Aru Valley: A Hidden Gem Near Pahalgam Resort

Aru Valley: A Hidden Gem Near Pahalgam Resort


Blog Home | Haveed Hilal | 10-11-2023


Aru Valley: An Untapped Heaven

Wandering among the top tourist places in Kashmir, we realize that these highly thronged places have become polluted with noise, garbage, and commercial constructions. This leaves us to find some places with their beauty intact and unspoiled. A place where you can enjoy the silent atmosphere amid the echoing valleys, where only the sounds of nature whisper.

In a quest to find a place like this, we come to a destination that is untouched and remains among the tranquil places in Pahalgam. The Aru Valley sometimes called the Adu Valley is an untapped paradise that offers an amalgam of different stuff to enjoy on a vacation. This concise guide will take you on an adventure to this beautiful valley. We will explore the Aru Valley attractions, Aru Valley trekking, eating places, accommodations, and more.

Geography

Aru Valley is a part of Pahalgam Valley, which is integrated into the Greater Himalayan mountain range, falling on the east side of the Kashmir Valley. The Aru Valley is situated at a height of 2,414 meters. This place has a small village among its meadows, glacial streams, green forests, and breathtaking lakes which lie in the higher reaches. These high-altitude heavens are among the top Aru Valley attractions.

Horse Riding

A horse
A horse is standing next to a horserider in Aru Valley. Source: People Places

This fun activity is the most available one in the whole Kashmir Valley. It may seem that horse riding in Aru is the same as in other places but it is a different experience in this untapped place. You will love to move on horseback in one of the most tranquil places in Pahalgam.

Trekking

 Tarsar Lake.
Shining blue, soul-shaking Tarsar Lake. source: Trek The Himalayas

Aru is a hotspot for trekkers as it serves as a base camp for many trekking locations. Aru Valley trekking is very famous among the ardent trekkers which leads to many amazing trekking destinations in Kashmir. Famous places are Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Marsar Lake, Sheeshnag Lake and many others.

Winter Sports

You can also cherish a less-crowded experience of skiing, heli-skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports in this area. It may not be the best place to ski in Kashmir but surely is a crowd-free one. You will be amazed by skiing in Aru which is one of the tranquil places in Pahalgam.

Paragliding

This cool activity is also available to enjoy in the Aru Valley. Counted in the adventure category, this one is another thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts in one of the tranquil places in Pahalgam.

Aru Market

Aru Valley market, a cloth shop on the left, and Kirana store on the right. Source: Go2india

If you read above I mentioned that Aru consists of a small village with a small population that enhances the beauty of the area. There is a market in the Aru Valley where you can find everything from electronics to clothes and beyond. This facility evades the need to move far for shopping, so you may have an undisturbed experience.

Aru River

This river is a small one and a tributary to the Lidder River. The river meets with the Lidder at the Aru Valley. This river enhances the beauty of the location and is one of the top Aru Valley attractions.

Bonus activities

Some other soul-filling activities that you can have in the Aru Valley are camping, angling, and river rafting. The memory-making act of photography is always there to make you happy. Aru Valley attractions present a lot of photography scope. There is also the Overa-Aru WLS, a sanctuary that has precious flora and fauna for wildlife enthusiasts.

Eateries

You do not need to go anywhere else to eat delicious, mouthwatering food. There are numerous cafes and restaurants which serve you well with their all round dishes including the Kashmiri cuisine. The Makki Roti with Nun Chai is a famous one at Aru.

Night Stays

 Aru Valley.
A hut for staying at the Aru Valley. Source: Tale of 2 Backpackers

Elevating your experience, you will be surprised by the affordable and cozy accommodations available at Aru Valley. As it is a less visited place, the costs are not high compared to Pahalgam. Aru Valley, one of the tranquil places in Pahalgam, is surprisingly among the most affordable places for a stay in Pahalgam.

How to reach?

Aru Valley is 12 kilometers away from the Pahalgam market and 112 kilometers away from Srinagar. The road is a little narrow but well-paved and presents amazing scenes. You can reach the Pahalgam taxi stand for a shared cab or a private one, leaving you at the location in about half an hour.

Contact Kashmir Online

For an amazing, magical experience at Aru Valley attractions, travel with Kashmir Online, which is trusted by thousands of souls for planning a perfect trip to paradise. Check our premium, all-around, and all-weather packages here.

Author Profile

Author is a student who loves to explore new corners of learning. He likes writing and travelling while taking challenges that question his abilities and skills. His hobbies are helping people and spending time in nature.