Nafran Valley Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar & Drive to Aru Village via Pahalgam

• Distance: 112 km
• Duration: 4 to 5.5 hours
• Pickup Location: Srinagar Tourist Reception Office (TRC Office)
• Mode of Journey: By taxi
• Altitude: 7,958 feet (Aru)
• Night Stay: Hotel (Twin-sharing basis)

Welcome to Kashmir – Your Journey Begins Here

Your adventure into Nafran Valley begins in Srinagar, a city where time slows down amidst the beauty of Dal Lake and its floating houseboats. As you arrive at Srinagar TRC Office, our trek guide will greet you and share valuable insights about the journey ahead. From here, you take up a scenic drive towards Aru Village, a hidden paradise in the heart of Kashmir.

The Scenic Drive to Aru

The Nafran Valley trek distance from Srinagar is 112 km, which takes you through Kashmir’s most stunning landscapes. Leaving the bustle of Srinagar behind, the road winds through the saffron fields of Pampore, painting the valley in hues of gold and purple. Further ahead, you cross Bijbehra, the preferred route for the Nafran Valley Trek, leading to the charming town of Pahalgam, famously known as the Valley of Shepherds. Here, the Lidder River flows alongside the road, its turquoise waters glistening under the sun. As you drive deeper, the road narrows, hugging the river with snow-capped peaks rising in the distance.

Aru Village – The Perfect Basecamp

Settled at a height of 7,958 feet, Aru Village is a place of untouched beauty. Unlike the busy tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir, Aru is a peaceful village, surrounded by pine forests, open meadows, and breathtaking views of the Kolahoi Glacier. The village is also the gateway to some of Kashmir’s most spectacular treks, including Tarsar Marsar, Kashmir Great Lakes, Kolahoi Glacier Trek, and more.

Strolling through Aru, you’ll see traditional wooden houses and the welcoming Gujjar community, whose way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. As the sun sets, the fresh mountain air carries the soothing melody of the flowing river, marking the perfect end to your first day. Rest well—the real adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 2: Trek from Aru to Arram Pathri (Bhaj Margi) – Into the Heart of Kashmir’s Wilderness

• Trek Distance: 8.5 km
• Trek Duration: 6 to 8 hours
• Altitude Gain: 7,960 ft to 10,374 ft
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Night Stay: Bhaj Margi Campsite (Twin-sharing tents)

As the morning sun bathes Aru Village in golden light, the trek begins with a short 20-minute drive to Mondlan. From here, you step onto the trail, leaving behind the last traces of civilization. The path winds through dense forests of pine and deodar, where the fresh mountain air is filled with the soothing scent of conifers. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground as you move deeper into the wilderness.

Forest Trails and Gurgling Streams

The trek follows a gentle ascent, with towering trees on both sides. Along the way, you come across crystal-clear streams tumbling over smooth rocks. This is one of the few water sources before the campsite, so refilling your bottles is essential. As you continue the journey, the rhythmic sound of flowing water and rustling leaves creates a calming atmosphere. 

Shul Margi Meadow

Soon, the forest gives way to the Shul Margi meadows, a vast expanse of velvety green meadows stretching endlessly under the open sky. These meadows, kissed by the golden hues of the sun, offer the first grand view of Kashmir’s alpine beauty. 

Here, you will see Gujjar settlements (Nandkei) built from wood and stone. These settlements tell the story of the Indigenous nomadic shepherds who call these high-altitude pastures home. These beautiful people are some of the oldest inhabitants of the Himalayas. 

After the Shul Margi the trail gets steeper, adding an exciting challenge for trekkers. As you climb up you will reach a wooden gate. Here you will see another water stream on the other side of the gate.

Bhaj Margi Campsite – A Hidden Paradise

Further ahead, the scenery transforms into the Bhaj Margi meadows, a lesser-known paradise that feels straight out of a dream. The meadow is covered with wildflowers a mesmerizing blend of green grass, golden wildflowers, and patches of purple and pink blossoms swaying with the wind. 

As the evening descends, the sky turns into a canvas of fiery orange and deep blue, offering a surreal end to the day in the heart of Kashmir’s wilderness.

Day 3: Trek from Bhaj Margi to Nafran Valley via Arram Pathri 

• Trek Distance: 8 km
• Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• Altitude Gain and Loss: 10,374 ft to 11,358 ft via 11,482 ft
• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Night Stay: Nafran Campsite (Twin-sharing tents)

The morning at Bhaj Margi begins with the soothing mountain air that carries the scent of pine and wildflowers. As you step onto the trail, the towering coniferous trees engulf the path with their dense canopy that casts flickering patterns of light on the forest floor. A gentle, winding ascent marks the start of day 3 of the Nafran Valley trek, drawing you deeper into the untouched wilderness of Kashmir.

Arram Pathri Ridge Walk – A View Worth the Climb

As the forest thins, the trail forks up, leading the path to another popular attraction of the trek, Arram Pathri Ridge. It is a vantage point that unravels the sprawling Bhaj Margi and Dadwar meadows. The ridge climb is steady but manageable, with the final stretch requiring a brief, determined push. 

At the top of the Arram Pathri, you witness another spectacular scenery, the rolling alpine meadows and the Pahalgam Valley that stretches into the far distance leaving you awe-struck.

Crossing Rocky Terrain and Hidden Streams

Next, the descent from Arram Pathri ridge begins with a careful walk over rocky sections, where loose stones demand steady footing. Along the downhill trails, you will come across a few gurgling streams. That offers a perfect opportunity to take a short break and refill your water bottles with pure glacial melt. The soft murmur of water rushing over smooth rocks blends with the distant echoes of Himalayan birds.

Arriving at Nafran Valley – A Hidden Wonderland

The final push of today’s trek descends sharply, leading you through a mix of rolling grasslands and rugged boulder-strewn paths. The soft green meadows offer moments of relief, but the uneven rocky terrain demands focus and endurance, making every step a test of balance and patience. 

This trail takes you towards the Nafran River, where the landscape gradually opens into a breathtaking valley, encircled by snow-draped peaks.

As you get closer to the Nafran campsite, the stunning views of the Nafran valley take away your exhaustion and fill you with deep contentment. 

The valley, cradled between towering mountains, glows under the setting sun, casting shades of amber, pink, and purple sky. The gentle murmur of the river and the soothing mountain breeze set the perfect stage to end another day in the wilderness In Kashmir.

Day 4: Trek from Nafran Valley to Harnag Lake via Harnag Pass

• Trek Distance: 9.5 km
• Trek Duration: 7 hours
• Altitude Gain and Loss: 11,358 ft to 12,099 ft via 12,509 ft
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Night Stay: Campsite (Twin-sharing tents)

Journey Beyond Nafran Valley – The Climb to Harnag Pass

As the first light touches Nafran Valley, the towering peaks shimmer in golden hues, signaling the start of an exhilarating day. The trail begins with a gentle walk through alpine grasslands, where you’ll pass through the clusters of traditional shepherd huts, their wooden and stone-made traditional houses seamlessly blending with the rugged landscape. The Nafran River which was your constant companion so far, gradually fades into the distance as you trek further towards the Harnag Pass.

The steady ascent allows, the trekkers to adjust to the thinning air. But soon, the terrain shifts from rolling meadows to rocky outcrops. This is where the real challenge begins. The final few kilometers of trek to the pass are steep and scattered with boulders that require careful footing. 

Here, your professional trek leader tells you how you can easily navigate through these sections. And may tell you a beautiful story to keep you motivated. At certain sections, the glacial streams trickle down from the pass, making the rocks slippery. 

At the Top of Harnag Pass – A View Like No Other

At 12,509 ft, the summit of Harnag Pass offers a breathtaking view. Behind you, Nafran Valley stretches endlessly, a green oasis surrounded by towering ridges. Ahead, Harnag Valley unfolds like a hidden sanctuary, with Harnag Lake glistening like a sapphire at its heart. 

Standing at this point, caught between two stunning valleys, is a moment of pure awe. It is something that remains with you throughout your life.

The Descent – A Careful Traverse Towards Harnag Lake

The descent mirrors the ascent in difficulty, as loose rocks and boulders require careful navigation. The trail gradually turns down towards Harnag Lake, where streams cascade from the surrounding cliffs, feeding its crystal-clear waters.

Approaching the lake, the trail becomes trickier, as landslides have eroded sections of the path. Trekking poles and steady footing help navigate these stretches safely. Finally, near the lake’s smaller extension, a clearing opens up which is the perfect spot to set up camp. With towering cliffs on one side and the serene lake on the other, this high-altitude glacial lake is the ideal place to rest, reflect, and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

Day 5: Trek from Harnag Lake to Harbhagwan Lake and back to Harnag Lake

• Trek Distance: 9.2 km
• Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours
• Altitude Gain and Loss: 12,099 ft to 13,789 ft and back
• Trek Difficulty: Difficult
• Night Stay: Campsite (Twin-sharing tents)

As the morning mist hovers above Harnag Lake, you prepare for a challenging yet highly rewarding trek. Today’s trail will take you deep into one of Kashmir’s most secluded alpine sanctuaries, where the pristine Harbhagwan Lake lies hidden amidst towering cliffs and glacial remnants of Kolahoi Glacier. 

The trail begins with a gradual walk through a wide valley, following a faint path along scattered streams. The silence is broken only by the sound of water flowing over smooth stones and the distant songs of mountain birds. After the trek of around two kilometers, the terrain changes into completely different. What lies ahead of you is the Kolahoi Glacier viewpoint, an awe-inspiring spectacle of ice and rock.

The Mighty Kolahoi Glacier – A View to Remember

As you approach the Kolahoi Glacier viewpoint, also known as the “Crown of Kashmir” or “Taj-e-Kashmir,”  dominates the horizon. This colossal mass of ice clings to the slopes of Mount Kolahoi, the region’s highest peak. The contrast of grey-white ice against the rough mountains is an astonishing sight to witness.

Turning right from the glacier viewpoint, the trail begins its challenging climb toward Harbhagwan Lake. This section is the toughest section of the entire Nafran Valley trek, which includes a nonstop 3 km climb that tests endurance. The thin air and steep incline demand a steady pace. Every step takes you higher, with the landscape transforming from grassy slopes to a chaotic maze of boulders.

Final Push to Harbhagwan Lake – A Hidden Jewel in the Himalayas

With the last stretch requiring careful footwork over loose rocks, the first glimpse of Harbhagwan Lake feels like a reward earned. Encircled by jagged peaks, the lake glistens in shades of deep blue and turquoise. Huge chunks of ice drift lazily on its surface, remnants of the hanging glacier that feeds this pristine glacial lake.

The setting is filled with the surreal sounds of nature, which are only interrupted by the occasional crack of breaking ice or the whisper of the wind. You sit by the shore, taking in the moment, knowing that few have laid eyes on this alpine marvel.

Returning to Harnag Lake – Retracing Footsteps Through Wilderness

After spending time in this high-altitude paradise, you begin the descent. The way back follows the same trail, but the perspective changes. The Kolahoi Glacier looks enormous, and the valleys seem to stretch endlessly. 

As you reach Harnag Lake campsite, the golden light of the afternoon paints the landscape in warm hues bringing your day 5 of the Nafran Valley Trek to and beautiful end. 

Day 6: Trek from Harnag Lake to Arram Pathri

• Trek Distance: 7.15 km
• Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Altitude Loss: 12,099 ft to 11,482 ft
• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Night Stay: Campsite (Twin-sharing tents)

Today’s morning at Harnag Lake feels different. The still waters reflect the sky, and the gentle air carries a quiet sense of farewell. After days of pushing forward, today marks the beginning of the journey back. The trail ahead is familiar, yet every step reveals something new.

Leaving the lake behind, the descent begins through rolling meadows and scattered boulders. The once-challenging ascents now feel effortless. With gravity on your side, the path feels lighter, allowing time to take in the beauty that may have been missed before.

Retracing the Trail with a New Perspective

As the trail winds through the valley, wildflowers sway gently in the breeze. Small streams cut through the landscape, their waters glistening in the morning sun. The distant peaks stand tall, watching over the path that has shaped the journey.

Crossing familiar ridges, the sights feel different now. The climb up was a test of endurance, but the way down was a time for reflection. Each turn in the trail holds a memory. The quiet forest paths, the challenge of rocky ascents, the endless sky stretching over the ridges.

Arriving Back at Arram Pathri

By midday, the vast green meadows of Arram Pathri come into view. The campsite is nestled in the heart of the valley, surrounded by grazing sheep and wooden Gujjar huts. The sound of a distant stream blends with the evening breeze, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

As the sun dips behind the hills, the sky turns shades of orange and purple. Sitting by the tents, you take one last look at the mountains. The journey is not over yet, but something about today feels like a quiet goodbye to the wild.

Day 7: Trek from Arram Pathri to Aru & Drive Back to Srinagar

• Trek Distance: 8.2 km
• Trek Duration: 5.5 to 6 hours
• Altitude Loss: 11,854 ft to 7,960 ft
• Trek Difficulty: Easy

The final morning in the mountains of Arram Pathri feels different. The slow mountain breeze carries a sense of stillness as if the valley itself knows this is the last day. The trail ahead leads back to Aru, but every step holds the weight of the journey completed.

Leaving Arram Pathri, the path winds gently through the meadows. The golden light of dawn touches the grass, and the scent of pine drifts through the air. The forests that once felt endless now seem to guide you home. Each turn in the trail brings a familiar sight, a reminder of the first steps taken days ago.

Reflections on the Descent

The mountains have tested your strength and patience. They have offered moments of silence and wonder. Walking back through the valley, memories come rushing in—the thrill of steep ascents, the peace of starlit nights, the laughter shared at camp.

As Aru Village comes into view, a quiet sense of accomplishment settles in. The journey that began with excitement now ends with something deeper. This is not just a trek completed but a connection that was built with the land, with the people, and with yourself. The mountains bring the best version of you. 

A Celebration of Strength and Will

At the village, the Himalayan Hikers team welcomes you with smiles and warm congratulations. They hand you a certificate of accomplishment, a small token of a much greater achievement. Which is more than a piece of paper. It is proof of strength and teamwork, of waking up to frozen mornings, of pushing forward even when the path seemed endless.

Farewell to the Himalayas

After a final glance at the mountains of Aru Valley, the drive back to Srinagar TRC Office begins. The road follows the same route as the first day of the Nafran Valley trek, yet everything feels different. The mountains remain, steady and unchanging, but something within has shifted.

At the Srinagar TRC Office, goodbyes are exchanged, but the journey does not truly end. The mountains have a way of calling back, and when they do, we will always be here, always ready to give you the best trekking experience.