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Max Altitude

13,800 FT

Grade

Moderate To Difficult

Duration

7 Days

Trekking KM.

40 KM

Suitable for:10+ years.
Experience:Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 1 trek.
Fitness:Sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes

13,800 /Person

  • +5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Srinagar to Srinagar
  • Camping (Twin sharing)

Help & Support

Overview

Trek Info


  • Trail TypeOne way. The trek starts at Aru and ends at Aru
  • Rail HeadJammu is the nearest rail head to the base camp
  • AirportSrinagar airport
  • Base CampAru (112 kms drive from Shrinagar, approx 4 hours)
  • Best Season
    • Monsoon Treks (Jul - Aug)
    • Autumn Treks (Sep - Mid Nov)
  • SnowMore snow in winters
  • Services fromSrinagar to Srinagar
  • MealsMeals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
  • StayCamping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse


  • Region - Jammu and Kashmir
  • Duration - 7 Days
  • Grade - Moderate To Difficult
  • Max Altitude - 13800 Ft.
  • Approx Trekking Km - 40 Kms.

Why Nafran Valley Is A Must-Do Trek?

The beauty of Kashmir is simply bewitching and treks like Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar stand as great examples. While these two treks are immensely popular, there are many other trekking trails in Kashmir that are equally as beautiful and unfold in front of you the pristine and untouched beauty of Kashmir Valley. Nafran Valley Trek is one such trek.

The trek to Nafran Valley starts from Aru village which is about 112 km away from Srinagar. Throughout the trek, you will cross varied sceneries from green meadows, and mystical jungles to an alpine lake – a complete bouquet for a trekking enthusiast. Aru Valley, Harnag Lake, and Nafran Valley altogether make this trek an interesting adventure.

The meadows of Nafran Valley are inhabited by shepherds between June to October and stay in mud houses. During these months you will see a lot of cattle and horses grazing in the valley and in winters these shepherds descend down to lower altitudes when the valley isn’t habitable anymore.

If you are planning an offbeat adventure in Kashmir then the Nafran Valley Trek is an amazing choice.

About The Trek

Nafran Valley Trek starts from Aru village near Pahalgam and takes 7 days to complete the entire trekking adventure.

Day 1 starts with a scenic drive from Srinagar to Aru valley from where the trek starts. Reach Srinagar one day prior to the journey. Our representatives will pick you up from Srinagar and drive you all the way to Aru. The next day we trek from Aru to Gagan Pathri, through a forest walk.

On Day 3, we trek from Gagan Pathri to the gorgeous valley, we will stay in the valley for two nights. On the second night, we will go on an acclimatization walk to the beautiful Harnag Lake. The emerald lake presents a serene environment to rejuvenate yourself. The following day, we trek from Nafran Valley to Aaram Pathri. Aram Pathri is a big open meadow where you will camp for the night.

Leaving this idyllic campsite behind, we trek towards Bhaj Margi, which is another large clearing with shepherd dwellings. This is the last leg of our trek. From Bhaj Margi, on the last day, we will trek to Aru and drive back to Srinagar ending the beautiful journey.

What To Expect At The Trek?

Nafran Valley Trek is a moderate to difficult grade trek. This means to embark on this trek, you need to have a good level of fitness and prior experience of a Himalayan Trek can be helpful. The trail is a blend of ascents and descents, and quite steeply so in some places. The trek takes you to an altitude of 14,127 ft and is a short trail with steep ascents, which can increase the difficulty level.

You can experience a series of unique landscapes on this trek. Apart from the lovely meadows, you will get to see jungles, glaciers, river streams, and even an alpine lake. This trek will surprise you with its sheer beauty. Between th months of June to October, you can see the Nafran meadows inhabited by shepherd troops, who then descend to lower altitudes as the weather gets colder. In this trek, you will get to see the lifestyle of a shepherd who lives in the valley feeding their livestock and earning a livelihood.

The best time to visit Nafran Valley is from the month of July to September when the entire valley is blooming with wildflowers and is verdant green. With the onset of July, the snow in the valley begins to melt unveiling the green carpet of grass beneath and it also receives the most rainfall as compared to other months making the green even more striking. August is the blooming season, the valley is lush green with cattle grazing all over the valley. In September, the flowers begin to reduce but the valley is beautiful nonetheless and the skies are clear and beautiful. The temperature during these months stays between 12°C to 18°C in the daytime and 5°C to 10°C at night.

This is a high-altitude trek so there are chances of AMS. Pay close attention to your body and keep alert if you notice any signs of AMS. If you do not feel well, are nauseated, or have a headache, you should immediately report to your Trek Leader so that immediate measures can be taken.

Who can participate

    • Age; 10 years.
    • First timer can apply; previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
    • The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 4 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
    • The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.

     

    Health Awareness

    • Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 90 beats per minute)
    • Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg)
    • Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute)
    • Should not have Liver and kidney issues
    • Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Epilepsy, Heart problems, Hypertension etc
    • No pacemaker implant
    • People with the Sinus issues please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek
    • If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.

     

    Government Employees {SCL}

    Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed  for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT) 
    Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.

     

    Note

Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive From Srinagar To Aru
    • Altitude: 2,400 m/ 7,950 ft
    • Drive Distance: 112 km | Duration: 4 hrs
    • Transportation from Srinagar to Aru is included in the cost
    • 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
    • Stay in tents (twin-sharing)

The trek starts from Aru village. We will begin our journey from Srinagar and drive about 112 km from Srinagar to reach Aru. Arrive at the designated pick-up point and our representatives will pick you up and drive you to Aru. From Srinagar, we will drive to Pahalgam which is 100 km away from Srinagar and Aru village lies 12 km away from Srinagar across the Lidder River.

 

Aru is a fairly developed tourist spot, located on the bank of the Lidder River and is also the base camp for the popular Tarsar Marsar Trek and the Kolahoi Glacier Trek. It is also a hub for adventure activities like horse riding and heliskiing in winter. Trout fishing in the Lidder River is also a popular sport here. Network connections are not very stable in Aru and all network connections don’t work there so you need to have all your communications wrapped up at Pahalgam. We will be staying in camps at Aru and our campsite is located in a beautiful location by the Lidder River.

Day 2 : Trek From Aru To Gagad Pathri
    • Altitude: 2,910 m
    • Trek Duration: 5 hrs approx.
    • Stay: In camps (twin sharing)

This is our first day of trekking and today we will trek from Aru to Gagad Pathri. The trek starts with a gentle uphill climb and after walking for about 800 meters, you will enter a forested zone. Continue walking and after some time the trek forks into two. The left trail leads to a clearing with a vantage point. It takes about 3 hrs to reach. The right path, on the other hand, leads us to our campsite.

 

Follow the trail on the right which will lead you to a muddy patch. There’s also a higher road that can be taken during the rainy days when there is too much mud but it is not accessible most of the time. Once you reach the muddy patch, it’s a steep uphill climb of about 500 meters at the end of which you will reach a shepherd settlement called Geerwad. From here on, you will walk on grasslands and forest covers all the way to a small riverside clearing. This is Gagad Pathri, your campsite for the night.

 

We will find a suitable location to pitch the camps. The mountain stream serves as the water source, however, the water is a little milky color. Using chlorine tablets is recommended here.

 

After a hearty dinner, you will retire to your tents to rest for the night and wake up refreshed the next day for the trek.

Day 3 : Trek From Gagad Pathri To Nafran Valley
    • Altitude: 3,435 m
    • Duration: 9 hrs
    • Stay: In tents (twin-sharing)

Today we will start our trek by crossing a wooden plank bridge to get on the right side of the river followed by another crossing that will again take you to the left side of the river. Here, you will observe a couple of mud huts that serve as the summer dwellings of the shepherds. This clearing is called Kansal Pathri. Keep walking uphill along the ridge on your left towards Aaram Pathri.

 

Once we reach Aaram Pathri, you have to take another ridge to your right side to arrive at Nafran Valley. While the trails start out a little steep but become gradual eventually and the climb to Nafran Valley is a mix of steep and gradual ascends through huge boulders and rocks. Proceed with caution here as some sections can be a little slippery. This section makes the trek a little difficult. But after the climb is over, you arrive at a small meadow with a beautiful stream running through it. This is where Nafran Valley starts.

 

Walking past the meadows of the valley we will climb further ahead and after climbing for a few spurs, the trail opens into a gorgeous meadow with beautiful rock formations and a gurgling stream running through it. This is where we will camp for the night. The campsite is surrounded by big mountains on three sides making it a wonderful location to camp.  Soak in the scenery of the beautiful Nafran Valley and retire in the tents for the night.

Day 4 : Acclimatization Day At Nafran Valley | Visit Harnag Lake Via Harnag Pass
    • Altitude: Harnag Pass - 3,740 m
    • Trek Distance: Duration: 9 hrs
    • Stay: In tents (twin-sharing)

Today we will trek from Nafran Valley to Harnag Lake via Harnag Pass and back to Nafran Valley. We will stay another night for acclimatization purposes since you have gained a significant amount of altitude.

Day 5 : Trek From Nafran Valley To Aaram Pathri
    • Altitude: 3,400 m
    • Trek Distance: 2.5 km approx. | Duration: 2 hrs approx.
    • Stay: In tents (twin-sharing)

Today’s trek is fairly easy compared to the previous day. You have done the toughest part of your trek, now you will descend back along the beautiful meadows, all the way to Aaram Pathri. We will camp at Aaram Pathri at night.

 

Enjoy your walk along the beautiful meadows and occasionally stop by to capture the beauty of nature all around. The walk down is going to be pretty mild on your legs. Aaram Pathri Campsite is a beautiful campsite on a large meadow that offers a splendid presentation of natural beauty. The sunset over the Bhoj and Deodar trees makes the golden hour look absolutely magical here. Rest well after a delicious dinner at the campsite.

Day 6 : Trek From Aaram Pathri To Bhaj Margi
    • Altitude: 3,100 m
    • Trek Distance: 11 km approx. | Duration: 5 to 6 hrs
    • Stay: In tents (twin sharing)

Today we will trek from the Aram Pathri campsite to the Bhaj Margi campsite. From your campsite, head towards the ridge on the south and climb on it. The trail here is steep and goes through shrubbery and trees and there are patches of loose soil, gravel, and jagged rocks here and there before you reach the top of the ridge. You get to see a stunning view of the valley below.

 

From here on the trail becomes downhill towards a meadow. Follow down the sloped meadows heading in a southwest direction and then along a ridge that heads towards the southeast direction and this will lead you to your next campsite Bhaj Margi. Bhaj Margi is yet another vast meadow like Aaram Pathri that has shepherd huts scattered all across it. On the southeastern side of your campsite, there is a small stream and a larger one in the far east corner. Both of these can be used as water sources.

 

We will find a suitable spot to pitch our tents for an overnight stay.

Day 7 : Trek From Bhaj Margi To Aru And Drive Back To Srinagar
    • Trek Distance: Bhaj Margi to Mondlan - 6 km | Duration: 6 hrs
    • 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 also the last day of this beautiful journey. Today we will trek back from Bhaj Margi to Aru and drive back to Srinagar. From the campsite, the trail keeps going southwest until you reach a large wooden gate, which marks the end of the trail.  You will now follow a muddy path through a forest cover all the way down to a small shepherd settlement called Shul Margi.

 

From Shul Margi, you will have to cross a small stream to move further downwards and then again you will have to cross a bigger stream and enter into a forested zone.  The forest runs parallel to the road that leads you to Aru. But we will continue on this forested trail and it will lead us into a big clearing that offers a stunning view of Pahalgam.

 

From here, it is a short descent to Mondlan village situated beside a small mountain stream. Mondlan is 8 km away from Aru and it takes a drive of about 20 minutes to reach Aru. We will have lunch after reaching Aru and then head on towards Srinagar. From Aru is a 112 km distance to Srinagar and we will again drive through the same scenic route that we came on the first day to reach Srinagar. You can expect to reach Srinagar by 8:00 PM.

How To Reach

  • Pick Up Place
  • Drop Place
  • Note

Everyone needs to reach Srinagar
Pick-up location: Toursit Reception Center in Srinagar, once you reach at pick up location TTH will take care of your further travel arrangements. We advise you to come by air and avoid journey by bus. Do reach Srinagar one day before your trek date for safer side.
 Pick- up Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM


Options to Reach Srinagar:
1.    If you are planning to take a bus, you can reach bus stand in Srinagar from any major city. It will take approx. 30 minutes to reach TRC from bus stand.
2.    If you are planning to fly to Srinagar which is well connected to all major airports in India, you can reach TRC  by 35 minutes via taxi.
3.    If you’re coming by train, there are two railway stations.
-    Jammu railway station is about 260 km away and takes around 8 hours by bus.
-    Udhampur is 200 km away and from there it is 6 hours bus journey to Srinagar.

  • TTH’s Tata Sumo, Tempo Traveller or similar vehicles will pick-up you.
  • Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek.
  • If you wish to upgrade the transport service, please contact the Trek Coordinator.

Trekkers will be dropped at Srinagar Nishant Garden by 06:00 PM, for onward journey from Srinagar it is advised to make arrangements for next day.

Cost Terms

  • Inclusions
  • Exclusions
  • Note
  • Tour Fee
  • Cancellation Policy

.Transport Srinagar to Aru Base and Back
2.Accommodation. (Camping) (2 person in one tent)
3. Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg)
4. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils
5. All necessary permits and entry fees
6. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder
7. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff

8. Services from Srinagar to srinagar

9. TTH Staff insurance

10. Mules to carry the central luggage

Any kind of personal expenses 2. Hotel Stay in Srinagar.
3. Food during the transit.
4. Insurance.
5. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head

Srinagar Accommodation: The stay at Srinagar on the last day is not included in the trek fee. However we can assist you in booking a hotel or a houseboat for the same, please let us know at least 15 days in advance to the start of the trek. Intimation is by email only at info@trekthehimalayas.com

Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)

1- Satellite phone/setphone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.

2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.

3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly

Insurance is mandatory and can be obtained through TTH or other providers. Non-Indian rates are slightly higher, trek coordinator will share the balance payment link after booking. If you choose not to book through us, we will refund your insurance fee; email us immediately after booking for the refund.

 

Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1800/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 2000/- if you inform us after reaching Aru base camp
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.

Special Offers

Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.

If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.

Terms and conditions

  • This offer is a non-transferable.
  • This offer is valid for Trek The Himalayas limited fixed departures.
  • This offer is valid for 5 years from the date of booking.
  • This offer is not valid if the participant has received a cash refund or voucher at the time of cancellation.
  • Participants don’t have to pay for the trek cost but have to pay for the transport cost.

The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for
payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please
e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.

Cancellation terms:

For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at info@trekthehimalayas.com  At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.

Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip

Refund options

  • 5% deduction of trek fee
  • 100% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip

Refund options

  • 30% deduction of trek fee
  • 100% cash voucher for same trip till one year
  • 85% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip

Refund options

  • Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
  • 50% deduction of trek fee
  • 80% cash voucher for same trip till one year
  • 70% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek

Refund options

  • Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend
  • No cash refund
  • 20% cash voucher for the same trip till one year
  • 10% cash voucher for any trip till one year

If by a rare consequence TTH calls off/cancels a trek:

At TTH, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event that we do call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen circumstances or natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that prevents us from carrying out a trek in a safe manner, unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that prevents a safe trekking experience, TTH will issue a voucher summing up to the same amount as your trek fee. The voucher can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.

Note

  • The voucher is also not issued if for any reason you have to come down from the trek. The trek leader may send you down from the trek, owing to reasons like lack of fitness, AMS, blood pressure, turn-around-time, health issues, or if you are found smoking/ drinking, or breaking the rules of the trek. Vouchers are issued only when the whole trek is cancelled or called off on behalf of TTH.

In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:

As we mention always, weather conditions at high altitudes are extremely unpredictable and can change at any time of any day. Also, situations like natural calamities or political unrest, pandemics and lockdowns, etc are out of our control and if an event cannot run under any such circumstances that we do not directly have control over then we will try to give you an alternative trek, which means your trek will be shifted from one trek to another, which will be safer and more favourable.

In these cases, a voucher is issued to mitigate the difference in cost between the two treks. You can redeem the voucher at any time over a period of one year from the date of issue. A refund fee or refund of the difference is not applicable.

Note:

  • Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
  • In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
  • TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
  • Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers

Cash Voucher Terms:

  • This is a non-transferable voucher
  • The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
  • The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
  • To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
  • All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
  • Trek The Himalayas holds rights to add/remove any of the Terms and Conditions without prior notice

Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.

Trek Essential

  • Basic Gear
  • Clothes
  • Personal Utilities
  • Head Gears
  • Foot Gears
Back pack & rain cover(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack + rain cove20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)
Walking stickAdvisable (At least one)
Water bottle/Hydration pack2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask.
Personal Medical KitConsult your doctor
SnacksEnergy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
T-shirts4 Full sleeves (Non-cotton)
Fleece T-shirts1 Nos.
Fleece jacket1 Nos. (Alternative: a woolen sweater)
Down feather / Hollofil jacket1 Nos.
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant)1 Pair
Trek pants3 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris)
Fleece/woolen gloves1 Pair
Poncho1 Nos.
Sunscreen creamMoisturiser
Hand sanitizerAntibacterial powder
Toothbrush and toothpasteLip balm / Chapstick
Toilet Paper & wipesQuick dry towel
Head torch1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch)
Woolen cap1 Nos.
Balaclava1 Nos. (Optional)
Neck-gaiters1 Nos.
SunglassesDark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses.
Trekking shoes1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip)
Floaters/flip-flops1 Pair
Cotton socks6 pairs
Woolen socks1 pairs
Gaiters1 Pair (TTH will Provide)

Fitness

Fitness regime for:

Moderate To Difficult

Calculate Your BMI :


Your BMI value is

24.22

Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!

BMI Range Category
Less than 16.5 Serverely Underweight
16.5 - 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 25 Normal
25 - 30 Overweight

  • If your BMI is normal, you can plan your fitness regime as mentioned.
  • If your BMI is not normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime.
  • If you're suffering from any chronic illnesses consult a medical practitioner.

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