Starting From
16,675
14,500.00
Starting From
16,675
14,500.00
Starting From
16,675
14,500.00
Nafran Valley Trek (407+ Reviews)
One way trail. The trek starts and ends at Aru
Jammu is the nearest rail head to the base camp
Srinagar Airport
Aru
Monsoon Trek ( July - August)
Aru to Aru
Meals while on trek ( Veg and Egg)
Homestay/ Camping
Jammu and Kashmir
7 days
Moderate
13800 Ft
40 Km
Overview
Nafran Valley Trek a Beautiful Trek of Kashmir
The trek begins at the base camp in Aru, where you'll find yourself surrounded by picturesque landscapes and lush greenery. As you venture further into the valley, the journey is accompanied by the majestic Kolahoi Glacier, which breathes life into the meadows with its pristine waters. From July to September, the valley comes alive with vibrant colors as the meadows bloom with a kaleidoscope of red, blue, violet, purple, white, yellow, and more.
Some of Kashmir's most beautiful grasslands can be seen in Nafran Valley; they resemble a glossy green carpet that stretches as far as the eye can reach. The shepherd soldiers, who temporarily occupy the valley to tend to their cattle, graze their animals on these rich meadows. Living in mud houses alongside gushing river streams, these shepherds offer a glimpse into their rustic lifestyle, deeply connected with the rhythm of nature.
The highlight of the Nafran Valley Trek is the opportunity to camp amidst the vast meadows, an experience unlike any other. The soothing meadows provide a serene atmosphere to unwind and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. In the evenings, the sparkling stars are reflected in the pristine Harbhagwan Lake and Harnag Lake, providing an amazing sight for astrophotography aficionados.
The trek also provides a chance to savor the authentic Kashmiri cuisine prepared by the locals. Delicacies like Kashmiri Haak, a local green leafy vegetable, and Kashmiri Pickle tantalize your taste buds with their unique flavors.
As you walk the trails of Nafran Valley, you'll be captivated by the untouched beauty of the landscape. The trek's terrain allows for swift progress, ensuring that you reach the turquoise-blue alpine lake, akin to the Kashmir Great Lakes, with ease. The experience is made more grand by being next to the Kolahoi Glacier, which is similar to the well-known Gaumukh Glacier.
Nafran Valley Trek Itinerary
Aru is situated on the bank of the Lidder River. Please note that prepaid sims don’t work in Kashmir. Pahalgam is the last point where you will get mobile network connectivity. The last ATM is in Pahalgam.
The trip begins from Aru town. We will start our excursion from Srinagar and drive around 112 km from Srinagar to arrive at Aru. Show up at the assigned get point and will get you and drive you to Aru.
From Srinagar, we will head to Pahalgam which is 100 km away from Srinagar and Aru town lies 12 km away from Srinagar across the Lidder Stream. Aru is a genuinely evolved place of interest, situated on the bank of the Lidder Stream and is likewise the headquarters for the famous Tarsar Marsar Journey and the Kolahoi Glacial mass Trip. It is additionally a center for experience exercises like pony riding and heliskiing in winter. Trout fishing in the Lidder Stream is likewise a famous game here. Unfortunately, network associations are not truly stable in Aru and all organization associations don't work there so you really want to have every one of your correspondences wrapped up at Pahalgam.
We will remain in camps at Aru and our campground is situated in a delightful area by the Lidder Waterway.
This is our most memorable day of journey and today we will trek from Aru to Gagad Pathri. The journey begins with a delicate uphill trip and in the wake of strolling for around 800 meters, you will enter a forested zone. Keep strolling and after some time the trip forks into two. The left path prompts a clearing with a vantage point. It takes around 3 hrs to reach. The correct way, then again, drives us to our camping area. Follow the path on the right which will lead you to a sloppy fix. There's likewise a higher street that can be taken during the blustery days when there is an excess of mud yet it isn't open more often than not. When you arrive at the sloppy fix, it's a lofty uphill move of around 500 meters toward the finish of which you will arrive at a shepherd settlement called Geerwad. From here on, you will stroll on fields and woods covers the whole way to a little riverside clearing. This is Gagad Pathri, your camping area for the evening. After a good supper, you will resign to your tents to rest for the evening and wake up invigorated the following day for the trip.
Today we will begin our journey by crossing a wooden board scaffold to get on the right half of the waterway followed by another intersection that will again take you to the left half of the stream. Here, you will notice several mud cottages that act as the mid year abodes of the shepherds. This clearing is called Kansal Pathri. Continue to walk uphill along the edge to your left side towards Aaram Pathri. When we arrive at Aaram Pathri, you need to take one more edge to your right side to show up at Nafran Valley. While the paths begin somewhat steep however become continuous in the long run and the move to Nafran Valley is a blend of steep and progressive rises through gigantic stones and shakes. Tread carefully here as certain segments can be somewhat elusive. This part makes the journey somewhat troublesome. In any case, after the trip is finished, you show up at a little knoll with a delightful stream going through it. This is where Nafran Valley begins. Strolling past the knolls of the valley we will climb further ahead and in the wake of moving for a couple of spikes, the path opens into a dazzling glade with lovely stone developments and a sputtering stream going through it. This is where we will camp for the evening. The camping area is encircled by enormous mountains on three sides making it a great area to camp. Absorb the landscape of the lovely Nafran Valley and resign during the tents for the evening.
Altitude: Harnag Pass - 3,740 m | Trek Distance: Duration: 9 hrs Today we will trek from Nafran Valley to Harnag Lake by means of Harnag Pass and back to Nafran Valley. We will remain one more night for acclimatization purposes since you have acquired a lot of elevation.
The present trip is genuinely simple contrasted with the earlier day. You have done the hardest piece of your trip, presently you will drop back along the lovely knolls, the whole way to Aaram Pathri. We will camp at Aaram Pathri around evening time. Partake in your stroll along the delightful knolls and periodically swing by to catch the magnificence of nature all around. The stroll down will be really gentle on your legs. Aaram Pathri Campground is a delightful camping area on a huge knoll that offers a mind blowing show of normal excellence. The nightfall over the Bhoj and Deodar trees makes the brilliant hour look totally supernatural here. Rest well after a delectable supper at the camping area.
Today we will trek from the Aram Pathri camping area to the Bhaj Margi campground. From your camping area, head towards the edge on the south and jump on it. The path here is steep and goes through growth and trees and there are patches of free soil, rock, and rugged rocks to a great extent before you arrive at the highest point of the edge. You get to see a dazzling perspective on the valley underneath. From here on the path turns out to be downhill towards a knoll. Follow down the slanted knolls heading in a southwest course and afterward along an edge that heads towards the southeast bearing and this will lead you to your next campground Bhaj Margi. Bhaj Margi is one more immense glade like Aaram Pathri that has shepherd cottages dispersed all over it. On the southeastern side of your camping area, there is a little stream and a bigger one in the far east corner. Both of these can be utilized as water sources. We will track down a reasonable spot to set up our shelters for a short term visit.
Drive Distance: Mondlan to Aru - 8 km | 20 minutes Aru to Srinagar - 112 km | 4 hrs An easy and gentle walk down to the valley. Expect to reach Srinagar by 8:00 PM This is the last day of trekking in the mountain and furthermore the last day of this wonderful excursion. Today we will trek back from Bhaj Margi to Aru and drive back to Srinagar. From the campground, the path continues to go southwest until you arrive at an enormous wooden entryway, which denotes the finish of the path. You will presently follow a sloppy way through a woodland cover right down to a little shepherd settlement called Shul Margi. From Shul Margi, you should cross a little stream to move further downwards and afterward again you should cross a greater stream and go into a forested zone. The timberland runs lined up with the street that drives you to Aru. Yet, we will progress forward with this forested path and it will lead us into a major getting that offers a shocking perspective free from Pahalgam. From here, it is a short plunge to Mondlan town arranged next to a little mountain stream. Mondlan is 8 km away from Aru and it takes a drive of around 20 minutes to arrive at Aru. We will eat subsequent to arriving at Aru and afterward head on towards Srinagar. From Aru is a 112 km distance to Srinagar and we will again pass through the very panoramic detour that we came on the principal day to arrive at Srinagar. You can hope to arrive at Srinagar by 8:00 PM.
Nafran Valley Trek Map
Inclusions
Exclusions
Inclusions
1. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
2. All necessary entry fees and permits.
3. Accommodation: - Guest house, Home stay, camping during Trek.
4. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Trek equipment: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent, kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
7. Staff Insurance.
8. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
4. Insurance.
5. Transport (Non Ac)
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
7. 5% GST
8.Any expense incurred or loss cost by reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays/rescheduling/ cancelations, any accidents/medical evacuations, riots/strikes/war/pandemics etc.
9. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Inclusions
1. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
2. All necessary entry fees and permits.
3. Accommodation: - Guest house, Home stay, camping during Trek.
4. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Trek equipment: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent, kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
7. Staff Insurance.
8. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
4. Insurance.
5. Transport (Non Ac)
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
7. 5% GST
8.Any expense incurred or loss cost by reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays/rescheduling/ cancelations, any accidents/medical evacuations, riots/strikes/war/pandemics etc.
9. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes is essential for a comfortable and safe trek. Look for shoes that are sturdy, provide good ankle support, and have a good grip on different types of terrain.
- Backpack with rain cover (50-60 ltr): A backpack is necessary to carry all your gear. Make sure it's the right size for your trek, and comes with a rain cover to keep your belongings dry in case of rain.
- Thermals (upper and lower): Thermals are lightweight and comfortable base layers that help regulate your body temperature in cold weather. Bring both upper and lower thermals to keep warm.
- 3 T-shirts (advisable quick dry): Choose quick-drying T-shirts made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials. This will help keep you cool and dry during your trek.
- 2 trek pants: Choose lightweight and comfortable trek pants that are easy to move in and can dry quickly if wet.
- Jacket (-10 degree): A warm jacket is essential for cold weather. Choose a jacket that is waterproof and windproof, and provides good insulation.
- Fleece or hood (2): Fleece jackets or hoodies are great mid-layer options to keep warm. Bring at least two, as they can also be used as an extra layer at night.
- Sunglasses (UV protected): Protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays with sunglasses that are designed for outdoor activities.
- Sun cap: A sun cap or hat with a brim will protect your face and neck from the sun.
- Hand gloves: Bring a pair of lightweight gloves to keep your hands warm and protected from wind and sunburn.
- Woollen cap: A woollen cap will keep your head and ears warm at night or in cold weather.
- Socks (3 pairs min): Bring at least three pairs of good quality socks that are moisture-wicking and provide good cushioning and support for your feet.
- Headlamp: A headlamp will come in handy if you're hiking in low-light conditions or need to find your way in the dark.
- Trekking pole (if needed): Trekking poles can help reduce strain on your legs and provide additional support on steep terrain.
- Rain cover\poncho: A rain cover or poncho will keep you and your gear dry during unexpected rain showers.
- Day pack (if you plan to offload your bag): If you plan to offload your backpack during the trek, bring a smaller day pack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
- A toiletry kit: Bring a small kit with personal hygiene items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.
- Lunchbox, cup, spoon: If you plan to bring your own food, bring a lunchbox, cup, and spoon to carry and eat your meals.
- 2 one-litter bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial, so bring at least two one-liter bottles to carry water.
- 2-3 plastic covers to keep your wet or used clothes: Plastic bags are useful for keeping wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest of your belongings. They can also be used to pack out any trash or waste you generate during the trek.
How to reach
- By air: The nearest airport to Aru is the Srinagar International Airport, which is about 95 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Aru.
- By train: The nearest railway station to Aru is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located about 280 km away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Aru.
- By road: Aru is well connected to major cities in North India such as Srinagar and Jammu by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Aru. Aru is located about 11 km from Pahalgam, which is a popular tourist destination. You can take a taxi or a shared cab from Pahalgam to reach Aru.
Fitness and preparation guide for Nafran Valley Trek
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.
- You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
FAQ
Nafran Valley Trek is a pure summer trek. The trek is inaccessible and not doable during winter, spring or autumn. Owing to its high altitude, the entire trail of Nafran Valley Trek remains under the snow throughout the winter. In Spring, the snow doesn’t melt fully on its trail Towards the start of summers like in May and June, the passes of the trek are still covered in snow which makes the ponies cross them difficult and quite dangerous. The autumn makes this trek difficult because of the drop in temperature which the ponies can’t bear at high altitude, also by the time autumn fully arrives, the grass in the grasslands of Nafran Valley dies down which is the main source of food for the ponies. Hence Nafran Valley is not doable in Winter, Spring, and Autumn. The best months to do this trek are July, August, and September.
Nafran Valley Trek is a moderate to difficult trek. To embark on this trek, you need to have a fair level of fitness. The trek has some steep ascents. It has boulder and rocky sections which one has to maneuver. The toughest ascent is on the day one goes over the famous Harnag Pass which is full of large boulders and gets slippery with the water that runs down over it. For a beginner, this trek will require some pre-trek fitness preparations. Beginners should hit the gym, try cardio and stretching along with moderate to tough squat exercises. The trek will put a strain on our knees and ankles. The main reason for the trek being moderate to difficult is that it gains altitude with a short distance that makes it steeper.
Cancellation policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavour to make it as easy possible for you. However, please understand we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and ration in advance. Therefore any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below-
Cancellation prior to 30 days from start of the event: Get monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges on trek fee.
Cancellation between 30 days and 15 days to the start of event: 50% on trek fee is non refundable and the remaining 50 % will be given as cash voucher which is valid for 1 year.
Cancellation less than 15 days to the start of event: No refund.
Please note cancellation will be only accepted by email.
Booking amount is non refundable
Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a programme before departure in the event of logistical problems arriving due to natural calamities, strikes, wars on any other circumstances that makes the event inadvisable. In this case, 50% on trek fee is non refundable and the remaining 50 % will be given as cash voucher which is valid for 1 year.
Itinerary changes & trip delays:
We plan itineraries based on the information at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, there are subject to change. In the event that the itinerary is changes or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc. Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply. We will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However The Himalayan Daredevils are not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.
Reviews
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