Nafran Valley Trek

If you are an adventure lover and quite an addict of trekking, you must seek a destination that offers you solace, challenges, and the immense beauty of nature.  

We have come here to tell a story of one of the most offbeat destinations in Kashmir, which gives you charm like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and Tarsar Marsar Trek. The place is Nafran Valley Trek, an unfolding valley, situated in the lap of Kashmir. 

However, the Nafran Valley trek witnessed a rare yet discovering beauty of Kashmir. It is also satisfying for trekkers who are passionate and expert, as the trekking routes are not so easy. 

The wildflowers, wide range of meadows, and a lake display floating ice chunks, and limit the beauty of Kashmir, created Nafran Valley trek. This trekking trip begins in Aru village, 112 km from Srinagar. 

During the entire trekking journey, you can connect with the local Kashmiri people. Whenever you are getting tired of steep terrain, long trails, stunning looking meadows, or a unique hut which is the home of shepherds surprises you most, your tiredness fades away. 

Nafran valley trek date dates : 

MonthBatch TimeBatch TimeBatch TimeBatch Time
June14 Jun to 20 Jun21 Jun to 27 Jun28 Jun to 04 Jul 
July06 July to 12 July12 July to 18 July19 July to 25 July26 July to 01 Aug
Augest03 Aug to 09 Aug12 Aug to 18 Aug13 Aug to 19 Aug23 Aug to 29 Aug
September31 Aug to 06 Sep07 Sep to 13 Sep13 Sep to 19 Sep21 Sep to 27 Sep
October05 Oct 11 Oct12 Oct 18 Oct19 Oct 25 Oct 

Short Itinerary

Trekking Price- ₹ 14,450/Person

  • Day 1: Trekking journey begins from Srinagar: Drive from Srinagar to Aru
  • Day 2:Trek From Aru to Bhaj Marg
  • Day 3: Trek from Bhaj Marg to Nafran Valley
  • Day 4: Trek from Nafran Valley to Discover Harang Lake
  • Day 5: Trek from Harang Lake to Harbhugwar Lake to back campsite
  • Day 6: Trek from Harang Aramphtree
  • Day 7: Trek from Aramphtree to Aru and drive to Srinagar: the end point

Brief itinerary

Day 1: Trekking journey begins from Srinagar: Drive from Srinagar to Aru

Drive distance: 100 km,

Drive durations: 3-4 hours

Pick up point for Trek the Mountain’s trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours and Travels 

Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels will arrange all of the trekking transports, and we will pick you up from the Sathu Barbara Sash, Srinagar, at 8 am sharp.     

Now, the journey begins from Srinagar to Aru. Here, I have to tell you, the expenses of Srinagar to Aru is Rs.3000 for a 5-6 seater Car, and you must pay the driver directly.  

From the start, the journey is exciting. Aru, a tiny village situated in the lap of the Lidder valley of Kashmir. Known for its mesmerising view of meadows, it is well-known as a Skiing town. The entire path from Srinagar to Aru is full of the stunning beauty of rural Kashmir and a queue of apricot, Walnut, and Apple orchards.

 Note:  The important process happens at 4 PM, like Registrations, health Screening, and document verifications. You must reach on time, as this process is important for your further trekking journey.  

 

Day 2: Drive From Aru To Mondlan And Trek from Mondlan To Bhaj Margi (Easy to Moderate)

Trek Distance: 6.35km, 

Trek Durations: 6 hours, 

Altitude Gain: 7960 ft to 10374 ft               

On the second day, we headed towards Mondlan. It is a small drive of around 8 km, and from here, the trek starts. The Walnut trees accompanied us for about a 2-hour-long journey. Finally, we can navigate into the USP of Kashmir, the dense forests, and a popular trail. 

However, today, we get only freshwater streams with breathtaking views, which we can also use for drinking. 

While enjoying the flavor of the forest, we get into a mesmerizing grassland, which is full of wildflowers and the ethereal beauty of landscapes and the clouds hovering in the sky. Then we climb up on this meadow, and we come to a small area of forest. And from here we can reach nearly 650 M.   

And the most exciting thing is the campsite is indeed beautiful here. Kashmir welcomed us with soulful meadows, and we witnessed playgrounds with wild horses. 

Day 3: Trek From Bhaj Margi To Nafran Valley via Aram Pathri Ridge(Easy to Moderate)

Trek Distance: 8.25 km 

Trek Duration: 6.5 hours

 Altitude Gain and Loss: 10374 ft to 11358 ft via 11482 ft

Today, we started our day walking in Bhaj Margi early in the morning. And all the trekkers were ready and set out to explore Nafran Valley. This trekking path enters a wide range of breathtaking landscapes and ascends the Aram Pathri ridge.  

Yet, today’s trek is more challenging than the previous days because the distance is greater. The journey gradually takes us through the forest to the ridge. When you cross the Aram Pathri ridge, you must be prepared for challenges. But the path gives you immense beauty, the meadows, trees and ethereal views, witnessing you a token of heaven. 

When you reach Nafran Valley, the terrain seems uneven and rocky. So, during this journey, you have to be hydrated and relaxed and enjoy the view. And also, you can see the Nafran river, the huts of Shepard.  

After long walking and crossing terrain, ridges, and witnessing the beauty of kashmir, finally we reached Campsite.    



Day 4: Trek From Nafran Valley To Harang Lake Via Harang Pass( Moderate)

Trek Distance: 4.40 km 

Trek Duration: 5 hours 

Altitude Gain and Loss: 11358 ft to 12099 ft via 12509 ft

So, we started our day at the amazing place Nafran valley, we ate fresh breakfast and got ready for today’s voyage. Today’s challenge is to trek Nafran Valley to Harang Lake via Harang Pass. 

Although our trek for today is high-altitude, we are going to discover an alpine lake named Harang Lake. The ascent to the Harang Lake can be tough for beginners, so be prepared to face trekking challenges. 

 Here, the terrain is mostly uneven, not so smooth. And rocks are slippery and wet, you should be careful and mentally strong to cross this path. Once you reach the valley, at the peak of the pass, the whole view of the valley with the bright blue colour of the Harang Lake gives you goosebumps and eye soothing. This is the ultimate destination for today. 

Day 5: Trek from Harang Lake to Harbhagwan Lake and back to Harang Lake (Difficult)

Trek Distance: 9.20 km 

Trek Duration: 9 hours 

Altitude Gain and Loss: 12099 ft to 13,789 ft and back

So, today is one of the toughest days for your Nafran Valley trek. Yet this is the beauty of trekking, it is a mixture of adventure, surreal views and local tales of that place.  

We buckled up and were ready to go from Harang Lake to Harbhagwan Lake. We are continuing the same terrain as the previous day, and the terrain is now deeper. 

Today, we crossed Kolahoi glaciers, and when we reached the lake, on the surface of the lake, big chunks of snow were floating, and the beauty of the lake stayed away from all of your trekking challenges. Then, return to your old campsite at the Harang Lake.

Day 6: Trek From Harang Lake To Aram Pathri (Easy to Moderate)

Trek Distance: 7.15 km 

Trek Duration: 5.5 hours

Altitude Loss: 12099 ft to 11,482 ft  

Today, we are ready to explore Aram Pathri, and you can witness some of the routes the same as on previous days. Enjoy the stunning views of Kashmir and have a lunch filled with the flavour of the valley and the Mountains.  

It is an easy day enjoying the natural surroundings. And today’s campsite is at Aram Pathri.

Day 7: Trek from Aram Pathri to Aru; Drive to Srinagar (Easy)

Trek Distance: 8.20 km 

Trek Duration: 6 hours 

Altitude Loss: 11,854 ft to 7960 ft 

Today is the last day of our Nafran Valley trekking journey. And we have to return to Srinagar by 8 P.M. The price will be Rs.3000 per person(5-6 seater)  

Note: The distance between cap sites may vary by 100 meters

Inclusions

Accommodation (Camping)

  1. Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg) Bed tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.
  2. Trek equipment’s like Sleeping bag, liner, mattress, tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent
  3. Trekking Permits
  4. First aid medical kits
  5. Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide Support staff, and Mules. 

Exclusions

  1. Transport
  2. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
  3. Hotel Stay in Srinagar.
  4. Food during the transit.

Important things to carry for this trek

Gears

  1. 1 backpack (50-60 liters) with rain cover
  2. 1 rain cover for you 1 pair
  3. Floaters or slippers
  4. 1 water bottles
  5. 1 Lunch Box
  6. A pair of trekking shoes or waterproof sports shoes

ESSENTIALS

  1. Cap
  2. Sunglasses
  3. Cold cream
  4. Lip balm
  5. Extra cotton bags

CLOTHING

  1. 2 pairs of pants
  2. 3-4 T-shirt with long sleeves
  3. 2 Shirts with long sleeves
  4. 1 Jacket
  5. 1 waterproof, wind-proof jacket (Please make sure this is a warm jacket and not just a windcheater.)
  6. 2 pairs thermals (uppers and lowers)
  7. 3 pairs of sock
  8. 1-2 pairs woolen socks
  9. Woolen cap
  10. Woolen gloves
  11. 1 woolen scarf

FOR TOILET AND BATHROOM

We use hygienic dry toilet tent during the trek because of minimum water availability. Carry additional things by yourself like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, etc.