Located about 53 km from Anantnag city and 12-13 km from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is a beautiful and serene destination that captivates visitors with its lush greenery, meadows, crystal clear lakes, and majestic mountain surroundings. This beautiful valley is one of the best places for camping near Kashmir, as you can go trekking to the Tarsar Lake from this point and just enjoy a relaxed camping with the best panoramic view. Despite the challenging road, the scenic drive through the curves of the River Lidder is a visual feast one can never forget.

Camping at Aru Valley:

Aru Valley’s enchanting landscapes offer a perfect retreat for campers and nature lovers, making it one of the best places to camp in Kashmir with breathtaking views. Ground camping is the only option here, as you must park your car at the base camp car parking area. You can either book camps through one of the many camping ventures available or go boondocking (free camping independently) at this location.

How to Reach:

To reach Aru Valley, you can hire a private cab, take shared taxis, or use your own vehicle. From Srinagar, drive to Pahalgam and then continue to Aru Valley. The drive from Srinagar to Aru Valley is breathtakingly beautiful.

Roads & Connecitivitiy:

The roads connecting to Aru Valley are slightly in bad condition. Despite the challenging road, the scenic drive through the curves of the River Lidder is a visual feast one can never forget. You need to hike a bit to reach the viewpoint or camping site. In case of boondocking, you need to carry all the camping belongings to the camp site. But the view makes it worth this small hike.

Shops, Hotels and Restaurants:
Right before entering the base camp parking in Aru Valley, you will find a huge market offering essential items like groceries, medical supplies, and small eateries. The area is safe for camping. Many good places to eat and the best restaurants are in Pahalgam, just 10 km away from Aru Valley. You can execute your camping plan really well here.

Activities to do here:
Horse Ride
Nature Walk
Camping (Day / Night)
Trekking
Fishing
Rafting
Cooking & Barbeque
Bonfire

Entry Fee: No entry fee charged
Timing: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Camping options: Ground camping is the only option here. Cars cannot reach the spot. No permissions required for camping.
Parking: No parking restrictions. Vehicles can park overnight. No designated parking spots; park anywhere within the parking area
Vehicle Access: Suitable for all types of vehicles, including RVs, trailers, cars, and bikes.
Distance From:
Srinagar: 102 km (via NH 44)
Pahalgam: 13 km (via NH501)
Jammu: 245 km (via NH 44 and NH 244A)
Delhi: 803 km (via NH 44)