Nafran Vally Trek Essential Information
- Trek Name: Nafran valley Trek
- Trek Duration: 7 days
- Distance : 41 km
- Highest Altitude: 13,789 ft
- Country: India
- Location: Kashmir
- Suitable for: 12- 60 years
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Base camp: Aru Valley (Pahalgam, Kashmir)
- Best Time: July to September
- Railway station: Srinagar Railway station
- Airport: Srinagar (sheikh ul-alam international)
- PickUp point: Srinagar
- Drop-off point: Srinagar
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a breathtaking adventure through pristine alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic Himalayan peaks.
The Tarsar Marsar Trek is a scenic journey through lush meadows, sparkling alpine lakes, and the serene beauty of Kashmir’s hidden valleys.
The Naranag Mahlish Trek is an offbeat trail in Kashmir, offering stunning views of alpine meadows, dense forests, and high-altitude lakes.
The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is a thrilling adventure in Kashmir, leading to the majestic Kolahoi Glacier through lush valleys and rugged mountain trails.
The Nafran Valley Trek is a hidden gem in Kashmir, offering breathtaking views of lush meadows, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
Introduction
Most of the trekkers have praised mostly these two treks, the tarsar marsar and Kashmir great lakes trek. But do you know there is another less famous but not scenic as less as these two treks, Yes I am talking about the most beautiful trek equal to Tarsar Marsar trek and KGL trek. The nafran valley trek has all the other famous treks in Kashmir have like evergreen forests, lush meadows, crystal streams and alpine experiences.
The trek to nafran valley starts from Aru valley Pahalgam. During this trek you are going to witness beautiful sceneries including dense forests, vast meadows and streams. The trek distance is around 41 km which will be completed in 7 days.
During June to October the meadows of Nafran valley are inhabited by shepherds living in mud houses locally known as kothas and you will see a large number of grazing cattles and by the arrival of winter seasons, these shephered(bakherwals) move to lower areas due to heavy snowfall.
Complete information Nafran valley Trek
The altitude of the Nafran Valley Trek is 13,789 ft, making it a moderate to difficult trek. The best time to visit Nafran Valley is from July to September, when the temperature ranges between 12°C to 18°C during the day and 5°C to 10°C at night.
The most captivating and beautiful part of this trek is Harnag Lake, situated at 11,480 ft, offering breathtaking views of the Kolahoi Glacier peak. Most trekkers take a break here to enjoy a meal while soaking in the stunning scenery, while others prefer to camp overnight by the lake.
If you are planning an offbeat adventure in Kashmir, the Nafran Valley Trek is an excellent choice. However, be cautious, as you may experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is essential to prepare adequately before embarking on this trek. If you experience symptoms like headache or nausea during the trek, immediately inform your trek leader.
Detailed Nafran valley Trek information
Start your journey with a scenic drive from Srinagar to Aru Valley, which takes approximately 2–3 hours. Upon reaching Aru Valley, we will begin the Nafran Valley Trek, starting from Aru Valley to Araam Pathri.
Our representative will pick you up from Srinagar and drive you all the way to Aru Valley.
Below is the detailed Nafran Valley Trek itinerary:
Day 1 : Drive From Srinagar To Aru
- Route: Srinagar → Pahalgam → Aru
- Distance: 100 km (Srinagar to Pahalgam), 12 km (Pahalgam to Aru)
- Highlights: Acclimatization, exploring Aru’s serene landscapes.
Start your journey early in the morning from Srinagar for the road trip to Aru Valley. The drive takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. You will arrive at Aru Valley by the afternoon, where you can relax and take in the stunning views of the valley.
Day 2 : Trek From Aru To Araam Pathri
- Trek Distance: 12 km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
- Altitude: 2,950 m/ 9700 ft.
Today, we will start our first day of Nafran Valley trekking from Aru Valley to Araam Pathri. The trek starts with a gentle uphill climb and then enters a forested zone after walking around 800 meters. Following the trail, you will see a steep uphill climb of about 600 meters once you reach the muddy patch. And finally, you will reach a shepherd colony called Geerwad.
After crossing grasslands and forest areas, you will reach Gagad Pathri. You will need to cross a small wooden bridge to get on the right side of the river and another bridge to get to the left side of the river. You may see some mud huts where the shepherds usually live during summer with their cattle. This place is called Kansal Pathri.
After walking uphill, when you see Gujjar huts, that is called Araam Pathri. Araam Pathri will be our campsite for the night.
Day 3 : Trek From Araam Pathri To Harnag Lake via Harnag Pass
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Trek Duration: 6 – 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
- Altitude: 3800m/12500 ft.
On our third day of the trek, we will move from Araam Pathri to Harnag Lake.
Today’s trail is full of steep climbs with a rocky and boulder-strewn path. After reaching Harnag Pass, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Nafran Valley along with Harnag Lake.
The descent to Harnag Lake has a similar terrain to the ascent. Once you reach Harnag Lake, take some rest, enjoy the scenery, and get ready for a night stay near this beautiful lake.
Day 4 : Trek From Harnag Lake to Harbhagwan Lake and back to Harnag Lake
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
- Altitude: 4200 m/13800 ft.
After walking 2 km from Harnag Lake, you will cross two freshwater streams before arriving at the Kolahoi Glacier viewpoint. From here, you will get an amazing view of the Kolahoi Glacier peak, making it a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Once we have soaked in the beautiful views, we will continue the trek, starting with a steep trail and a tough climb of around 2 km. This is the point where you may experience altitude sickness, as we gain an altitude of about 2,254 meters. If you feel any symptoms, immediately report to the trek leader and descend.
The path ahead follows grassy terrain with boulder sections. You must be careful while crossing this section, as there is a risk of ankle injuries. By following the stream and reaching a flatter area on the ridge, you will arrive at Harbhagwan Lake.
After spending some time admiring the view and capturing magnificent photographs, we will descend back to Harnag Lake.
Day 5 : Trek From Harnag Lake to Nafran Valley
- Trek Distance: 08 km
- Trek Duration: 5 hours
- Altitude Gain: 3,200 m/10,500 ft
- Trail type: Grasslands and mountain streams
- Tents: In tents (twin-sharing).
This is our fifth day of trekking, and today we will arrive at our final destination, Nafran Valley. The valley is 9 km away from Harnag Lake, with a continuous descent.
The path is rocky and filled with boulders, so walk carefully to avoid any injuries. The breathtaking views of the vast meadows of Nafran Valley are the best reward after days of trekking.
Tonight, we will camp in this beautiful valley and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Day 6 : Trek From To Bhaj Margi via Bhajmargi Pass
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
- Altitude Gain: 2900 m/9,500ft.
- Tents: In tents (twin-sharing).
After a night’s stay in Nafran Valley, we will start descending to Bhaj Margi, a beautiful and serene campsite on the Nafran Valley Trek.
As we make our way down, you will enjoy stunning views of the meadows. After crossing a forested zone, we will finally arrive at our campsite for the night
Day 7 : Trek From Bhaj Margi To Mondlan And Drive Back To Srinagar
- Trek Distance: 08 km
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hour
- Drive Distance(Mondlan to Srinagar): 104 km
This is the last day of our Nafran Valley Trek. Today, we will trek back from Bhaj Margi to Mondlan and then drive back to Srinagar.
Leaving the campsite, we will reach a wooden gate and follow a muddy path down to a small shepherd settlement called Shul Margi.
From Shul Margi, we will cross two streams, first a small one, then a larger stream before entering a forested zone. After a short descent, we will arrive at Mondlan village, located just 8 km from Aru village.
A 20-minute drive will take us back to Aru, where we will board our cabs to Srinagar, marking the end of our incredible trek.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions
- Meals: Vegetarian and egg-based meals provided from Day 1 evening to Day 8 lunch.
- Permits and Fees: All necessary permits and fees (equivalent to Indian nationals) covered.
- Camping Equipment: Twin-share tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses provided.
- Safety Equipment: Static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, and pulleys included.
- Trek Leadership: Certified mountaineering trek leader with first aid and rescue training.
- Local Support: Experienced local guide, cook, and helpers included.
- Luggage Transport: Porters or mules for carrying shared luggage.
- Medical Kit: Exhaustive first aid kit with portable oxygen cylinder.
Exclusions
- Meals: Participants are responsible for meals during road journeys.
- Insurance: Any type of insurance is not covered.
- Personal Expenses: All personal expenses are to be borne by the participant.
- Additional Costs: Any expenses not explicitly mentioned in the package inclusions are not covered.
- Luggage: Participants are responsible for carrying their personal backpacks.
- Transportation: Transportation to and from Srinagar is not included.
How to Reach base camp of Nafran valley Trek
Before going for the Nafran Valley Trek, you should be aware of the travel plan.
- Fly or travel to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.
- From Srinagar, you need to travel to Aru Pahalgam, which is usually the starting point for the trek. This is about 112 km from Srinagar and takes around 2-3 hours by road. We provide the transportation service from Srinagar to the base camp.
- It is always best to keep a buffer day. If your trek is completed on time, you can utilize this buffer day for local sightseeing in Srinagar and can enjoy activities like Shikara ride in Dal lake.
Options to reach Srinagar:
- Direct flight: Srinagar Airport has excellent connectivity with major airports across India. You can also choose our Srinagar airport cab service for a comfortable journey.
- By Railway: If you are arriving by train, the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station. For a hassle-free journey, consider our Srinagar Railway Station cab service.
- By Road: If you are traveling by road, there are multiple options to reach Srinagar, such as a private cab, a bus, a shared cab, tempo travelers, or even you can pre-book a cab from Jammu to Srinagar online.
- Drop-off Information: The specified location for drop-off is Srinagar.
Who can Participate
- Age Requirement: Minimum 14 years
- Experience: First-timers are welcome, but prior trekking experience is preferred
- Fitness Criteria:
- Jogging: 5 km in 30 minutes or 10 km in 70 minutes without stress
- Backpack Requirement:
- Self-carry: 10-12 kg
- Off-load option: 3-5 kg
- BMI Requirement: Must be between 18-27; consult the Trek Coordinator if outside this range.
How difficult is the Nafran Valley Trek
The difficulty level of the Nafran valley Trek ranges from moderate to difficult However, you should be capable of covering long distances on a daily basis. Having prior experience with a short trek of one or two days is recommended.
How Long is the Nafran Valley Trek
The Nafran valley Trek typically takes around 7 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 41 kilometers.
Key Attractions during the trek
- Aru valley – The Gateway to Adventure
- Araam Pathri– The Perfect Camping Spot
- Harnag Lake
- Harbhagwan Lake
- Dudhsar Lake – Dudhsar is a high-altitude and less explored alpine lake.
- Shepherd’s Huts –Temporary shelters for shepherds, locally known as “Bakarwals,” during the spring season.
- Nafran valley- The final destination of this trek.
Best Time to do Nafran Valley Trek
The best time for Narfar valley trek is June to September when the weather is mild, and the valleys are lush. Avoid winter months (November–March) due to heavy snowfall and blocked trails.
During this time, daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 20°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to 8°C to 12°C, creating perfect conditions to explore the breathtaking scenery.
What to pack for the Nafran valley trek
Clothing
- Layered clothing (thermal wear, fleece jackets, waterproof outerwear).
- Trekking pants and comfortable T-shirts.
- Woolen gloves, cap, and socks for warmth.
Footwear
- Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Extra pair of socks for moisture control.
Accessories
- Sunglasses, trekking poles, and a headlamp.
- Water bottle and purification tablets.
Essentials
- Sleeping bag, tent (if camping), and a basic first-aid kit.
- Snacks like energy bars, dry fruits, and ORS packs.
Important Guidelines and Tips for a Safe and Hassle-Free Trek
- Follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Respect local traditions and wildlife.
- Avoid trekking alone, always travel in a group or with a guide.
- Carry cash, as there are no ATMs beyond Srinagar.
- Carry a valid ID proof for verification purposes.
- Keep your luggage minimum to avoid any difficulty during the trek.
- Inform your guide about any medical conditions
- Personal expenses, meals not included in the package, and items of personal nature will be at your own cost.
- Mobile and laptop charging points may or may not be available at campsites, and if provided, they will be at a shared location.
- Avoid using plastic bags to help preserve the natural environment and maintain ecological balance.
- Pack warm clothing and bring suitable trekking shoes to stay comfortable and protected.
- In case of emergencies or natural calamities, the management may alter the trek itinerary. However, any changes due to factors beyond control are not included in the package cost.
Things To Carry for Nafran Valley Trek
- Backpack (40-50L) with a rain cover.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Trekking poles for better stability.
- Portable charger and extra power banks.
- Personal hygiene kit (wet wipes, toothbrush, biodegradable soap).
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Frequently asked questions
Is the trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners with good fitness levels can undertake this trek, preferably with experienced guides.
Can I do this trek independently or should I join a group?
While independent trekking is possible, joining an organized group is recommended for safety, especially for first-timers.
What is the difficulty level of the Nafran valley Trek?
The trek is rated as moderate to difficult Scale, making it suitable for trekkers with some prior experience. A reasonable level of physical fitness and endurance is recommended.
How much does the trek typically cost?
Organized treks range from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per person, while independent trekking costs depend on your equipment ownership and group size.
Is vegetarian food available on the trek?
Yes, most trek operators provide vegetarian options. Independent trekkers should plan their meals accordingly.
Are there any network or connectivity options on the trek?
Mobile connectivity is limited or non-existent on the trek. It is advised to inform your family before starting and stay connected at the base camp.