Discover Aru Valley: Your Complete Guide to Kashmir’s Paradise
Discover Aru Valley
What comes to your mind when you hear the lyrics “ Yeh haseen vadiya, yeh khula aasma”? Most of us think of the paradise on earth, Kashmir. From Bollywood to people’s hearts, Kashmir has always been spreading its magic. Among its many magical places that can truly leave you breathless is Aru Valley, a treasure trove, a complete value for your Kashmir tour package.
Unlike other places in Kashmir, Aru Valley in Kashmir is mainly known for its untouched serenity. The beauty of Aru Valley is not just limited to its serene beauty but also its rich biodiversity. This paradise of Kashmir paints its meadows with vibrant flora and fauna during spring and summer. Colorful wildflowers, butterflies, birds, and animals will soothe your soul with a sense of tranquility
Aru Valley: Pahalgam’s Hidden Gem 100
Nestled in the heart of Kashmir lies one of the most pristine valleys in Kashmir which is just 12 km from the main market of Pahalgam. As you wander down the mystic roads of Pahalgam in a taxi, you reach the unparalleled beauty of the Aru Valley. The lesser-known status of this place makes it a charming retreat for people who seek serene natural hues.
Aru Valley in Pahalgam is a place of lush green meadows, crystal clear streams of water, snow-capped peaks, and scenic trekking trails. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Aru Valley in Pahalgam is a place where you can calm your mind and connect with the blessings of nature. Aru Valley sightseeing should be a must in your things to do in Pahalgam if you are a true nature enthusiast or adventure seeker.
How to Reach Aru Valley?
How to Reach Aru Valley
To reach Aru Valley the only route is by road, crossing the landscapes of Pahalgam. You can take a private or shared taxi from Srinagar to Pahalgam. The distance between Srinagar to Aru valley in Pahalgam is approximately 107 km.
The distance from Srinagar to Pahalgam is approximately 96 km which in a shared taxi will take around 2 to 3 hours and cost around ₹100. Again from Pahalgam to Aru valley, it is 12 km more which will take around 30 mins and a shared vehicle will cost you around ₹40.
Hope this answers your confusion about how to reach Aru Valley once you reach Aru village you can get a stay and are all set for Aru Valley sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Aru Valley
Best Time to Visit Aru Valley
The best time to visit Aru Valley is during the summer months May to October.
During this time the valley experiences mild temperature with clear skies and crisp air. The picturesque setting of lush greenery and blooming wildflowers makes summer the ideal time to visit Aru Valley in Pahalgam.
During the winter season, Aru Valley gets enchantingly covered with snow making it challenging for travelers to explore properly. Due to its characteristic cold temperature and snowfall in Kashmir roads may get closed making it difficult to reach here.
Places to explore in Aru Valley
Places to explore in Aru Valley
There are a lot of places to explore in Aru Valley, Starting from the mesmerizing landscapes to the continuous trail of snow-capped mountains.
- Aru River
Aru Valley in Kashmir has a lot to offer to nature lovers such as the Aru River, which is a tributary of the Lidder River and is perfect for tranquil walks.
- Aru Forest:-
Aru forest is one of the best places to see in Aru valley as the land here is covered with huge cedar and pine trees giving you the literal meaning of the term natural beauty.
- Aru temples:-
Aru Valley is unique in its culture and heritage along with its panoramic landscapes. It has a small cave of Shiva temple signifying the spiritual connection of its natives.
Places near Aru Valley to visit
Places to explore in Aru Valley
Some of the best places near Aru Valley to visit are:-
Betaab valley
Distance from Aru Valley The approximate distance is 18 km via the national highway
Address:- Laripoha, Pahalgam
Chandanwari
Chandanwari
Distance from Aru Valley:- Approximately 12 km via national highway
Address:- Chandanwari, Jammu and Kashmir
chandanwari
Baisaran valley
Distance from Aru Valley:- Approximately 18 km via Baisaran road
Address:- Baisaran, Anantnag District, Jammu and Kashmir
Places to explore in Aru Valley
Sheshnag
Distance from Aru Valley:- The approximate distance is 21.5 km.
Address:- Anantnag District, Jammu and Kashmir
sheshnag
Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance from Aru Valley:-The approximate distance is 14 km.
Address:-Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir
These are some of the most common Aru Valley nearby places.
Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Things to do in Aru Valley
Some of the most interesting things to do in Aru Valley are:-
Explore the landscape of this paradise
From the rustling of leaves, chirping of birds, and an occasional sighting of wild animals you can explore the landscapes of this region which makes most of the Aru Valley tourist places.
Interact with Locals
Interact with Locals
One of the coolest things you can do while visiting new places is interact with its locals. Learn local greetings, learn their cultural norms and practices, be part of community gatherings if possible, and many more.
Birdwatching
If you are a bird lover then this place can be a haven for you. Some of the bird species that you can witness here are Himalayan Mogal, Crescent Serpent Eagle, Koklass Pheasants, etc. Birdwatching is also one of the coolest things to do in Kashmir for knowledge enthusiasts.
Horseback Riding
Take the complete feeling of Kashmir’s countryside with horseback riding in Aru Valley which may cost you around ₹400 per person
Trekking
Aru Valley is the base camp for various trekking trials and offers excellent options for short treks and long treks. Some popular trekking routes include the Aru-Tarsar Marsar Trek, Aru-Lidderwat Trek, and Aru-Kolahoi Glacier Trek. It is the unfiltered beauty of its trials that makes Kashmir a heaven on earth.
Photography
Places to see in Aru Valley are blessed with verdant beauty and give photographers mesmerizing pictures of its scenic vistas. It is also a hub for nature photographers because of its rich biodiversity.
Photography
Camping
Aru Valley in Kashmir offers a lot of picturesque camping places for you to enjoy. But some of the factors that should be kept in mind before going camping. Such as weather conditions, choosing a safe and level camping site, etc
Entrance Fee of Aru valley
There’s no such entrance fee for Aru Valley but sometimes you might have to pay ₹25 to ₹50 per person.
What makes Aru Valley a must-visit destination in Kashmir?
Aru Valley is rich in not just meadows, streams, and landscapes but also biodiversity and culture. This makes Aru Valley one of the must-visit destinations in Kashmir.
How can I reach Aru Valley, and what is the best time to visit?
You can reach Aru Valley via Pahalgam and the best time to visit is the summer season between April to October.
What activities can I enjoy in Aru Valley?
Some of the activities that you can enjoy in Aru Valley are:-Birdwatching,Nature walks,Trekking,Horse riding,Photography
Are there any accommodations or facilities available in Aru Valley?
Yes there are multiple resorts, guest houses, and hotels with excellent services in Aru Valley