Aru Valley, Pahalgam
A village and meadow about 12 km above Pahalgam, quieter than town and the start of some of Kashmir's best-known treks.
A village and meadow about 12 km above Pahalgam, quieter than town and the start of some of Kashmir's best-known treks.
Direct answer: Aru Valley is about 12 km from Pahalgam, and Pahalgam is about 95 km from Srinagar. Outside cars, including ours, stop in Pahalgam town; from there you go to Aru by Pahalgam taxi union vehicle, usually on one circuit with Betaab Valley and Chandanwari, or by pony along the Lidder trail. Our taxi rates guide lists the union circuit at about ₹2,200–2,800 per vehicle, paid to the union.
Aru sits where the Aru stream meets the meadows below the Kolahoi side of the range. There is a small village, guesthouses and open grass for a walk, and it stays calmer than Pahalgam town after the day-trip cars leave.
From Srinagar, drive to Pahalgam via Pampore and Awantipora, about 95 km. A same-day return taxi with us is ₹2,500 in a Toyota Etios or Swift Dzire and ₹3,500 in an Innova Crysta, tolls and parking included (see the Srinagar to Pahalgam taxi fare).
From Pahalgam, take the union cab up the Aru road, or ride a pony along the Lidder trail towards Aru, which is paid at the stand. The pony option is explained on our pony ride page.
Yes. Aru has guesthouses and simple stays, and some guests sleep here to start a trek early. Most of our guests still sleep in Pahalgam town and visit Aru in the morning. Our Pahalgam 5D/4N package is ₹19,999 per person (2 sharing, 5% GST included) with the Pahalgam night built in. If you want an Aru night instead, WhatsApp us your dates and we will tell you what is open.
Aru is the usual base for the Kolahoi Glacier trek, via Lidderwat, and for the Tarsar Marsar lakes trek. Both are multi-day summer treks that need a proper trek team; this is not a day walk. For a lakes trek on the Sonamarg side, see our Kashmir Great Lakes trek itinerary, and for all trekking help, WhatsApp us for rates.
Aru gets heavy snow in winter, which is the point for some visitors and a road problem for others. Snow can close or slow the road above Pahalgam, so in late autumn and winter we check the road with Pahalgam before we plan Aru. The Kashmir weather guide has month-by-month conditions, and our Pahalgam village walk post covers quieter corners near town.
About 12 km up the Aru road. Pahalgam is about 95 km from Srinagar.
No. Outside cars stop in Pahalgam town. Aru is reached by Pahalgam union cab, which our taxi rates guide lists at about Rs 2,200 to 2,800 per vehicle for the Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari circuit, or by pony from town.
They are different. Betaab is a fenced riverside park with a ticket. Aru is an open village meadow and trek base. Most guests see both on the same union circuit.
The Kolahoi Glacier trek via Lidderwat and the Tarsar Marsar lakes trek. Both are multi-day summer treks. WhatsApp us for rates.
Yes, heavy snow in winter. The road can close after a big snowfall, so we check it with Pahalgam before planning a winter visit.
For your dates
Quoted
Day visit, an Aru night, or a trek start? Tell us and WhatsApp us your dates.
WhatsApp this plan Email a quote
Plan your trip
Share your travel month and group size — we reply on WhatsApp with a clear itinerary and pricing for your Kashmir tour package.
Or email enquiry@traveletioskashmir.com