Aru Valley Gateway to Hidden Himalayan Paradise :

Aru Valley is a picturesque village and a much sought after tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir. It lies 53 km from Anantnag city and about 12 kms from Pahalgam. Being just 30 mins away from Pahalgam it becomes a perfect spot for tourists who are seeking solace from the crowded and popular Pahalgam offering breathtaking views and some peace and tranquility.

Aru valley is formed as two streams converge one flowing from the Aru Glacier and the other originating from the Lidder River. On one side you can see the majestic snow-covered mountain peaks of the mighty Himalayas and the evergreen pine and cedar tree forests and other side being the lush green meadows and serene and calm lakes.

Due to its location Aru Valley becomes a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi glacier, Tarsar marsar lake and Herbaghwan Lake.

There are about 20 alpine lakes, peaks and meadows around the Aru Valley. Apart from trekking which the most preferred adventure sport Paragliding is also popular. In winter when the region receives snowfall, the region is nothing less than a winter wonderland with temperatures dropping as low as -5degree C where tourists can enjoy the snowfall and skiing becomes another favourable activity. 

Since, Aru Valley is known as the base camp for various treks, it is the most sought-after place for trekking enthusiasts. The treks originating from Aru Valley are –

• Tarsar Marsar lake Trek: A 7-day easy to moderate difficulty trek which starts and ends at Aru region. A total distance of 60 km is covered during the trip and it will take you to a height of 4,058 meters above sea level. As it is situated more than 12000 kms above sea level the Marsar lake is often covered by clouds giving it a mysterious vibe. The trek is a delight to the eyes offering mesmerizing views of the snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, crystal clear blue water of the lakes and lagoons, the surrounding vegetations and if lucky one can even spot some endangered species like Brown Himalayan Bear and snow leopards.

• Kolahoi Glacier Trek: Glacier treks are more common and undertaken in the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh state of India. But recently with efforts from the Kashmir government Glacier Trek esp the Kolhoi Glacier Trek is gaining quite the popularity.

A moderate to difficult trek featuring the Kolhoi Glacier in the great Himalayan range at an altitude of 15,400 ft Kolahoi Glacier is considered the main source of the Lidder River, a tributary of the Jhelum River. The Kolahoi Peak is regarded as the highest peak of the Great Himalayan Range. The trek takes about 6-7 days to complete covering 26kms offering stunning views of the majestic mountains, lush meadows and of course the highlight of the Kolahoi peak and glacier.

• Nafran Valley Trek: A 40 km trek spanning for about a week which starts and ends at Aru Village takes one to a relatively secluded and untouched valley called Nafran Valley in the Himalayan region of Kashmir. It's known for its pristine natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and rugged terrain. situated in a mountainous region, likely in a remote part of the Himalayas. The valley is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the vast variety of flora and fauna specific to that region.

Aru Valley can be visited throughout the year though trekking options are best explored from the month of May to September where the weather is favourable. The region can even be visited due to a good road connectivity in winter months too and skiing or just enjoying the snowfall received in the region is best enjoyed then.

Read more about Kashmir: 14 Top Treks in Kashmir 2025