Nafran Valley Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy - Moderate
TREK DURATION
7 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
13,700 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
40 KM
BASECAMP
kashmir
BEST TIME
July to September
PICKUP POINT
Kashmir
Nafran Valley Trek Overview
Nafran Valley is a remote and relatively untouched valley located in the Himalayan region of Kashmir. It's known for its pristine natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and rugged terrain. situated in a mountainous region, likely in a remote part of the Himalayas. The valley is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. It typically offers panoramic views of towering peaks, lush green meadows, alpine forests, and possibly high-altitude lakes. Nafran Valley is often home to diverse flora and fauna. You might encounter a variety of alpine flowers, coniferous trees, and potentially wildlife such as Himalayan ibex, snow leopards, and various bird species. While trekking through the Nafran Valley, you may have the opportunity to interact with local communities, experience their traditional way of life, and enjoy delicious Kashmiri cuisine. The trek starts in the pretty Aru village, known for its amazing beauty and different landscapes, making the Nafran Valley Trek a standout in Kashmir. Trekkers walk through green meadows and nice-smelling pine forests next to the flowing Aru River, making it a really cool experience with big mountains in the background. This scenery is similar to that of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. This trek is a special journey for different types of trekkers. It has parts that are not too easy but not too hard, making it good for all skill levels. Cool places to see include the famous Aru Valley base camp and the green meadows of Nafran Valley, making the trek even more beautiful. A special part is the beautiful Harnag Lake situated at 11480 feet, where trekkers can rest and have a meal in a peaceful place. Camping near the lake is like a dream for people who love adventures. Crossing the old Harnag Pass shows amazing views of the big Kolahoi peak and glacier, making the trek more special.
The Nafran Valley Trek in Kashmir, India, provides a moderately challenging adventure, blending captivating scenery, diverse terrains, and an immersive exploration of the nomadic Gujjar culture. Scenic Meadows: Nafran Valley is renowned for its extensive green meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the summer, creating a serene environment ideal for trekking and camping enthusiasts. Alpine Lakes: Nestled in the mountainous Nafran Valley, you'll discover two pristine alpine lakes – Harbhagwan Lake and Harnag Lake. These clear, reflective waters amid the peaks offer peaceful retreats for relaxation and stunning photography. Kolahoi Glacier: A majestic spectacle in Nafran Valley, the Kolahoi Glacier stands tall as a towering ice formation. Trekkers can appreciate its grandeur, observing intricate ice formations and listening to the captivating sounds of the ever-moving glacier. Seclusion and Tranquility: Nafran Valley maintains its natural allure, steering clear of mass tourism. This seclusion provides trekkers with a calm and peaceful environment, allowing them to fully appreciate the valley's natural beauty, away from the hustle of more popular trekking spots.
The Nafran Valley Trek falls within the moderate to difficult range, suitable for individuals with good fitness and some trekking background. Not recommended for beginners, this trek presents a gratifying challenge amidst stunning landscapes. Key factors contributing to its difficulty include:
- Elevation: Scaling a peak of 14,127 ft (4,305 meters) demands acclimatization for those new to high altitudes.
- Length: Covering about 40 kilometers in a 7-day itinerary, the trek requires endurance and stamina.
- Terrain: The path navigates diverse landscapes, involving both uphill and downhill stretches, with some steep sections demanding careful traversal.
- Fitness Level: Participants must be at ease with extended walks on uneven ground, and lugging a backpack for several hours daily.
The best time to embark on the Nafran Valley Trek is from the month of June to September, offering the most favorable weather conditions for trekking. During this period, temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C in the daytime and fall 8°C to 12°C in the night, providing an ideal climate to explore the stunning landscapes. The meadows are in full bloom, enhancing the scenic beauty of the trek. In July, the weather warms up further, maintaining temperatures between 20°C to 25°C. Although there is a possibility of light and brief rain, it typically doesn't disrupt the trekking experience. August stands out as the peak season for Nafran Valley Trek, featuring warm and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This month showcases the meadows in their full splendor, adorned with a riot of colors from blooming wildflowers. As September unfolds, temperatures start to cool down, ranging from 5°C to 15°C. While the meadows retain their greenery, the wildflowers gradually fade, signaling the end of the trekking season. This transitional period offers a unique charm as nature undergoes subtle transformations. Overall, planning a visit during these months ensures an enjoyable and visually stunning experience in Nafran Valley.
- Every trek leader at Himalaya Shelter is not only passionate about mountains but also highly qualified. They have done intensive training such as Basic Mountaineering Course, Advanced Mountaineering Course, Search and Rescue Course, and First Aid Course. This wide range of training prepares them with the required knowledge and experience to handle any situations that may come up while trekking.
- Our trek leaders have been to the trails multiple times before and know the local landscapes, weather conditions, and people well. You can trust that you are in capable hands with leaders who are not only passionate about the mountains but also equipped with the necessary expertise.
- The kit we provide consists of all necessary medical supplies and equipment for altitude trekking. From emergency first aid training to dealing with altitude-related symptoms so much more, we are ready to respond quickly to different medical situations.
- We know the difficulties of high altitude and to avoid any risks, we carry oxygen cylinders in every trek. This equipment proves to be a lifesaver in cases of altitude sickness or emergencies, giving instant relief to trekkers.
- Our commitment to keeping group sizes small, with a maximum of 12 trekkers, is rooted in the belief that this approach enhances the overall safety and well-being of every participant. Thus making our trek leaders experts who provide individual attention to each trekker and ensure incident prevention and safety protocols are followed thereby creating a more engaging and enjoyable trekking experience.
- Himalaya Shelter is known for its high-quality trekking equipment and gear. From tents to safety harnesses, we make sure that all the equipment is of international safety standards and therefore reduce potential risks through the trek.
In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones. Click here to learn what a Customized Trekking program looks like.
Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Aru
Drive: 110 km, 4 hrs
Altitude: 5,200 ft (1,585 m) – 7,920 ft (2,414 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Dinner
Pick-up will be early, ideally around 7-8 AM, Begin your road trip from Srinagar to Aru. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, covering a distance of around 102 kilometers. Enjoy the scenic drive through the lush Kashmir Valley and alongside the Lidder River. Reach Aru in the late afternoon or early evening then accommodation in the campsite
Day 2: Drive to Mondlan and trek to Bhaj Marg
Drive: 6 km, 20-30 mins
Trek: 7 km, 6 hrs
Altitude: 7,920 ft (2,414 m) – 10,300 ft (3,140 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Begin your journey by driving from Aru to Mondlan. and Mondlan will be a starting point for your trekking from Mondlan to Bhaj Margi. This part of the journey will take you through beautiful landscapes, forests, and possibly some small villages. After reaching Bhaj Marg will stay overnight there
Day 3: Trek from Bhaj Marg to Nafran Valley
Trek: 9 km, 7 hrs
Altitude: 10,300 ft (3,140 m) – 11,355 ft (3,461 m) – 11,319 ft (3,450 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Start our day early by waking up in Bhaj Margi. Start your trek from Bhaj Margi towards Nafran Valley. The trek will involve navigating through beautiful landscapes and ascending Arram Pathri Ridge. As you ascend Arram Pathri Ridge, be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding climb. Take your time, stay hydrated, and enjoy the panoramic views. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the next campsite in Nafran Valley
Day 4: Trek from Nafran Valley to Harnag Valley
Trek: 5 km, 4-5 hrs
Altitude: 11,319 ft (3,450 m) – 12,500 ft (3,810 m) – 12,100 ft (3,688 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Start your day early in Nafran Valley with a wholesome breakfast to fuel up for the challenging trek ahead. trek from Nafran Valley to Harnag Lake via Harnag Pass. This portion of the journey will take you through high-altitude terrain, so be prepared for varying conditions. the ascent towards Harnag Pass. This part of the trek can be physically demanding due to the altitude gain and steep terrain. Reach Harnag Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains. This is likely your destination for the day.
Day 5: Trek from Harnag Lake to Harbhagwan Lake and back to Harnag Lake
Trek: 9 km, 8-9 hrs
Altitude: 12,100 ft (3,688 m) – 13,700 ft (4,175 m) – 12,100 ft (3,688 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Start your trek from Harnag Lake towards Harbhagwan Lake. This part of the journey will lead you deeper into the mountainous terrain. Have a lunch by the shores of Harbhagwan Lake. Relax and savor your meal while taking in the serene surroundings. then Return to your campsite at Harnag Lake
Day 6: Trek from Harnag Lake to Arram Pathri
Trek: 7 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 12,100 ft (3,688 m) – 11,480 ft (3,500 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Commence your trek from Harnag Lake towards Arram Pathri. You’ll retrace some of the routes you took previously. Enjoy a packed lunch and a well-deserved break. Reach Arram Pathri, which will be your camping or resting
spot for the night.
Day 7: Trek from Arram Pathri to Aru and Drive backl to Srinagar
Trek: 8 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 11,480 ft (3,500 m) – 7,920 ft (2,414 m) Drive to 5,200 ft (1,585 m)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Start your trek from Arram Pathri Finish your lunch at Aru and relax for a while before driving back from Aru to Srinagar
Inclusions
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
- Transport support from Srinagar to Srinagar ( Pick-up location: Nishat Garden, Srinagar )
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Accommodation in Srinagar
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
Anything apart from inclusions - Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
Nafran Valley Trek Videos
Nafran Valley Trek
Read More on Nafran Valley Trek
Photo Gallery
Treks by Categories
Treks By Month
Treks By Region
Treks By Experience
