Nafran Valley Trek
Nafran Valley, Kashmir – a hidden gem surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and the majestic Kolahoi Glacier.
Duration
7 days
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Challenging – Ideal for experienced trekkers or those with a decent fitness level due to steep ascents, rocky terrain, and high-altitude conditions.
Best Season
July to September – This period offers clear skies, blooming meadows, and mild weather. Snow along the higher reaches melts to reveal lush green pastures dotted with wildflowers.
Highlights
• Vast, untouched meadows alive with wildflowers.
• Panoramic views of the Kolahoi Glacier, known as the “Crown of Kashmir.”
• Crystal-clear high-altitude lakes, including Harnag and Harbhagwan. • Cultural immersion with the local Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes.
Quick Itinerary
• Altitude: 2,414 meters (7,950 feet)
• Travel Distance: 100 km (3-4 hours by road)
Your journey begins in Srinagar, the heart of Kashmir’s cultural and natural beauty. As you leave the city behind, the road takes you through the mesmerizing Lidder Valley. On the way, you’ll pass Pampore, famous for its saffron fields that turn shades of purple during the blooming season. Watch walnut plantations swaying in the breeze and follow the emerald waters of the Lidder River as they carve through the valley.
Arriving in Aru Village, you’re greeted by lush meadows framed by towering deodar trees. The village itself is a picture of simplicity, with mud-brick houses, grazing sheep, and orchards teeming with apples and cherries.
Cultural Highlights:
• Interact with local Gujjar families who still live a nomadic lifestyle. They are known for their hospitality and will often invite you for a cup of warm “noon chai” (salted tea).
• A short walk around the village reveals its vibrant orchards and small rivulets crisscrossing the landscape.
Stay: Cozy homestay or camp near the gently flowing river, falling asleep to the sound of nature.
Preparation: Ensure all trekking permits are ready, and do a final gear check with your guide.
• Altitude: 3,162 meters (10,374 feet)
• Trek Distance: ~7.5 km (6-7 hours)
A short early morning drive brings you to Mondlan, the starting point of the trek. The trail takes you deep into dense pine forests that exude the earthy aroma of moss and resin. As you gain altitude, the forest thins out, giving way to birch groves with golden foliage. A sense of tranquility envelops you as the canopy opens up to reveal vast meadows surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
At Bhaj Margi, the silence of nature is broken only by the distant roar of waterfalls and the occasional chirp of Himalayan birds. This idyllic meadow feels like stepping into a painting, with wildflowers carpeting the ground in a riot of colors.
Key Features:
• The trail follows the Lidder River, which rushes alongside you in sparkling cascades.
• Spot Himalayan marmots sunbathing on rocks and golden eagles soaring above.
Stay: Camp at Bhaj Margi, where the starlit sky reflects on the dew-covered grass.
• Altitude: 3,462 meters (11,358 feet)
• Trek Distance: ~8.5 km (6-7 hours)
The trail today is a mix of steep ascents and rolling descents. Crossing Arram Pathri Ridge, a high vantage point, you’re treated to your first unobstructed view of the Kolahoi Glacier. Known as the “Crown of Kashmir,” the glacier is an awe-inspiring sight, its icy expanse glinting in the sunlight.
Descending into Nafran Valley, you’re greeted by a vast green expanse bordered by jagged peaks. Nomadic shepherds with their flocks of sheep dot the valley, adding life to the untouched landscape.
Special Moments:
• Pause to enjoy the stunning contrast between dark pine forests and open meadows.
• Meet nomadic Bakarwals, whose camps are a fascinating glimpse into a way of life steeped in tradition.
Stay:
Camp at Nafran Valley, with the valley’s natural beauty as your backdrop.
• Altitude: 3,688 meters (12,100 feet)
• Trek Distance: ~8 km (6-7 hours)
The day starts with a challenging ascent to Harnag Pass, a high-altitude saddle that offers jaw-dropping views of the Kolahoi Glacier. The effort is well worth it as you descend into the serene basin of Harnag Lake, a pristine body of water fed by glacial streams.
Unique Element:
• The calm waters of Harnag Lake reflect the rugged peaks, creating a perfect mirror image.
• Explore nearby streams where you can dip your hands in the icy-cold water.
Stay:
Camp near Harnag Lake under the moonlit sky.
• Altitude: 4,203 meters (13,789 feet) at Harbhagwan Lake
• Trek Distance: ~8 km (to and fro, 6-7 hours)
Today’s trail is more demanding, leading to the secluded Harbhagwan Lake, which lies amidst rugged cliffs and blooming alpine flora. The lake’s deep-blue waters seem otherworldly, creating an ethereal contrast to the barren surroundings.
Special Feature:
• Harbhagwan Lake is a hidden treasure, rarely visited and untouched by human activity, making it a photographer’s dream.
Stay:
Return to your camp at Harnag Lake by afternoon.
• Altitude: 3,500 meters (11,482 feet)
• Trek Distance: ~8 km (5-6 hours)
The trek descends through the same verdant meadows and pine forests. This slowerpaced day allows you to soak in the breathtaking scenery and reflect on the incredible journey.
Stay:
Camp at Arram Pathri, a serene meadow with a bubbling stream nearby.
• Altitude: 2,414 meters (7,950 feet)
• Trek Distance: ~8 km (4-5 hours)
The final leg of your trek takes you back to Aru Village. The descent is relatively easy, giving you time to reminisce about the highlights of your adventure. Once back at Aru, enjoy a celebratory meal before driving back to Srinagar.
Farewell Moment: Stop at saffron plantations near Pampore to learn about the cultivation process or shop for Kashmiri handicrafts to bring home a piece of this enchanting region.
Optional:
Overnight stay in Srinagar for a relaxing end to your journey.
Final Thoughts
The Nafran Valley trek is not just a journey through Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes; it’s a step back in time to a simpler, more peaceful world. The mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty makes this an unforgettable experience for any trekking enthusiast.
Inclusions/Exclusions
What is Included?
- Accommodation: Accommodation during all days of the trek is included. LogOut Kashmir gives you a choice to choose from a single person, two person or three person tents for you stay. But the same needs to be informed at the time of booking.
- Meals: All Meals on the Trek(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner) are included. The food during the trek will be all vegetarian cooked by our high altitude chefs. You will be given packed lunch everyday which you will carry in your backpack.
- GST and Other Taxes: The goods and services tax is included in the booking price.
- Camping Equipment: All the camping equipment like Tents, Sleeping bags, Toilet Tents, Dining Tent, Sleeping Mats etc. of high quality is included.
- Safety Equipment: First Aid including Medical kit, Oxygen Cylinder, Oximeter,stretcher etc. will be available all the time to deal with the emergencies.
- Trek Permits and Camping Charges: All the applicable trekking permits, Camping Charges, Forest Entry Fee, etc will be paid by us.
- Transportation: Transportation from Srinagar to base camp on the first day & back to Srinagar on last day is included.
What is Excluded?
- Food during transit: Any food you have during your travel to & from base camp will be out of your own pocket.
- Personal Equipment: Your Rucksack, personal clothing, shoes, trek poles, and other personal trekking gear is not included in this package. You have to bring your own gear according to the weather and difficulty of the trek.
- Portage of Personal Bags(Offloading): If due to any reason, you wish not to carry your rucksack/backpack, we can arrange for a porter/mule to carry it. For this service, you will be charged over and above the trek cost. The charges for offloading vary with every trek.
- Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is not included in this package. You need to have travel insurance before opting for such adventures. You can contact our support to guide you through the process.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses incurred (Laundry, Bottled Water, Beverages, Snacks, Orders at tea houses or dhabas, Tips for guides, Camera fees, etc) are not included in the package.
- Cloakroom Cost: We have a cloakroom facility available to keep your bags & valuables during you trek. The facility is available at Rs 200/bag/day. Such cost is not included.
- Anything not mentioned in Inclusions of the package.
Tour Plan
- By Air:Commence your journey with a seamless flight to Srinagar Airport, your gateway to the enchanting realm of Kashmir. From here, embark on a scenic drive to Aru Valley, where your adventure awaits amidst the splendor of the Himalayas.
- By Train:Traverse the scenic landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir aboard a train to Jammu Tawi station, before continuing your journey to Srinagar via bus, and onward to Aru Valley.
- By Road:Embark on an enchanting road trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam, followed by a picturesque drive to Aru Valley, where the beauty of Kashmir's orchards and countryside unfolds before your eyes.
