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A protected Himalayan ecosystem near Pahalgam, known for its diverse flora and rare wildlife, including the Kashmir Stag (Hangul). Ideal for trekking and birding.
Discover what makes this destination truly special
The Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located on the outskirts of Pahalgam, spanning across the Lidder Forest Division. The terrain is characterized by steep ridges, deep valleys, and alpine meadows, with the Lidder River marking its southern boundary. The sanctuary's diverse landscape supports a rich variety of flora, including dense forests of fir, pine, birch, and deodar trees, which change to alpine pastures at higher altitudes.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
May-June, during the peak summer tourist season in Pahalgam.
April, September, October, and on weekends.
July-August due to rains, and weekdays in the shoulder season.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹50
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹250
Per person
Opening Hours
10:00 AM — 4:00 PM
Open all days, but timings are strictly enforced and subject to weather conditions. Entry is generally not permitted after 3:00 PM to ensure visitors can return before dusk. The sanctuary may be closed without prior notice during periods of heavy rain or snowfall for safety reasons.
Fees are approximate and subject to change. Entry for Indian citizens is around ₹50 per person. For foreign nationals, it is around ₹250. Guide fees and camera charges are extra. It is best to confirm the current rates at the wildlife office in Pahalgam.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, Near Aru Valley, Pahalgam, Anantnag District
Coordinates
34.0929, 75.2504
Nearest City
Pahalgam
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
Srinagar International Airport (SXR) is the nearest airport, located about 95 km from Pahalgam. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a cab, which takes abou...
The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi (JAT), which is approximately 255 km from Pahalgam. From Jammu, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srinagar or...
Pahalgam is well-connected by road to Srinagar and other towns in Kashmir. From Srinagar, it's a 95 km drive that takes about 2-3 hours. You can hire a private ...
Within Pahalgam, local taxis are the primary mode of transport to reach the sanctuary entrance near Aru. You can book these from the taxi stand in Pahalgam. Pon...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
The Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region. It was declared a sanctuary in 1981, initially covering an area of 32 square kilometers. Later, in 1987, it was expanded to its current size of approximately 425 square kilometers, conne...
The sanctuary's main significance lies in its role as a critical habitat for the Kashmir Stag (Hangul), a species found only in this region. It is a key area for biodiversity conservation in the Himalayas, protecting numerous species of mammals, birds, and plants. For visitors, it represents one of ...
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