43 kmFrom Srinagar
1 h 43 minDrive, each way
Overview

About Aru Valley

Aru is a village in Anantnag district about 12 km from Pahalgam, on the left bank of the Aru river, a tributary of the Lidder. It lies within the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers 511 square kilometres.

The village is the base camp for treks to the Kolahoi Glacier, the Tarsar and Marsar lakes, Lidderwat and the Katrinag valley. Mount Kolahoi, at 5,425 m, is the highest peak in the Kashmir Valley.

On the ground

What to look for

  • Base camp for the Kolahoi Glacier trek
  • Starting point for the Tarsar Marsar trek
  • Inside Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Best time

When to go

In season now

Best months: May–Sep.

Know

Good to know

  • Multi-day treks from here need a guide
  • Mobile coverage and medical facilities are limited
Getting there

From Srinagar

Nearest town
Pahalgam
Road ends at
Aru village
Location

On the map

Information updated August 2026

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