here beside the river and take in the peace and tranquility of the surroundings. Here in the middle of nature, take pictures and movies.
The Aru Valley serves as the base camp for many well-known treks in Kashmir, most importantly the Tarsar Marsar Trek and the Kolahoi Glacier Trek. The valley is one of the most sought-after destinations for adventure seekers because it has so many other small trekking pathways that lead off from it. Click here to check the most affordable packages for trekking in Kashmir.
Aru Valley is very stunning in the summer. The surroundings are lush and green, the air is fresh, and the river is calming to the eyes. After about an hour of hiking, you will arrive at Aru Top. From here, you can see the entire Aru Valley. View this valley at either sunrise or sunset from the peak of Aru. From April to October, you may visit and experience the best of Aru Valley at any time.
Aru Valley is covered in snow in the winter. The region of Aru is the one to visit if you enjoy the winter and want to see snowfall. Aru Valley has a lot of snow, as you will notice.
The winters are quite cold, with occasional snowfall and temperatures that drop below zero. However, this will also be the finest season for snow activities that require adventure. All you need to do is enjoy yourself and dress appropriately for the weather. You may appreciate the valley's lush grass and flowers in the summer. Since the days are warm and there is a soothing cool breeze rather than a chilling chilly wind, you can also stroll and explore the surrounding area. Nevertheless, keep a spare set on hand in case it starts to rain.
The finest thing to do is go through the wilderness; you can go places by doing so. You can also hang back and take in the valley on your own. The location is ideal for a family vacation or a honeymoon pair looking to spend time together. Even solitary travelers can take a seat and reflect on their lives. You'll undoubtedly feel renewed inside. The locals are not in a hurry for anything. Fishing is permitted in lakes and rivers, but only with permission.
This valley transforms into a snow adventure sports haven in the winter. The slopes are ideal for snowboarding or ice skiing. You need not be concerned if you do not have particularly warm clothing. From the experts offering their services for adventure sports, you may either buy them or hire them. All the equipment will be prepared for you by them. There is no season for photography. You are free to take as many photos as you like, in any type of weather. In every season, the view is breathtaking. It will provide an excellent backdrop for your photographs in white or green tones.
Srinagar Airport is the closest airport. After that, you must travel there by car. Between Aru Valley and Srinagar, there are 102 kilometers. The drive takes about 3 hours. Train travel is an alternative. The closest train station is Jammu Tawi, and from there you must travel by road. Because the highway is all-weather, it is a nice and safe route. At a distance of 12 kilometers, Pahalgam is the closest large city. As a result, Pahalgam has all the necessary amenities, including banks, ATMs, and other services.
In my perspective, there are no direct shared taxis that go between Pahalgam and Srinagar. Visitors first get a shared taxi from Srinagar to travel to Anantnag. You might be able to hail a shared taxi from the HP petrol station nearby Jan Bakers. Dal Gate is only a short distance away.
From Anantnag, you must take a different shared taxi to Pahalgam. You will ride in a shared taxi from the Anantnag taxi stand for the approximately 40-kilometer journey.