Nafran Valley Trek: Compelling Reasons Why It Is A No-Miss

Some of the most famous trekking destinations in the Blue Mountains; Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, and Tarsar Marsar Trek have always topped the charts among travel destinations in Kashmir. 

From solo to group travel packages for Kashmir are readily available. But we wanted to go one step further and find an even better travel and trekking spot for our fellow travelers. 

Matching the ethereal beauty of KGL was not easy, but where there’s a will there’s a New Trek; Nafran Valley Trek. 

From time immemorial, explorers and vagabonds have headed toward the Himalayas, to taste the glacial drops of adventure. 

They surely cracked the code to the perfect place, as the magic of the mighty Himalayan mountains is unmatched, when it comes to trekking, sightseeing, birdwatching, camping, meditation, and rejuvenating one’s soul. 

Today, we will head to a new world of mountain treks, the Nafran Valley Trek in Jammu and Kashmir.

Where is the Nafran Valley located?

This beautiful fairytale-like place is situated in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, and reaching this destination is a mini trek on its own.

Nafran Valley Trek itinerary

Generally, this trek lasts for 6-7 days, and here’s a short and crisp itinerary, to give you a better idea of how the actual expedition might look. 

From the starting campsite to how to reach the Nafran Valley Base Camp, this itinerary covers it all.

Nafran Valley Trek Distance is 40 Km; it is a long trek with numerous moderate to difficult trail paths. 

Situated at an altitude of 13,800 Ft. the Nafran Valley Trek in the Himalayas is not for beginners. 

It requires certain fitness levels for an enjoyable and memorable experience. 

Day 1: Reach Srinagar

Srinagar, the capital of J & K is also a great travel destination, there are various things to do in Srinagar, like visiting the Shankaracharya temple, taking a shikara ride (Houseboat) on the Dal Lake, and much more. 

Explore the city meet your travel guide and gather all the information regarding the reporting timings, travel gear, etc. 

Day 2: Travel to Aru Village from Srinagar

Day 2 begins with leaving early for Aru, a small village around 112 Km from Srinagar and 12 Km from Pahalgam, from where the Narfan Valley Trek begins.

Enjoy your stay in Aru, unleash the traveler within, and explore the beautiful pine forests and landscapes. 

Stay the night in a guesthouse or the campsite, whatever you prefer, and gear up for day 3, the trek is about to start.

Drive from the Aru Valley and reach Mondlan on day 3, the beginning spot of the trek. Throughout the Nafran Valley Trek, you will go through alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and some Himalayan animals like Himalayan ibex and snow leopard. 

While trekking, you may come across local villages and get a chance to taste some authentic Kashmiri cuisine, you can see the traditional Himalayan life up close.

Envision yourself, steading moving up and downhill, surrounded by fresh aromas of the wildflowers, the gurgling sound of alpine rivers adding to the serenity of the atmosphere and various tones of greens and blues, filling the landscape of the painting you’re walking in. 

From Mondlan, keep hiking towards Bhaj Margi through Aaram Pathri ridge, but now you must pull up your socks as the trek will take a challenging twist.

Day 4: Trek from Bhaj Margi to Nafran Valley

From Bhaj Margi to Nafran Valley, the trek is filled with adventurous twists and turns. You will witness breathtaking landscapes as you ascend and descend the Bhaj Margi.

Witness the tall Kolahoi Glacier, an intricate ice formation, sculpture by Mother Nature. Trekkers can’t get enough of this glacier’s beauty and is one of the most photographed places in the world.

Stay hydrated and keep taking steady steps till you reach the next camping site on Nafran Valley Trek.

Day 5: Narfan Valley to Harbhagwan and Harnag Lakes (Nafran Lakes Trek)

Another awe-inspiring feature is camping alongside the two pristine crystal lakes, the Harbhagwan and Harnag Lakes. Similar to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, these lakes add charm to the overall experience of the Nafran Lakes trek.

Begin your journey early, with a sumptuous breakfast, as you’ll need a lot of energy throughout the day. 

Tred towards Harnag Lake via Harnag Pass, the highest point on the Nafran Valley Trek.  After spending some time admiring the beautiful Harnag Lake and indulging in photography and sightseeing.

Move towards the Harbhagwan Lake, another hidden turquoise gem, in the heart of the Himalayas. Infuse your senses with the beauty of Harbhagwan Lake, before you head back to Harnag Lake, your campsite. 

The clear reflective waters of these pristine lakes make for the perfect setting for photography and sightseeing.

Narfan Valley Trek, if not, equal but is no less than the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. renowned for its landscapes and multitudes of flower varieties, this expedition is worth a shot.

Now, we come close to the end of our Nafran Valley Trek excursion. It is now time to retrace your steps back to Aaram Pathri. After reaching the camping site in Aaram Pathri, enjoy a well-deserved wholesome lunch and rest up for the night.

Day 7: Back to Pavillion, Aaram Pathri to Aru Valley

The last stop on our Nafran Valley Trek. You can relax and replenish your energy and explore the beautiful Aru Valley before heading back to Srinagar. 

July to September

Nafran Valley Trek is a summer expedition and the best time to set out on the Nafran Valley Trek Kashmir is from July to September, providing the most conducive weather conditions for trekking. 

Temperature range (Daytime): 15 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius 

Temperature range (Night): 8 degrees Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius

Offering excellent climatic conditions to explore the verdant landscapes and blooming meadows, enhancing the scenic beauty of the trek. 

July

Even though light rain showers can be experienced during July, they don’t disrupt the trek. 

Moreover, they add vibrance to the nearby lush green landscapes. 

Temperature range: 20 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius

August

August stands as the peak season for embarking on the Nafran Valley Trek Kashmir. 

The wildflowers are in full bloom, the meadows are brimming with life and the weather is perfectly balanced to make your trekking experience, memorable. 

Temperature range: 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius

September

September sees a fall in temperatures, while the meadows are still green and vibrant, the wildflowers are seen withering away, due to the onset of winter and this marks the end of the trekking season in Nafran Valley. 

Temperature range: 5 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius 

What to Pack for Nafran Valley Trek?

Here’s an extensive list of essentials that must be carried on any backpacking or trekking expedition:

Before we begin, remember one rule of thumb, Never pack for a ‘what if’ situation. What if I feel cold in this jacket? What if my pants get wet? What if I find this sweater too warm? 

Remember, that you only have to carry your luggage, and the heavier the weight you carry the harder it will become to trek. However, there are certain things, to take while on a trekking excursion, at all costs

• Backpack: Pick the best quality backpack, which has a good capacity to hold stuff and the material used can withstand hot and cold temperatures.

It Should have at least a 50-60 litre capacity.

• Trekking Shoes: This is one accessory, you can’t compromise on, in any case. 

Pick the best trekking shoes, which provide ample support to ankles, good grip, and can withstand snow. 

You can either buy or even rent trekking shoes.

• Appropriate Clothes: Make sure to carry proper summer and winter wear. 

Do intensive research on what clothes are suitable for trekking and which brands to shop from. 

From T-shirts, and track pants, rainwear to jackets, select all-weather fabric clothes. 

• Sunglasses: No trek is possible without a good pair of sunglasses, a pro tip, if you wear spectacles for weak eyesight, then consider carrying sunglasses with your eyesight number. 

Sun Cap: There are major chances of dehydration and heat strokes, resulting in dizziness and headaches.

Your head must be covered to stay safe from cold.

• Synthetic Hand Gloves: Hand gloves are mandatory on a Himalayan Trek, to keep yourself warm and maintain balance in snow. Fleece-lined gloves with a synthetic layer outside give good protection, warmth, and grip. 

• Socks: Sports socks provide cushioning for better comfort and keep you snug and cozy, especially during the night. They also protect your fingers from getting frostbite.

• Vanity Case: Your vanity case must consist of a good Sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm, along with other necessary toiletries. 

The sunrays on mountains can be extremely damaging to the skin and changing weather conditions can make your skin extremely dry. A pro tip: Carry travel-size packs and avoid making your pack heavy.

Medical Kit: A medical kit, consisting of ORS, Antiseptic liquid, band-aids, crepe bandages, pain relieving ointments, sanitary pads, headache medicines, vertigo medicines, fever medicines etc. as you might not find a dispensary nearby.

•  Important Documents: Get proper information on all the necessary documents you must carry. Original ID proofs, Photocopies, Medical Fitness certificates, Passports, etc. 

Tip: Keep your important documents in a plastic pack, to avoid spoilage due to rain or snow.

 Camping gear: Depending on the kind of package you book, you might have to carry your camping gear or they will be provided by the agent you book your trek with.