Aru Valley

Aru is a small village at the head of a wide green meadow, 12 km from Pahalgam up the eastern branch of the Lidder river. Fir forest climbs the slopes on both sides and snow peaks close off the valley. Shepherd families bring their flocks up here in summer.

It is the quietest of the three side valleys reached from Pahalgam, and the one with the most to do on foot. Day visitors walk or ride ponies across the meadow and along the river. Trekkers start from here for Kolahoi Glacier and the Tarsar–Marsar lakes, two of the finest treks in Kashmir.

The union taxi rule

Tourist vehicles from Srinagar, including your package car, are not allowed beyond Pahalgam. Aru, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari are served only by the Pahalgam taxi union at fixed, posted rates, paid locally — not included in any operator’s package price, ours included.

The usual plan is one union taxi for the half day: Chandanwari and Betaab Valley on one road, Aru on the other. A few simple guesthouses and camps in Aru let you stay overnight — worth it if you want the meadow to yourself in the early morning.