Aru a popular tourist hub with endearing valleys surrounded by lofty peaks and Lidder River makes it one of the most sought-after places for tourist and trekkers all over, its magnificent hills with tall pine trees, alpine meadows make it alluring. The raging Lidder River has two tributaries- Lidder east from Sheshnag Lake and Lidder west from Kolahai glacier. One should experience the rejuvenating walk along the riverside also famous for fishing where the anglers come from all over the world.
Pahalgam is also an adventurer’s paradise with magnificent lakes and meadows scattered all across where one could go on numerous treks like Tarsar Marsar, Kolahai glacier, Sheshnag, Rohil Pattri, Basmai lakes and enjoy the gushing waters of Lidder by embarking on the raft during the summer months. Aru has rich vegetation and magnificent forests of pine, conifers, deodar, etc. if lucky one could spot Hungul, musk deer, serow, bear, macaque, langur and a Himalayan hare. It is a paradise for birding with the griffon, monal, koklas, jungle crow, and blue rock pigeon in its backyard.
Trek Months – Mid June to September
Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Report to base camp
- On Day 1, assemble at the base camp – Aru village.
- For trekkers coming from different parts of the country, cabs can be arranged on request and additional trekker cost-sharing basis to pick you up from Srinagar. Western Mountains trek leaders will receive you at Aru.
- Meals: Tea& Snacks, Dinner.
Day 2: Aru to Lidderwat.
- Day 2 starts with an easy hike towards Lidderwat on the well-marked trail with towering pine trees. Don’t miss out on the breath-taking views of the valley alongside the gushing river.
- It is almost a flat and easy trail up to Lidderwat and you would encounter a lot of tourist making day trips to the place.
- Lidderwat campsite has a confluence of streams flowing from Kohlai Peak and Tarsar stream.
- Overnight stay in Camp or Gujjar Huts.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner.
Day 3: Lidderwat to Shekhwass.
- Today we embark on a long day towards Shekwass, the trail is well laid out.
- You would find many friendly shepherds on the route and it is a very beautiful valley, not much strenuous.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner.
Day 4: Shekwass to Tarsar Lake.
- From Shekwass we move towards Tarsar Lake which is a gradual ascent, it would take us around 2 hours to reach Tarsar Lake.
- Tarsar is a huge lake and very similar to Gangabal lake on the trek from Naranag in Ganderbal
- Enjoy the turquoise blue waters of Tarsar for the day.
- Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner)
Day 5: Tarsar Lake to Sundarsar Lake.
- After the blissful stay at Tarsar Lake, we move towards Sundarsar Lake.
- It is a gradual hike in the grassy valley towards a small pass that leads to Sundarsar
- It should take us around 5 hours to reach the beautiful shores of Sundarsar.
- Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner)
Day 6: Sundarsar Lake to Homwas via Marsar Lake
- We would make an early morning start to visit Marsar Lake just with our water bottles and snacks. It is an easy and short walk up to Marsar. Enjoy the pristine waters of Marsar Lake.
- Head back on the same trail to Sundarsar camp and start your way towards Homwas
- The trail from Sundarsar to Homwas should take us around 4 hours.
- Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner)
Day 7 – Homwas to Aru and drive to Srinagar.
- Today you are on the last leg of the trek and start towards Aru.
- We take the same route that we had taken to reach Lidderwat.
- It should take around 5 to 6 hours to reach Aru.
- For trekkers, cabs can be arranged on request and additional trekker cost-sharing basis to pick you up from Aru and drop at Srinagar.
- Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Trek Facts
Grade: Moderate
Altitude: 4,000 mts
Temperature: Towards the summer months, one can expect the temperature to range from 20 degree Celsius during the day and drop down to as low as -2 degree Celsius during the night in the valley. The chilly winds in the early morning and evening can make it feel even colder.
Trek Duration: 7 days.
Trek Season: Late June to September
Base Camp: Aru.
How to reach Base camp: Aru is situated at a distance of 100kms from Srinagar and can be reached in approximately 5 hours.
To reach Srinagar, you can take a train to Jammu and take a taxi/bus ride for the rest of the journey. You can also take the flight to Srinagar from Delhi or Mumbai with or without a stopover at Jammu. By bus, Srinagar is linked by the National Highway 1A to the rest of the country.
Nearest Airport / Rail line/road connectivity: The nearest airport is the Sheikh ul Alam airport, also known as the Srinagar airport. Jammu is the nearest rail connectivity point and is well connected to all major cities by train.
Submit inquiry for cost
Cost Inclusions:
- Accommodation in dome tents (2/3 per tent).
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary on a fixed menu/ buffet basis.
- Internal transportation cost as per itinerary.
- Camping Equipment: Tents, Sleeping bags, mats, gaiters.
- All charges for guides and permits.
Cost Exclusions:
- Transportation cost from Srinagar to Aru and Aru to Srinagar.
- Backpack offloading: Trekkers are expected to carry their own backpacks. If the trekker cannot carry his/her backpack due to physical inability and chooses to offload on mules, this will be on additional cost.
- Airfares, airport taxes and anything not mentioned in the inclusions and itinerary.
- Meals, tea, coffee, mineral water, tips, transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Doctor, telephone, laundry and other personal expenses.
- Cost of personal emergency exit or expenses due to external factors such as climatic conditions.
Health & Fitness Requirements:
This trek does not require you to have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. We do however highly recommend having an adventurous spirit and willingness to undergo the joys & hardships of outdoor camping, in addition to good physical and mental fitness, to completely enjoy the trek. If you suffer from severe muscular, chest, heart or bronchial ailments, we advise you against participating since most treks happen in remote areas with limited access to medical services & hospital facilities.
Our trek leaders are experienced trekkers and we trust their judgments. If during the trek, the trek leader advises you against continuing on the trek, we request you to respect his judgment and follow his instructions.