Aru Valley

Aru Valley sits at 2,400m at the head of the Lidder valley, a quiet shepherd's village that serves as the trailhead for some of Kashmir's most spectacular multi-day treks. From here, ponies and trekkers set off for the Kolahoi Glacier (Kashmir's largest), the twin alpine lakes of Tarsar and Marsar, and the meadows of Lidderwat. The village itself is little more than a cluster of homestays, tea stalls, and a pony stand, surrounded by pine forests and grassy slopes with grazing horses. The absence of mass tourism and the dramatic ridge views make Aru a haven for trekkers, photographers, and anyone seeking the slower rhythms of high-mountain life.