Are you looking for a serene and scenic destination in Kashmir that is away from the crowds and chaos of the popular tourist spots? If yes, then you should definitely visit Aru Valley, a beautiful valley near Pahalgam that offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and crystal clear streams.
Aru Valley is a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and peace seekers who want to experience the true beauty and charm of Kashmir. In this article, we will provide you with a complete travel guide to Aru Valley, covering everything you need to know about how to reach, when to visit, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in this hidden paradise.
How to Reach Aru Valley
Aru Valley is located about 12 km from Pahalgam, which is the nearest town and a popular tourist destination in Kashmir. You can reach Pahalgam by air, rail, or road from different cities in India.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Pahalgam is Srinagar Airport, which is about 95 km away. You can take a flight to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or other major cities in India. From Srinagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pahalgam, which will take about 3 hours.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Pahalgam is Jammu Tawi, which is about 255 km away. You can take a train to Jammu Tawi from Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, or other major cities in India. From Jammu Tawi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pahalgam, which will take about 7 hours.
By Road:
You can also drive to Pahalgam from Srinagar, Jammu, or other nearby cities in Kashmir. The road to Pahalgam is well-maintained and scenic, passing through the towns of Anantnag, Bijbehara, and Mattan. The distance from Srinagar to Pahalgam is about 95 km, and the distance from Jammu to Pahalgam is about 255 km.
Once you reach Pahalgam, you can take a taxi or a horse to Aru Valley, which is about 12 km away. The taxi fare is about Rs. 500 for a round trip, and the horse fare is about Rs. 300 for a one-way trip. The road to Aru Valley is narrow and winding, but offers spectacular views of the Lidder River, the pine forests, and the mountains. The travel time from Pahalgam to Aru Valley is about 30 minutes by taxi, and about an hour by horse.
Best Time to Visit Aru Valley
Aru Valley is a year-round destination, as it offers different attractions and activities in different seasons. However, the best time to visit Aru Valley depends on your preference and purpose of travel. Here are some of the factors to consider while choosing the best time to visit Aru Valley:
Weather:
Aru Valley has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The average temperature in Aru Valley ranges from 5°C to 25°C throughout the year. The spring season (March to May) is the most pleasant time to visit Aru Valley, as the weather is mild and the valley is blooming with flowers and greenery.
The summer season (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Aru Valley, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the valley is lush and vibrant. The autumn season (September to November) is the most beautiful time to visit Aru Valley, as the weather is cool and crisp, and the valley is adorned with golden and red hues. The winter season (December to February) is the most adventurous time to visit Aru Valley, as the weather is cold and snowy, and the valley is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Activities:
Aru Valley offers a variety of activities and attractions for tourists of all ages and interests. Some of the popular activities and attractions in Aru Valley are:
Trekking: Aru Valley is a trekker’s paradise, as it offers several trekking trails that lead to some of the most stunning and secluded places in Kashmir, such as Lidderwat, Tarsar Marsar, Kolahoi Glacier, Katrinag Valley, etc. These treks range from easy to moderate to difficult, and can be done in a day or over several days. The best time to go for trekking in Aru Valley is from April to October, when the weather is favorable and the trails are accessible.
Camping: Aru Valley is a camper’s dream, as it offers several camping sites that are surrounded by the majestic mountains, the verdant meadows, and the sparkling streams. Camping in Aru Valley is a great way to enjoy the nature and the solitude, and to experience the local culture and cuisine. The best time to go for camping in Aru Valley is from May to September, when the weather is comfortable and the nights are clear.
Horse Riding: Aru Valley is a horse lover’s delight, as it offers several horse riding options that allow you to explore the valley and its surroundings on a horseback. Horse riding in Aru Valley is a fun and relaxing activity, and a great way to enjoy the views and the breeze. The best time to go for horse riding in Aru Valley is from March to November, when the weather is pleasant and the horses are available.
Skiing: Aru Valley is a skier’s heaven, as it offers several skiing slopes that are covered with snow and offer thrilling and exhilarating skiing experiences. Skiing in Aru Valley is a challenging and adventurous activity, and a great way to enjoy the winter and the snow. The best time to go for skiing in Aru Valley is from December to March, when the weather is cold and the snow is abundant.
Paragliding: Aru Valley is a paraglider’s fantasy, as it offers several paragliding sites that are located at high altitudes and offer breathtaking and panoramic views of the valley and the mountains. Paragliding in Aru Valley is a daring and exciting activity, and a great way to enjoy the thrill and the freedom. The best time to go for paragliding in Aru Valley is from April to October, when the weather is stable and the wind is favorable.
Fishing: Aru Valley is a fisher’s dream, as it offers several fishing spots that are teeming with trout and other fish. Fishing in Aru Valley is a peaceful and rewarding activity, and a great way to enjoy the water and the wildlife. The best time to go for fishing in Aru Valley is from April to October, when the weather is warm and the fish are active.
Festivals:
Aru Valley is a cultural hub, as it hosts several festivals and events that showcase the rich and diverse culture and heritage of Kashmir. Some of the popular festivals and events in Aru Valley are:
Tulip Festival: Tulip Festival is a colorful and vibrant festival that is celebrated in Aru Valley in the month of April, when the valley is filled with thousands of tulips of different colors and varieties. The festival is a feast for the eyes and the senses, and attracts tourists from all over the world. The festival also features cultural programs, food stalls, and handicraft exhibitions.
Saffron Festival: Saffron Festival is a fragrant and flavorful festival that is celebrated in Aru Valley in the month of October, when the valley is dotted with the saffron flowers that are used to produce the world’s most expensive spice. The festival is a delight for the taste buds and the nose, and showcases the importance and the benefits of saffron. The festival also features saffron harvesting, cooking competitions, and folk music and dance.
Snow Festival: Snow Festival is a white and wonderful festival that is celebrated in Aru Valley in the month of January, when the valley is covered with a thick layer of snow and offers a variety of snow activities and attractions. The festival is a joy for the winter lovers and the adventure seekers, and features snow skiing, snow sculpting, snowman making, and snowball fighting. The festival also features bonfires, hot beverages, and traditional cuisines.
Things to Do in Aru Valley
Aru Valley is a place where you can never get bored, as it offers a plethora of things to do and see for tourists of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for adventure, nature, culture, or relaxation, Aru Valley has something for everyone. Here are some of the things that you can do in Aru Valley:
Trek to Lidderwat:
Lidderwat is a scenic and serene place that is located about 10 km from Aru Valley, and can be reached by a moderate trek of about 4 hours. Lidderwat is a meadow that is situated on the banks of the Lidder River, and offers stunning views of the mountains and the valley. Lidderwat is also a base camp for many treks, such as Tarsar Marsar, Kolahoi Glacier, etc. You can camp at Lidderwat, or stay in a guest house or a hut. You can also enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and photography at Lidderwat.
Trek to Tarsar Marsar:
Tarsar Marsar is a spectacular and surreal place that is located about 15 km from Lidderwat, and can be reached by a difficult trek of about 6 hours. Tarsar Marsar is a pair of twin lakes that are separated by a mountain ridge, and are considered to be the most beautiful and mysterious lakes in Kashmir. Tarsar Lake is a turquoise lake that is surrounded by alpine meadows and pine forests, and Marsar Lake is a blue lake that is hidden by a dense forest and a misty atmosphere. Tarsar Marsar is also a home to many wildlife species, such as bears, foxes, and birds. You can camp at Tarsar Marsar, or stay in a tent or a hut. You can also enjoy boating, fishing, and photography at Tarsar Marsar.
Some Local Delicacies You Must Try in Ary Valley
Some of the local delicacies that you can try in Aru Valley are:
Rogan Josh:
This is a mouth-watering dish of Kashmiri cuisine, made with lamb or mutton cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy of yogurt, spices, and herbs. Rogan Josh is usually served with rice or bread, and is a must-try for meat lovers1.
Dum Aloo:
This is a delicious dish of Kashmiri cuisine, made with potatoes that are deep-fried and then simmered in a spicy and tangy gravy of yogurt, tomatoes, and spices. Dum Aloo is usually served with rice or bread, and is a perfect choice for vegetarians1.
Kahwa:
This is a fragrant and refreshing drink of Kashmiri cuisine, made with green tea, saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and almonds. Kahwa is usually served hot, and is a great way to warm up and energize yourself in the cold weather1.
Nomadic Delicacies:
These are some of the special and seasonal delicacies that are prepared by the Gujjars, a nomadic tribe that migrates to Aru Valley every year. Some of the nomadic delicacies are:
Khamiri Roti: This is a soft and fluffy bread that is made with fermented dough and baked in a clay oven. Khamiri Roti is usually served with butter or ghee, and is a staple food of the Gujjars.
Doodh ki Roti: This is a sweet and creamy dish that is made with milk, sugar, and flour. Doodh ki Roti is usually served as a dessert or a snack, and is a delicacy of the Gujjars.
Maaz: This is a savory and spicy dish that is made with sheep intestines stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices. Maaz is usually served as a main course, and is a delicacy of the Gujjars.
Aru Valley is a hidden gem in Kashmir that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers who are looking for a serene and scenic destination. It has something for everyone, whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast.
You can enjoy the beauty & charm of the Valley by trekking, camping, horse riding, skiing, paragliding, fishing, or simply relaxing in the valley. You can also taste the local delicacies and witness the local festivals that showcase the rich and diverse culture and heritage of Kashmir. Aru Valley is a place where you can connect with nature, with yourself, and with the people of Kashmir. It is a place that you should not miss when you visit Kashmir.
