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Aru Valley is a place with charming and serene Himalayan landscapes. Located in Jammu & Kashmir, this place has pristine lakes, lush meadows, beautiful mountains and unbeatable views. Aru Valley in winter is full of snow, which attracts several activities, including heli skiing. This valley is somewhere around 12 km away from the beautiful Pahalgam. This small village must be on your list if you want to see the real beauty of nature in Kashmir with snow-capped mountains and serene sights. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this valley so charming during the winter season.
Quick Details About Aru Valley In Winter
Aru Valley Location: Anantnag
Elevation: 2,414 m
Aru Valley Timings: 24*7
Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport (95 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi ( JAT) (283 km)
Entry Fees: ₹25 per head
How To Reach Aru Valley
Photo:Abdullah Almutairi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Aru Valley is near Pahalgam. You can easily access this valley through the common modes of transportation: air, train, and road.
By Air: The nearest airport to Aru Valley is Jammu (95 km)
By Rail: The closest railhead is Jammu Railway Station (283 km)
By Road: You can find bus services from Jammu (90 km)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Doodhpathri
Things To Do Around Aru Valley
You can participate in heli-skiing or go on the famous Kolahoi Glacier Trek wherein you can view high-altitude lakes and green pastures.
1. Kolahoi Glacier Trek
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This glacier is called the ‘Deity of Light’ for its constant water supply, which fuels large rivers, including those of Jhelum and Lidder. The five-day trek to Kolahoi Glacier begins from Aru, the gateway to over 25 high-altitude lakes and countless tarns. On this trek you can view the lush green pastures, the Lidder River, and the vast valleys of the Great Himalayas. For most of the trek, one is welcomed by dozens of acres of stunning coniferous trees that stretch as far as the eyes can see. The highlight of the trek, nonetheless, is the Kolahoi Glacier, which stands tall at the end.
Start Point: Aru Valley
Endpoint: Kolhai Glacier
Total Time Taken: 5 days
Places To Visit Around Aru Valley In Winter
Go on a scenic exploration of the places around Aru Valley like Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Garden, and scenic valleys.
1. Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
Photo: James Wheeler / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Shalimar Bagh, one of the biggest Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir valley, is on the top list of tourists who mostly visit Srinagar. This garden occupies 31 acres and was originally the most preferred summer retreat of Emperor Jahangir and his entourage. Shalimar Bagh is surrounded by tall chinar trees and a variety of beautiful flowers. The highlight of the Shalimar Bagh is the ‘Chini Khanas.’ At these ‘Chini Khanas,’ oil lamps were lit at night, and the sight appeared brilliant. Nevertheless, those ‘khanas’ are decorated with flower pots that look pretty appealing.
Location: Srinagar
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Gulmarg On Your Next Jammu And Kashmir Vacation
2. Nishat Garden
Photo: Berke Can / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The beautiful Nishat garden is established at the shore of the gorgeous Dal Lake. It is located on the east side of the place in front of the Great Zabarwan Mountain range. This destination is a nature lovers’ paradise. It is also a family holiday destination, and a romantic venue for lovers who are eager to have a breathtaking experience in an enchanting, surreal beautiful garden.
Location: Boulevard Rd, Nishat, Srinagar, 191121
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
3. Betaab Valley
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Betaab Valley was earlier called Hagan Valley or Hagoon. It is situated nearly 15 km from Pahalgam. What makes the valley an important tourist destination is the meadow, mountain, and wooded area, which provides picturesque views. It is surrounded by peak mountains with snow all year round, and it has many trees like chinar, deodar, pine, willow, poplar, etc. With blueish / green water, the Lidder River adds charm and beauty to this valley in winter. This is the right place to have a nice picnic during the winters while watching the scenery.
Location: Pahalgam, Fraslana
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Jammu For A Scenic Getaway
Where To Stay When Visiting Aru Valley In Winter
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You will find several top-rated hotels near Aru Valley in winter like the friendly lodging option Kalohai Heights Guest House, the 3-star property Hotel Royal Spring, and the budget-friendly resort Pahalgam Pines. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes near these hotels.
Best Time To Visit Aru Valley
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The best time to visit Aru Valley is in the winter season from December to March. During this time, you can partake in a variety of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. This valley is also one of the top places of choice among trekkers and there are various trekking trails that suit moderate and seasoned trekkers.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Jammu And Kashmir In May For Blissful Experience
Aru Valley in winter is a delightful sight where you can go on the famous Kolahoi Glacier trek or try snowboarding and skiing. You can also visit the nearby attractions like Betaab Valley, Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, and Nishat Garden. Tourists will enjoy the snow-capped peaks, picturesque meadows, and serene rivers. Plan a holiday here with TripXL to experience the beauty of this winter wonderland in Kashmir.
Cover Photo: Michal Pech / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
