Nafran Valley Trek

15000/ Per Person

Altitude :
13800 Ft.

Duration:
7 Days

Trek Length
56km

Base Camp:
Aru

Trek Difficulty :
Moderate to Difficult

    Altitude :
    12500 ft.

    Duration:
    5 Days

    Trek Length
    20km

    Base Camp:
    Sankri

    Trek Difficulty :
    Easy to Mod.  

      Overview

      Overview

      Trek Name: Nafran Valley Trek
      Duration: 7 Days
      Adventure Type: Trekking
      Base Camp: Aru
      Season: Monsoon
      Months: July | August | September
      Country: India
      Altitude: 13,800 Ft.
      Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
      Rail Head: Jammu
      Accommodation: Camping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse (Separate for male & female)
      Food: Meals provided during the trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
      Location: Kashmir
      Distance: 56 Km
      Trail Type: One-way trail with camping at various locations, starting and ending at different points
      Airport: Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar

      Highlights:

      • 5% GST applicable

      • Services from Aru to Mondlan

      • Meeting Point (Pickup/Drop): Tourist Reception Center, Rajbag, Srinagar

      • Reporting Time: 12:00 PM

      • Drop Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Subject to change based on weather and road conditions)

      • Arrive in Srinagar a day prior to avoid delays

      Why Choose the Nafran Valley Trek?

      Kashmir’s beauty is mesmerizing, and while treks like Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar are popular, Nafran Valley remains an untouched gem. This trek takes you through lush green meadows, dense forests, and pristine alpine lakes, offering a perfect mix of adventure and serenity.

      Starting from Aru, a village 112 km from Srinagar, this trek is an unforgettable experience. The trail passes through Aru Valley, Harnag Lake, and Nafran Valley, making it a top choice for trekkers seeking adventure in Kashmir. The meadows of Nafran Valley serve as summer pastures for shepherds from June to October before they descend to lower altitudes in winter.

      This high-altitude trek requires caution regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Stay alert to any symptoms such as nausea or headaches and inform your trek leader immediately.

      Trek Itinerary:

      Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Aru Valley. Arrive a day earlier to ensure a smooth start. Our representatives will transport you from Srinagar to Aru.
      Day 2: Trek from Aru to Araam Pathri through dense forests.
      Day 3: Trek from Araam Pathri to Nafran Valley, where we stay for two nights.
      Day 4: Acclimatization walk to Harnag Lake, a serene emerald lake surrounded by mountains.
      Day 5: Trek from Nafran Valley back to Araam Pathri, an expansive meadow perfect for camping.
      Day 6: Trek from Araam Pathri to Bhaj Margi, a beautiful open clearing with shepherd settlements.
      Day 7: Trek from Bhaj Margi to Aru, followed by a drive back to Srinagar, concluding the trek.

      What to Expect:

      • Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult. Prior trekking experience in the Himalayas is beneficial.

      • Trail Conditions: Steep ascents and descents, reaching a maximum altitude of 14,127 ft.

      • Diverse Landscapes: Witness meadows, forests, glaciers, river streams, and an alpine lake.

      • Shepherd Culture: Between June and October, the valley is inhabited by shepherds living in traditional mud houses.

      Best Time to Visit:

      The best months for the Nafran Valley Trek are July to September.

      • July: Snow begins to melt, revealing lush green landscapes. The highest rainfall occurs, making the valley even more vibrant.

      • August: Peak bloom season, with lush greenery and grazing cattle enhancing the scenery.

      • September: Fewer flowers, but clear skies and breathtaking views.

      Temperature Range:

      • Day: 12°C to 18°C

      • Night: 5°C to 10°C

      Embark on the Nafran Valley Trek to experience the unparalleled beauty of Kashmir’s unexplored trails!

       

      Day-1: Drive From Srinagar To Aru

      • Altitude: 2,400 m/ 7,950 ft.
      • Drive Distance: 112 km | 4 hrs.

      Day-2: Trek From Aru To Araam Pathri

      • Altitude(Araam Pathri): 2,950 m/ 9700 ft.
      • Trek Distance: 12 km | 5-6 hrs.

      Day-3: Trek From Araam Pathri To Harnag Lake via Harnag Pass

      • Altitude(Harnag Lake): 3,650 m/ 12100 ft.
      • Altitude(Harnag Pass): 3800m/12500 ft.
      • Trek Distance: 10 km | 6-7 hrs.

      Day-4: Trek From Harnag Lake to Harbhagwan Lake and back to Harnag Lake

      • Altitude(Harbhagwan Lake): 4200 m/13800 ft.
      • Trek Distance: 8 km(Both way) | 5-6 hrs.

      Day-5: Trek From Harnag Lake to Dhingapani (Nafran Valley)

      • Altitude(Nafran Valley): 3,200 m/10,500 ft
      • Trek Distance: 8 km | 4-5 hrs approx.

      Day-6: Trek From Dhingapani(Nafran Valley) To Bhaj Margi via Bhajmargi Pass

      • Altitude(Bhajmargi): 2900 m/9,500ft.
      • Trek Distance: 10 km | 7-8 hrs.

      Day-7: Trek From Bhaj Margi To Mondlan And Drive Back To Srinagar

      • Trek Distance(Bhaj Margi to Mondlan): 8 km | 3-4 hrs.
      • Drive Distance(Mondlan to Srinagar): 104 km | 4 hrs.

      • Inclusions

        1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):

          • Guest houses on Day 1 (twin/triple sharing basis).

          • Camping during the trek (Day 2 to Day 6).

        2. Meals (Veg + Egg):

          • All meals while trekking.

          • Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Pack Lunch.

        3. Support:

          • A versatile base camp manager handling communication and deploying extra manpower in emergencies.

          • A mountaineering & first aid qualified professional expedition leader.

          • An experienced high-altitude chef.

          • Local experienced guides (number of guides depends on the group size).

          • Sufficient support staff.

        4. Trek Equipment:

          • Sleeping bags, sleeping liners (if required), mattresses, and utensils.

          • Three-person all-season trekker tents (twin sharing), kitchen & dining tent, toilet tent.

          • Camping stools, walkie-talkies.

          • Ropes, helmets, ice axes, harnesses (if required).

          • Climbing boots, gaiters, and crampons/microspikes (if required).

        5. First Aid:

          • Medical kit, stretcher, oxygen cylinder, blood pressure monitor, oximeter, stethoscope.

        6. Additional Services:

          • Cloakroom service at base camp.

          • Mules/porters to carry central luggage.

          • All necessary permits and entry fees (for Indian nationals).

          • Transportation from Aru to Mondlan.

          • Trek completion certificate.

        Exclusions

        1. Mandatory insurance.

        2. Food during transit.

        3. Any kind of personal expenses.

        4. Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.

        5. Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charges, etc.

        6. Anything not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions.”

        7. Transportation (as per the itinerary).

         

      PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING FOR KEDARKANTHA- TREK

      • 50–60 ltrs backpack
      • Strong hiking boots: a leather upper is best because it gives your ankles more support. If you don’t have a pair yet, you should get one as soon as possible and wear it a lot so that it breaks in well. This will help keep blisters from forming.
      • Tennis shoes or sandals that are light enough to wear in camp
      • Two pairs of thick wool socks, if possible.
      • Two pairs of everyday nylon socks to wear underneath the wool socks to prevent blisters.
      • One shirt for hiking, preferably with long sleeves.
      • Long John top: This is also called thermal underwear, and it should be made of wool if it is the first layer.
      • Two each of warm shirts and pants for camp
      • 1 each rain cot/poncho
      • Warm Jacket: 1
      • One pair of wool gloves as thick as can be bought on the market.
      • Long Johns: The first layer should be wool if possible.
      • Under wear: 2-3 changes Shorts or pants for hiking: 1
      • Sunscreen lotion is up to you. Chap stick or lip balm is optional.
      • Water bottle: Two 1-liter bottles (Pepsi bottles work well), make sure they don’t leak.
      • Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp is best because it frees up your hands for work. If you bring a flashlight, bring extra batteries.
      • Items for the bathroom, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. And a small one-person medical kit.
      • Cotton or nylon for a sun hat. Sunglasses: Those with an anchor are best.

       

      Must Read Articles

      Best time for the trek

      🗓️ Best Time to Trek — A Guide by Octatrav

      One of the key advantages of many Himalayan treks is that they remain accessible for a large part of the year. Most trekking routes open up in March, welcoming trekkers with springtime freshness and moderate temperatures. This season continues through late June, offering pleasant weather and clear views—ideal for a memorable trekking experience.

      🍁 Trekking resumes in mid-September and continues until late November, when the landscape transforms with golden leaves and crisp air. This autumn window is perfect for those who prefer scenic beauty combined with clear skies.

      ❄️ Winter trekking, although breathtaking, comes with challenges. From December to mid-March, most high-altitude trails get buried under heavy snow, making them inaccessible or risky. Government authorities usually restrict entry during this time to avoid mishaps due to extreme cold, snowfall, and avalanches.

      ✅ Summary:

      • Spring & Summer (March–June): Best time for pleasant weather and blooming landscapes.

      • Monsoon (July–Early September): Most trails are closed due to safety concerns.

      • Autumn (Mid-September–November): Ideal time with great weather and views.

      • Winter (December–Mid-March): High snow levels; many treks remain closed.

      With Octatrav, you’ll always be informed about the best seasons for your chosen trek. Our expert guidance ensures that you trek during the safest and most scenic times of the year, making your adventure both memorable and secure.

      This trek is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty, with a rating that can vary from easy to challenging depending on your experience and fitness level.

      The journey begins at a base village situated around 6,000 ft, gradually ascending to a maximum altitude of nearly 11,500 ft over the course of a few days.

      While the route mostly involves a pleasant hike through scenic landscapes, here are two main reasons why it falls under the moderate category:

      – Long daily distances: On average, you may be covering 10 km per day, which demands good stamina and consistent pacing.
      – Limited exit points: Most treks of this nature have only one route in and out, making emergency exits or quick returns difficult in case of unforeseen situations.

      How to Prepare for a High-Altitude Trek

      Fitness Guide by Octatrav

      Preparing for a trek requires building both stamina and strength. One of the best ways to get started is by jogging, which targets the same muscles used during trekking—calves, glutes, and hamstrings. It’s a simple and effective way to improve endurance without the need for any equipment.

      Minimum Fitness Target

      To trek comfortably, you should be able to run 5 km in under 60 minutes. This ensures that you can maintain a steady pace and handle long walking hours at altitude.

      How to Achieve This?

      Here’s a structured plan you can follow:

      🏃‍♂️ Cardio Training:

      • Jog at least 4 times a week – consistency is key.

      • Start small – begin with 2 km runs and gradually increase the distance.

      • Pace improvement – once you’re running 5 km, aim to bring your timing down to under 35 minutes.

      • Maintain for 2 weeks – consistently hitting this goal helps build real endurance.

      ⏳ Training Duration:

      Prepare for at least 4–6 weeks based on your current fitness level. The earlier you begin, the better your trek experience will be.

      💪 Strength Training Routine

      Combine cardio with strength workouts to build muscular endurance:

      • Squats – builds quads, glutes, and hamstrings.

      • Lunges – mimics trekking motion; strengthens the entire lower body.

      • Step-ups – improves climbing strength for steep trails.

      • Core exercises – planks, Russian twists, leg raises for balance and stability.

      • Back workouts – deadlifts, bent-over rows, and shoulder presses to carry your backpack with ease.

      🧘‍♂️ Flexibility & Recovery

      • Stretch daily – especially your calves, hamstrings, quads, and lower back.

      • Incorporate yoga or Pilates – enhances flexibility and mental focus.

      • Take rest days – they are essential for muscle recovery and injury prevention.

      🔁 Trek-Ready Summary

      • 🏃‍♂️ Cardio: Build stamina through jogging.

      • 💪 Strength: Focus on legs, back, and core.

      • 🤸‍♂️ Flexibility: Stretch regularly and stay injury-free.

      • ⏳ Consistency: Stick to a 6–8 week routine for best results.

      Why Choose Octatrav for Your Trekking Adventure?

      Trekking in the Himalayas is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re walking through snow-covered paths, lush forests, or peaceful riversides, choosing the right trekking operator is crucial for a safe and comfortable journey.
      Octatrav stands out as a trusted name in the trekking world. Here are 10 strong reasons to choose Octatrav for your next high-altitude adventure:

      1. Experienced Professionals

      Octatrav’s team includes highly trained professionals who know the terrain, weather, and routes in depth. Their insights and support will elevate your trekking experience.

      2. Focused on Safety

      Trekking at altitude can be unpredictable. Octatrav ensures your safety by equipping the team with first-aid kits, oxygen, and emergency protocols for any situation.

      3. Small Group Sizes

      To give you personal attention and a relaxed experience, Octatrav keeps group sizes small. This also reduces environmental impact and makes for smoother trekking.

      4. Eco-Friendly Trekking

      Octatrav encourages responsible travel. From minimizing plastic use to proper waste disposal at campsites, they help you leave no trace.

      5. Comfortable Camping

      After a long day of trekking, good rest matters. Octatrav sets up cozy camps with quality tents, warm sleeping bags, and hot meals so you sleep well and stay energized.

      6. Nutritious Meals

      Fueling your body right is essential. Octatrav serves fresh, nutritious meals for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians to keep your energy levels high throughout the trek.

      7. Affordable Packages

      You don’t have to overspend for a great experience. Octatrav offers budget-friendly packages that include accommodation, meals, guidance, and permits—everything you need.

      8. Relaxed & Scenic Pace

      Octatrav designs treks that balance exploration and rest. You’ll get ample time to absorb the beauty around you without rushing through the journey.

      9. Customizable Itineraries

      Want a special experience? Octatrav helps you tailor the trek to your preference—be it a solo hike, photography-focused trail, or a slower pace.

      10. Trusted by Trekkers

      Octatrav is praised by many happy trekkers for its hospitality, safety, and professionalism. The positive reviews speak for themselves.

      Why Choose This Himalayan Trek for Your Next Adventure? – by Octatrav

      Exploring the Himalayas is a dream for many, and every trail has its own magic. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned explorer, here are ten reasons why your next trek with Octatrav can be an unforgettable experience:

      1. 🏔️ Breathtaking Scenery

      Enjoy mesmerizing views of snow-covered peaks, lush green valleys, sparkling rivers, and alpine forests. Each turn on the trail feels like walking through a postcard.

      2. 🏡 Rich Cultural Experience

      Pass through remote villages where you can interact with warm-hearted locals, witness age-old traditions, and taste authentic mountain hospitality.

      3. 🌿 Diverse Flora and Fauna

      From rare Himalayan birds to elusive animals like musk deer or black bears, the region is rich in biodiversity. Nature lovers and wildlife photographers will find every step rewarding.

      4. 🥾 Moderate Difficulty Level

      Most Himalayan treks are rated as moderate, which makes them suitable for beginners with preparation, and still exciting for experienced trekkers looking for beauty and challenge.

      5. 📖 Mythological & Historical Depth

      Many Himalayan regions are steeped in legend and ancient lore. Walking these trails often feels like stepping into a living story from Indian epics or ancient folklore.

      6. 🤫 Peaceful & Untouched

      Less commercialized treks offer serene trails where you can disconnect from city chaos and truly reconnect with nature and yourself.

      7. ⛺ Unique Campsites

      Camp under a sky full of stars, beside rivers or deep in pine forests. The silence, the chill, the camaraderie — it’s an experience that stays with you forever.

      8. 🎒 Adventure Add-ons

      Beyond trekking, enjoy photography, bird watching, star-gazing, or even meditative moments in nature. It’s not just a trek — it’s a full adventure retreat.

      9. 🌅 Magical Sunrises & Sunsets

      Witness golden hours like never before — with Himalayan peaks glowing pink, orange, and gold. These views are pure magic and make every effort worthwhile.

      10. 💪 Personal Growth

      Trekking challenges your body and mind, pushing you beyond limits. By the end, you’ll not only have beautiful memories but also a stronger, more confident version of yourself.