From Pahalgam, Aru is right across the Lidder River. It takes another half an hour to cover this distance. Today, after a 3.5 hours drive from Srinagar you reach Aru by 4 pm. There are plenty of places to stay at Aru, though they are a tad expensive. Indiahikes trekkers will stay in a homestay at the campsite.

Aru is almost European in its setting. The village is a cluster of lovely cottages with slanted tin roofs. Willow and poplar trees pop up amidst the cottages. A clear stream runs through the heart of the village. To add to its European looks, Aru is surrounded by lovely landscaped grasslands. So landscaped that it almost feels like an architect designed it. When you get to Aru don’t hang about near your campsite. Climb a bit and take a long circuitous walk around the village, hugging the pine trees that hover over Aru.