Nafran Valley
A trek that can rival Tarsar Marsar and Kashmir Great Lakes trek's beauty
This trek is closed for registrations in light of the recent attack in Pahalgam. Instead, we recommend the Miyar Valley trek in Spiti.
With grand landscapes and a terrific valley walk, it matches up to the sceneries of the Nafran Valley.View the Miyar Valley trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
TREK DURATION
7 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
13,789 ft
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
41 kms
BASECAMP
Aru
ACCOMMODATION TYPE
Tents
PICKUP TIME
8 AM
DROPOFF TIME
8 PM
CLOAKROOM
Available
A trek that can rival Tarsar Marsar and Kashmir Great Lakes trek's beauty
For a long time, we’ve been looking for another trek in Kashmir that matches up to our blockbuster treks, Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar.
For us finding anything that compares to the great two is like looking for an elephant with wings. “It’s near impossible for any trek to compare with the Kashmir Great Lakes or the Tarsar Marsar. It is hard to match up to the grand meadows, the turquoise blue lakes and picture-perfect landscapes of these two treks,” says Sandhya UC, who led the exploration and documentation of the Kashmir Great Lakes (2011) and Tarsar Marsar (2015) treks.
“We have looked for trails in the remote parts of Kashmir, Jammu, around Naranag, near Margan Pass, even towards the Thajiwas glacier. While each of these is beautiful, there’s always been some issue. Either the trek is too short, too monotonous, runs through disturbed areas, or has incomplete trails,” says Sandhya.
Trekker Stories and Experiences with Indiahikes
Nishant Gupta
August 2022
Komal Rajani
August, 2023
Priti Chopra
August 2022
Chandni
September 2022
Arjun Dendukuri
4th September 2022
Prashant Gaikwad
20 August 2022
Nishant Gupta
August 2022
Komal Rajani
August, 2023
Priti Chopra
August 2022
Chandni
September 2022
Nafran Valley - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a surficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Nafran Valley trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content.
A route map of the Nafran Valley trek
Day 1
Drive from Srinagar to Aru
Drive Distance: 100 km | Drive Duration: 3-4 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels
The cost of transport from Srinagar to Aru is Rs 600 per trekker for an SUV and Rs 6,000 for the entire vehicle in the case of a tempo traveler. We will pick you up from Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu Barbara Shah Chowk, Srinagar at 8 am.
Aru to Srinagar is a bit more expensive. The cost of transport is Rs 4,500 per vehicle. A maximum of 7 trekkers may generally sit in an Innova or a Tavera.
Note: The process of your registration, health screening, and document verification starts at 4.00 PM. Ensure you reach Aru on time for it. Do not travel elsewhere on this particular day before your trek.
Day 2
Trek from Aru to Arram Pathri
Trek Distance: 8.5 km | Trek Duration: 6.5-8 hours | Altitude Gain: 7960 ft to 10374 ft
Moderate to Difficult
Day 3
Trek from Arram Pathri to Nafran Valley via Arram Pathri Ridge
Trek Distance: 8.25 km | Trek Duration: 6.5 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 10374 ft to 11358 ft via 11482 ft
Easy to Moderate
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: 11358 ft to 12099 ft via 12509 ft
Moderate
Day 5
Trek from Harnag Lake to Harbhagwan Lake and back to Harnag Lake
Trek Distance: 9.20 km | Trek Duration: 9 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 12099 ft to 13,789 ft and back
Difficult
Day 6
Trek from Harnag Lake to Arram Pathri
Trek Distance: 7.15 km | Trek Duration: 5.5 hours | Altitude Loss: 12099 ft to 11,482 ft
Easy to Moderate
Day 7
Trek from Arram Pathri to Aru. Drive to Srinagar
Trek Distance: 8.20 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude Loss: 11,854 ft to 7960 ft
Easy. You are expected to reach Srinagar by 8.00 PM. Cost will be Rs 3,000 per cab (5-6 Seater).
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
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 try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.
Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared. As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.
We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.
Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Drive from Srinagar to Aru
Drive Duration: 3 hours | Drive Distance: 100 km
Highlights: There are two lovely routes to Pahalgam; one through Anantnag and the other through Bijbehra. The Bijbehra route is a tourist trail where you will drive through excellent rural Kashmir scenery. What tops it is the abundance of apple orchards, walnut and apricot trees along the way.
Pahalgam is about 100 km from Srinagar and Aru is 12 km away from Pahalgam. Pahalgam is a more familiar place around Srinagar so if you are reaching on your own, take a shared vehicle from Srinagar to Pahalgam. It takes about 3 hours to get there.
There are two lovely routes to Pahalgam; one through Anantnag and the other through Bijbehra. The Bijbehra route is a tourist trail where you will drive through excellent rural Kashmir scenery. What tops it is the abundance of apple orchards, walnut and apricot trees along the way.
From Pahalgam, Aru is right across the Lidder River. It takes another half an hour to cover this distance. Today, after a 3.5 hours drive from Srinagar you reach Aru by 4 pm. There are plenty of places to stay at Aru, though they are a tad expensive. Indiahikes trekkers will stay in a homestay at the campsite.
Pahalgam is about 100 km from Srinagar and Aru is 12 km away from Pahalgam. Pahalgam is a more familiar place around Srinagar so if you are reaching on your own, take a shared vehicle from Srinagar to Pahalgam. It takes about 3 hours to get there.
There are two lovely routes to Pahalgam; one through Anantnag and the other through Bijbehra. The Bijbehra route is a tourist trail where you will drive through excellent rural Kashmir scenery. What tops it is the abundance of apple orchards, walnut and apricot trees along the way.
From Pahalgam, Aru is right across the Lidder River. It takes another half an hour to cover this distance. Today, after a 3.5 hours drive from Srinagar you reach Aru by 4 pm. There are plenty of places to stay at Aru, though they are a tad expensive. Indiahikes trekkers will stay in a homestay at the campsite.
Day 2: Trek from Aru to Arram Pathri
Trek Duration: 6.5 to 8 hours | Trek Distance: 8.5 km
Altitude Loss and Gain: 7960 ft to 7,640 ft, and to 10374 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult. Gentle ascent through the forest with open patches in between, followed by dense coniferous forests. Can get quite slushy in the monsoon.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. Fresh drinking water source is a challenge at Bhaj Margi, need to trek down a bit for a fresh stream.
The day starts with a drive to Mondlan, 8 km from Aru which takes 20 minutes. From the roadhead, the trail leads you behind the fence through a gentle slope into the forest with a few walnut trees and occasional open patches.
Look back to take in the scenic view of Pahalgam, far ahead of you.
After about 2 hours, enter the dense coniferous forest and follow the wide, marked trail. This is an easy ascent of about a kilometre. A freshwater stream flows to your left. Refill your water bottles if you are out of the water as this is the only water source till you reach your campsite for the day, Bhaj Margi.
The day starts with a drive to Mondlan, 8 km from Aru which takes 20 minutes. From the roadhead, the trail leads you behind the fence through a gentle slope into the forest with a few walnut trees and occasional open patches.
Look back to take in the scenic view of Pahalgam, far ahead of you.
After about 2 hours, enter the dense coniferous forest and follow the wide, marked trail. This is an easy ascent of about a kilometre. A freshwater stream flows to your left. Refill your water bottles if you are out of the water as this is the only water source till you reach your campsite for the day, Bhaj Margi.
The walk in the forest is a treat in itself. Enjoy the silence and hear the chirping of birds. If you’re lucky, you get to spot a few species of birds. The tall coniferous trees make way for the golden rays of the sun, and at times the setting is so surreal that you wonder if you’re teleported to a whole new world.
Once the water bottles are filled, cross the stream and walk for a few hundred meters to spot a cluster of shepherd huts (called Gujjar huts). Find an opening out of the forest leading you to the first scenic spot of the day, the Shul Margi meadows. Make sure to spend a few minutes here, rest and recover.
During the flowering season, a plethora of colourful wildflowers ranging from pinks to yellows to whites to blues can be spotted on the grasslands. It is a treat to walk on these rainbow coloured meadows.
From Shul Margi, climb up to the end of the meadows and again find a couple of Gujjar huts. A stream flows on your right. Cross it and follow the well-marked trail to enter the dense coniferous forest again. After a couple of minutes, you are in a small opening, in a meadow. Follow the trail upwards and cross a small water stream.
The trail gets steeper from this point onwards, so be prepared for a tough climb till you spot a makeshift wooden gate. A stream flows on the other side of the gate, a couple of hundred meters off the trail on your left, and this is your second water source for the day. Once you cross the gate, walk for approximately 30 minutes to reach Bhaj Margi meadows, your campsite for the day.
The Bhaj Margi meadows are one of the most picturesque grasslands you will ever see. Horses gallop and sheep graze the soft grass, while you take in the panoramic views of the peaks, the coniferous trees and clear skies, whether from inside the comfort of your tents or outside.
If you arrive at the campsite early, explore the campsite and visit the Dadwar meadows, one and a half hours from Bhaj Margi.
Day 3: Trek from Arram Pathri to Nafran Valley via Arram Pathri Ridge
Trek Duration: 6.5 hours | Trek Distance: 8.25 km
Altitude Gain and Loss: 10374 ft to 11358 ft via 11,482 ft
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. A gradual ascent through the forest with a few tricky sections on the ridge.
Water Source: Carry sufficient water. A few water sources are available all along the trail in case you run out of water.
Today’s trail to Nafran Valley starts right from the Bhaj Margi campsite. It takes you through the coniferous forest with a gradual ascent along the way as soon as the forest section starts. The trail then meanders out of the forest and its forks at this junction.
Follow the trail on your right, and for the next 2.5 km, there is a gradual ascent on an undulating trail which leads you towards the top of Arram Pathri ridge. After about 30 to 45 mins, there is a ridge walk section with slightly steep ascent for about 15 to 20 min. As you approach the top of the ridge, look to your right for a commanding view of both Bhaj Margi and Dadwar meadows.
You come across two to three small streams before reaching the rocky terrain. Proceed with caution here as a few sections are tricky and slippery. The terrain is rocky and it requires firm footing on the ground. A view of Pahalgam Valley awaits you on the left as you traverse through the rocks carefully.
Today’s trail to Nafran Valley starts right from the Bhaj Margi campsite. It takes you through the coniferous forest with a gradual ascent along the way as soon as the forest section starts. The trail then meanders out of the forest and its forks at this junction.
Follow the trail on your right, and for the next 2.5 km, there is a gradual ascent on an undulating trail which leads you towards the top of Arram Pathri ridge. After about 30 to 45 mins, there is a ridge walk section with slightly steep ascent for about 15 to 20 min. As you approach the top of the ridge, look to your right for a commanding view of both Bhaj Margi and Dadwar meadows.
You come across two to three small streams before reaching the rocky terrain. Proceed with caution here as a few sections are tricky and slippery. The terrain is rocky and it requires firm footing on the ground. A view of Pahalgam Valley awaits you on the left as you traverse through the rocks carefully.
After reaching the highest point at Nafran valley, the descent towards Arram Pathri Ridge is slightly steep and stony for about an hour. Find an opening along the ridge from where you can descend towards Arram Pathri. It is a steep descent of 1,250 ft over 1.5 km, so you must take small steps throughout. You’ll know you have reached Arram Pathri when a cluster of Gujjar huts is visible on the banks of the Nafran river.
If you are out of the water by now, this is the right spot to refill your water bottles.
With Nafran river on your left, follow the trail which is faintly visible at a few places and is filled with boulders. The walk is going to be a long, slow one at the boulder sections. Before reaching Harnag Pass, you’ll traverse through three levels of small grasslands and boulder sections one after the other. The three-step section is similar to the three-step waterfall of the Rupin Pass trek.
The final ascent to the campsite has a boulders and stone section for about 300 mts, but is not well marked, cautiously navigate this section towards the campsite. After more than 6 hours of trek, you’ll reach the Nafran campsite which is surrounded by mountains on three sides in the Nafran Valley. Retire for the day here and soak in the scenery by taking a walk in the valley for the remainder of the day.
Day 4: Trek from Nafran Valley to Harnag Lake via Harnag Pass
Trek Duration: 7 hours | Trek Distance: 9.5 km
Altitude Gain and Loss: 11358 ft to 12099 ft via 12509 ft
Difficulty: Moderate. The initial flat walk turns into a gradual ascent with a steep ascent for the last kilometre.
Water Source: Carry sufficient water. Small streams flow throughout the trail and act as the water source for the day.
Harnag Pass to the Northeast is 2 km from the Nafran campsite. Proceed towards the pass on the flat trail that slowly gains altitude as you cross a cluster of shepherd huts. More than half of the climb to the pass is steep and it takes a good amount of time to reach the top of the pass because it is full of rocks and boulders.
Again, be very careful here as some of the sections consist of loose rocks and the chances of an ankle twist or slips and falls are high. Adding to the difficulty are slippery boulders due to the stream that flows from the top of the pass. Watch out for them and step only on dry boulders.
From the top of the pass, the wide-open valley of Nafran is spread behind you, while the Harnag valley, with the Harnag lake bang in the centre of it, is visible ahead of you.
Harnag Pass to the Northeast is 2 km from the Nafran campsite. Proceed towards the pass on the flat trail that slowly gains altitude as you cross a cluster of shepherd huts. More than half of the climb to the pass is steep and it takes a good amount of time to reach the top of the pass because it is full of rocks and boulders.
Again, be very careful here as some of the sections consist of loose rocks and the chances of an ankle twist or slips and falls are high. Adding to the difficulty are slippery boulders due to the stream that flows from the top of the pass. Watch out for them and step only on dry boulders.
From the top of the pass, the wide-open valley of Nafran is spread behind you, while the Harnag valley, with the Harnag lake bang in the centre of it, is visible ahead of you.
Just like the ascent to the pass, the descent also has similar terrain and you must take precautions not to injure yourself.
Make sure to keep to your left-hand side so that you can cross the stream with the help of loose stones that are placed by the shepherds, and follow the trail towards Harnag Lake.
Make your way towards the lake where the streams feed it and exercise caution here as the trail is on a slope and it is washed away by landslides at some places. From here, spot a small extension of the lake on your right and the clearing near the extension is your Harnag campsite.
Day 5: Trek from Harnag Lake to Harbhagwan Lake and back to Harnag Lake
Trek Duration: 9 hours | Trek Distance: 9.2 km
Altitude Gain and Loss: 12099 ft to 13,789 ft and back
Difficulty: Difficult. Rocky and bouldery terrain with a steep ascent for almost the entire way.
Water Source: Carry sufficient water. The streams found along the way are your only water source.
This day is going to be long and difficult. The day starts on a well-defined trail in a wide valley and gradually transitions into an undulating trail.
After crossing two streams about 2 km from Harnag Lake, you will reach the Kolahoi glacier viewpoint, and it is from here that you get a glimpse of the massive Kolahoi glacier at the edge of Mt Kolahoi on your left.
Pause the view of the glacier by taking in the spectacle that’s in front of you. It is not every day that you see a glacier in the middle of a valley! Along the glacier, you’ll see the east face of Mt Kolahoi.
This day is going to be long and difficult. The day starts on a well-defined trail in a wide valley and gradually transitions into an undulating trail.
After crossing two streams about 2 km from Harnag Lake, you will reach the Kolahoi glacier viewpoint, and it is from here that you get a glimpse of the massive Kolahoi glacier at the edge of Mt Kolahoi on your left.
Pause the view of the glacier by taking in the spectacle that’s in front of you. It is not every day that you see a glacier in the middle of a valley! Along the glacier, you’ll see the east face of Mt Kolahoi.
Spot a pointed peak on the right of the glacier. This is your gateway to Harbhagwan Lake. The trail gets steeper from here and it is a 3 km of tough ascent to the lake. The altitude gained just at this stretch is about 2,264 ft. So, traverse this section slowly and be aware of any symptoms of high altitude sickness. You must descend immediately if you’re experiencing any symptoms.
The ascent starts on soft, grassy terrain and has many boulder sections to watch out for. Make your way gingerly over the boulders as they are notorious for ankle twists, slips and falls.
Once you reach a somewhat flat surface on the ridge, the trail faints away and you’ll have to make your way to the lake. A stream that flows from the top is your beacon here. Just follow the stream over a steep ascent and it will take you right to the mouth of Harbhagwan Lake.
Harbhagwan Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes placed in one of the most beautiful settings. Big chunks of ice break off the hanging glacier and feed the pristine blue lake. Spend a good amount of time here before making your way back the same trail till you reach Harnag Lake campsite.
As a bonus, you will spot Mt Kolahoi peak if the skies are clear on the summit day!
Day 6: Trek from Harnag Lake to Arram Pathri
Trek Duration: 5.5 hours | Trek Distance: 7.15 km
Altitude Loss: 12,099 ft to 11,482 ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Flat to gradual ascent and complete descent till Arram Pathri.
Water Source: Carry sufficient water. There are multiple water streams along the way till you reach the campsite.
The tough part of the trek is behind you. Today you make your way to Arram Pathri, a beautiful flat meadow by taking the same trail back to Harnag Pass, all the way to Arram Pathri.
Watch out for moderate to steep descents once you cross Harnag Pass.
Day 7: Trek from Arram Pathri to Aru and Drive to Srinagar
Trek Duration: 6 hours | Trek Distance: 8.2 km
Drive Duration: 3-4 hours | Drive Distance: 100 km
Altitude Loss: ⇘ 3,896 ft (11,854 ft to 7960 ft
Difficulty: Easy. Gentle walk in the valley as you descend to Aru.
Water Source: Carry sufficient water. The Nafran river flowing through the valley is your water source.
Take the trail to the right from Arram Pathri. The trail to the left takes you to Mondlan.
The trail offers a different scenery as you trek through a new section of Nafran valley. Enjoy the mellow walk along the Nafran river by crossing a few streams and the river over a makeshift bridge.
Along the way, you pass through -- Kanzal Pathri and Gagad Pathri -- wide-open valleys and witness the confluence of the Nafran and Ghash Aangan rivers.
Take the trail to the right from Arram Pathri. The trail to the left takes you to Mondlan.
The trail offers a different scenery as you trek through a new section of Nafran valley. Enjoy the mellow walk along the Nafran river by crossing a few streams and the river over a makeshift bridge.
Along the way, you pass through -- Kanzal Pathri and Gagad Pathri -- wide-open valleys and witness the confluence of the Nafran and Ghash Aangan rivers.
Thick forests with coniferous trees play hide and seek between Gagad Pathri and Kanzal Pathri, while a cluster of shepherd huts reminds you of the civilization at Ghirwad.
It’s a perfect setting to end the trek at Aru, the base camp.
Finish your lunch at Aru and relax for a while before driving back from Aru to Srinagar. If you are trekking with Indiahikes, you are expected to reach Srinagar by 8.00 PM. The cost will be Rs.3,000 per cab (5-6 Seater).
Moderate- Difficult
Suitable for fit beginners and experienced trekkers
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of trek everyday, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
Here, we rate Nafran Valley as a ‘moderate-difficult’ trek. It is a very high altitude trek that takes you near to 14,000 ft. The trek climbs rapidly and your safety depends a lot on the preparation you put in for the trek.
The trek is long and strenuous. It also climbs quickly. Having prior experience trekking in the Himalayas helps in accustoming you to hardship. Having know-how about Acute Mountain Sickness greatly helps in dealing with altitude issues you may face on the trek.
What is the Best Time to do the Nafran Valley Trek?
The best time to do the Nafran Valley trek is from the second week of July to the beginning of September. It is the traditional monsoon season in the rest of the Indian subcontinent, but things are different in the Kashmir Valley.
Kashmir receives only mild rainfall in July and August. Not at all like in Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand. That's because of the Pir Panjal range which prevents most rain clouds from reaching the Kashmir valley.
It’s a boon because it makes for a comfortable trekking experience. In all the other seasons, it’s too cold to trek, the trail and the meadows are buried under snow for the most part.
But even if we look at just one season, the Nafran Valley trek changes appearance and colour throughout the three months - July, August and September.
Nafran Valley in early July
Day time temperature: Between 15 °C and 20 °C | Night time temperature: Between 4 °C and 8 °C
Presence of snow: Trekking opens on the Nafran Valley trail in the first week of July. Until then the upper reaches are under heavy snow. The lower meadows open earlier.
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers
When you trek in July you can expect to see remnants of snow by both the lakes on the trek - Harnag and Harbhagwan. You may even see melting ice floes in the lake in early July.
This setting offers a fleeting glimpse of what the landscape looks like for the rest of the year - buried under snow, punctuated with frozen lakes.
Sometimes, even if it’s not the best phase to complete the trek, the sight is spellbinding.
Nafran Valley from mid-July to the third week of August
Day time temperature: Between 15 °C and 20 °C | Night time temperature: Between 4 °C and 8 °C
Presence of snow: Now, the snow has almost melted, and the trail is carpeted with bright green meadows.
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers
After mid-July, the Nafran Valley trek starts revealing itself in full glory.
Now, the snow has almost melted. And the trail is carpeted with bright green meadows, which are in contrast with the rugged, grey mountains rising at the fringes. The best part is, that these meadows are densely dotted with so many wildflowers!
You experience this beauty, especially in the Shul Margi and Bhaj Margi plains, as you trek over tiny flowers of colours ranging from violet, red, blue, and purple to yellow and white.
Frozen chunks of the alpine lakes have melted by now. The waters of Harnag and Harbhagwan are deep blue.
Rains -- more like evening showers -- pick up during this time.
Nafran Valley from the end of August to first week of September
Day time temperature: Between 12 °C and 18 °C | Night time temperature: Between 2 °C and 6 °C
There will not be any snow at this time. The green meadows start turning golden brown as we step into September.
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers
Cold sets in as the season progress to the end of August. The evening showers become frequent. But when the clouds part during this time of the year, you witness brilliant blue skies. Their reflection deepens the blue of the alpine lakes.
You will also see a change in the colour of the meadows. They look a bit roasted, just with a tinge of brown. Watch out for this as you camp at Nafran. Also, on the day you trek from Harnag to Harbhagwan.
The grass no longer retains the soft, fresh green tinge. The flowers wilt too. And yet, there’s a beauty to this change of tone.
We usually stop our trek towards the first week of September, but some lone trekkers do attempt it till the end of September. So, it’s doable. But it may not be the most comfortable time, given the cold temperatures.
How to Reach the Base Camp of Nafran Valley
To reach the Nafran Valley trek, you must travel around 100 km south of Srinagar to Pahalgam. The base camp for the Nafran Valley trek is Aru, a picturesque hamlet 12 km from Pahalgam.
1. Here's a quick view of how to plan your travel
Day 0: Book your air ticket to Srinagar. We recommend you to reach Srinagar a day before the start date of your trek.
Some stay options for stay at Srinagar: Hotel Chinar Inn , Royal Athena Houseboats and Alhamra Retreats.
Day 9: Book a return flight ticket from Srinagar. Do not book plane tickets to your hometown from Srinagar on Day 8.
Note:
- While getting to Srinagar, we recommend you arrive a day earlier and stay at Srinagar. Staying at Srinagar gives you a well-deserved rest for the night. Plus some bonus sightseeing.
- On your return, your trek ends at Aru. We again arrange for transport for trekkers to reach Srinagar. You reach Srinagar between 7.30 to 8.00 pm.
Buffer Day: Keep a buffer day for emergencies. Your trek is 7 days long, but keep an extra 8th day as your buffer day. This is outside the itinerary. On a trek, you cannot predict bad rain, landslides, or a political situation. If you don't use the buffer day on the trek, you can always use it for sightseeing in Srinagar.
Always book your return flight/train tickets after including the buffer day in your itinerary.
2. Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Zero, the day before Day 1 on the itinerary. If your trek start day is 24 July, book your air tickets for 23 July to either Srinagar.
There are two options.
Option 1: Fly directly to Srinagar
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Srinagar or even better if you can head towards Aru.
You can travel to Aru, if you land at Srinagar before noon.
Option 2: Taking a train/bus to Jammu and reach Srinagar
(This option is not recommended during the pandemic. Many roadblocks en route from Jammu to Srinagar take as long as 24 hours to open. If you opt to travel via Jammu, keep at least 2 days in buffer)
If you are taking a bus to Jammu, you have multiple options. There are two gates outside Jammu ISBT. You will get shared cabs from both these gates.
If you are reaching the Railway Station, the share cabs to Srinagar will cost between Rs 700 to Rs 1000.
Tip: Shared cabs are more from the Jammu ISBT than the Railway Station. You can travel from the Railway station to the bus stand. They call it "Bus Adda". The cost of the bus will be Rs 10. The auto will charge around Rs 80 to 120.
Pro Tip: Go to Banihal and catch a train to Srinagar (Naogaon) (Reaching Banihal will be again via shared cabs, which cost Rs 500 to Rs 700)
Auto from Srinagar Railway station to Dal Gate, around Rs 150 to Rs 200
This is faster than coming by cabs directly to Srinagar.
3. Planning your return flight/train booking
Booking your return tickets requires some thought. First, always book your return ticket, keeping in mind the buffer day.
The drive to Srinagar from Aru is about 3-4 hours. You will reach Srinagar by 5.00 pm. There are no flights from Srinagar late in the evening. So you need to stay in Srinagar. Take the flight the next day. You can book your flight tickets at any time on Day 9. The buffer day must be included in your itinerary. Day 8 is your buffer day. So plan your return journey for Day 9.
Note: The security check at the Srinagar airport is quite stringent. You will have 3 rounds of security checks. Reach the airport at least a couple of hours before your departure time.
Option 1: Flying out from Srinagar
Book your flight out from Srinagar.
Option 2: Taking a train/bus from Jammu
If you are taking the option of moving from Jammu, you will find shared cabs from Srinagar TRC to Jammu. The share cabs to Jammu will cost between Rs 700 to Rs 1000
| Pro Tip: Go to Srinagar (Naogaon) and catch a train to Banihal
From Banihal, you can take a shared cab to the Jammu bus stand or Railway station. The cost will be around Rs 500 to Rs 700
4. Planning your hotel/stay
While booking hotels on your return, always book your rooms assuming the buffer day is not being used. Assume the trek is going to run without any hiccups. So what happens if you use your buffer day on the trek? Unfortunately, then you’ll probably lose your hotel booking. So book hotels where you may not have to transfer money in advance. Even if you do, consider it better than missing out on the trek. In Srinagar, it is difficult to find last-minute hotel bookings when you finish the trek.
Hotel options at Srinagar
Hotel Chinar Inn is close to the pickup location. It has clean rooms with good amenities.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, the cost will be Rs 1,500 per person for a stay and meals (dinner and breakfast). This is for a twin sharing room.
For a single person per room, it costs Rs 2,300 per person for a stay and meals (dinner and breakfast)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5V3CgXgAyD2biGcK6
Contact Number: 7006608852 (Firoz)
Royal Athena Houseboats is another option. In addition to good amenities, it gives you the experience of staying in a boathouse.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, the cost will be Rs 1,750 per person including dinner and breakfast.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Zq4BCzTGuBGzawP18
Contact Number: 7006608852 (Firoz)
Alhamra Retreats is a guest house with good facilities available.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, the cost of a twin-sharing room is Rs 2,100. For an extra bed in the same room, it costs Rs 700 extra. Triple sharing is Rs 2,800 and four sharing is Rs 3,500.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6DCEkw7k7gDGwM449
Contact Number: +91 95965 56700 (Rehan Bakshi)
How to get to Aru on your own:
Step out of the Srinagar (Sheikh Ul-Alam) airport. You will first need to get to the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), which is 12 km away from the airport. But it’s easy to get there.
The TRC lies in the heart of Srinagar. It is a prominent landmark and well connected, hard to miss as it has a football ground attached. There are two ways to get to the TRC.
1. Government Bus: This is the best way. There are airport buses every half an hour which take you to TRC. The ticket now costs approximately Rs 80. This is the most reliable, safe and pocket-friendly way, provided you have time on your side.
2. Cab: The next option is to take a private cab. You will get plenty of them immediately as you step out of the airport. But take this option only if you are pressed for time because it is expensive. The cab will cost you around Rs 600.
Note: While autos do ply in Srinagar city, you won't find them in the airport complex. You must walk a km or so from the airport to find an auto. We do not recommend it.
Direct Route from TRC to Aru
After you get to TRC, the next step is to begin your journey to Aru. The route to Aru goes via Pahalgam.
So, your journey's first, most prominent leg will be to Pahalgam.
There are two parallel routes for this. One moves on the four-lane Jammu Highway and goes through Anantnag. The second is on the other side of the Lidder river, which takes the same amount of time but is a notch more scenic due to the apple and apricot orchards on the way. This is the route through Bijbehra.
Both routes converge three kilometres before Pahalgam. The entire journey takes around 3.5 hours.
Alternative: Break it at Anantnag
Go for this option if you are travelling independently and want to opt for shared vehicles. You will find frequently shared cabs leaving for Anantnag from Dalgate taxi stand, near Jan Bakers on M A Road to Anantnag. It costs around Rs.80 for a distance of 58 km (1.5-2 hours).
Hop into another shared vehicle from Anantnag stand to Pahalgam. Expect it to cost around Rs 110 for a distance of 45 km (1 – 1.5 hours).
Note: There are chances your shared/private vehicle may not go till Aru as some of them do not have permission to cross Pahalgam. Enquire about this with the driver.
Aru is 12 km from Pahalgam. Cabs to Aru usually leave from the non-touristy side of Pahalgam. Talk to your cab driver or locals to figure this one out. The journey is barely 20 minutes long.
Cross Anantnag Checkpost before 10am &
Pahalgam Checkpost before 12pm
Trekkers often ask us for hotel recommendations before or after their treks. Finding a good place using online listings can be tedious and tricky. So, through our network of trekkers and trek leaders, we have put together the best hotel recommendations in the major cities near our treks.
These are tried-and-tested recommendations—places we trust for comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. They’re also located near town centers and your pick-up points. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or something a little more premium, you’ll find an option that suits your needs below.
What to Pack For Your Trek
Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Nafran Valley trek:
If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.
Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card and medical certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.
1. Trekking Shoes:
Nafran Valley trek requires sturdy trekking shoes, good grip, ankle support and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
Rental: We have the MH series by Decathlon available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are already broken into and in good condition. Rental shoes are not dirty or unhygienic. This is how they are kept clean. Rent here - MH 100.
2. Backpack:
For a trek like Nafran Valley, you need a 50-60 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
| Rental: The 55-litre backpack is available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a backpack. Rent here.
3. Clothes:
Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required.
Base Layer:
3 T-shirts:
Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.
Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.
Buying Tip: You can get dry-fit T-shirts from Decathlon. Also, stores like Reliance Trends and Max have dry-fit T-shirts. They don’t usually cost much.
Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)
[protip]Protip[/protip] If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them.
3 Insulation Layers:
The highest altitude you reach on this trek is 13,200 ft. At these altitudes, it can get cold even in the middle of summer. You will need at least 3 insulation layers for this trek.
You will need 2 light fleece layers and 1 full-sleeve light sweater. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.
1 Outer Layer:
A padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.
Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.
Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.
| Rental: Padded jackets are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. They are custom-made for Indiahikes and trekkers find them terrific, even in winter. Rent here.
Two Trek Pants:
Two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry two just in case it rains. Trek pants with zippered cut-offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon in case of small stream crossings/rain.
Buying Tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief or pocket snacks.
Track pants or trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants are not trekking pants -- so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup.
Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.
These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to Nafran Valley without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first.
1. Sunglasses:
Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. On a trek like Nafran Valley, especially in early July expect to walk on long stretches of snow. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section, you must never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.
| Rental: The polarised hiking sunglasses are available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a pair of sunglasses. Rent here.
If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.
Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens.
2. Sun Cap:
A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in trekking performance.
Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.
| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks and prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way.
3. Synthetic Hand Gloves:
On a trek like Nafran Valley, you are going to be handling snow quite a bit if you trekking in early July You’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself in snow. You also want the gloves to keep you warm.
Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek. These are also very useful when it rains to keep your hands dry and warm.
| Buying tip: The Crosstrek Waterproof gloves are available at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Buy here.
4. Woolen Cap or Balaclava:
Ensure these cover your ears. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.
Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. Do not get a woollen cap that only covers your head.
| Buying Tip: The Crosstrek Fleece cap and the Crosstrek neck warmer are available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. Buy here - Crosstrek Fleece Cap and Crosstrek Neck Warmer.
5. Socks (3 Pairs):
Apart from two sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry. As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at the night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
| Buying Tip: Waterproof socks are available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Buy here.
6. Headlamp:
Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Nafran Valley trek, you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes, pitch tents and hold your trek poles.
| Buying Tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.
| Rental: Headlamps are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
7. Trekking Poles (a pair):
Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Nafran Valley trek, there are steep ascents and descents. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.
| Rental: Imported side-locking trekking poles are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
8. Rainwear:
On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing.
Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.
| Rental: High-grade rain jackets are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
9. Rain Cover for your Backpack:
Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain covers.
If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.
| Pro Tip: It's good practice to compartmentalize your clothes, accessories and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.
| Rental Tip: Rain covers are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
10. Daypack (20-30 ltr, optional):
In your daypack, you carry essentials like water bottles, rainwear, emergency medicines, a headlamp, some snacks and a warm layer. Your main backpack that carries most of your equipment is accessible only at the campsites.
A day pack is a smaller backpack that is usually of 20-30 ltr capacity. Laptop bags are not daypacks. Do not get them.
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Other Mandatory Requirements
1. A Toilet Kit:
Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics -- toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturizer, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.
[protip]Protip[/protip] Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.
Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Nafran Valley.
For Women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.
2. Cutlery:
Carry a lunch box, a coffee mug and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.
| Pro Tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at its highest.
| Rental Tip 1: Tiffin boxes can be rented at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
| Buying Tip: The 'Trekker for Life - All purpose mug' is available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. Buy here.
| Two 1 litre bottles or a 2-litre hydration pack: Nafran Valley has many hours of trekking every day (approximately 6 hours). You need to carry two one-litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one of the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you to store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.
| Rental Tip 2: You could rent lightweight thermos flasks from the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
| Rental Tip 3: Water bottles can be rented at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
3. Plastic Covers:
Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Aru.
Your id and medical certificates must be kept ready 1 month in advance to get permission from State Tourism.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: You don't need to print or carry the disclaimer form. Your Trek Leader will give it to you at the base. Just sign and hand it over then and there. However, if you are a minor unaccompanied by your parents, please download this disclaimer, print it, get it signed by your parents/guardian and carry it to the basecamp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Arram Pathri. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Nafran Valley trek.
- Dexamethasone (1 Strip): This is part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Nifedipine (5 tablets): Again part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually the mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our Trek Leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend walking/jogging/running as the best routine to get fit for any trek. It works on the same muscles you use while trekking—your calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It also mimics your foot movement so you are better prepared for sudden twists and turns they may go through on uneven terrain.
It helps increase your stamina gradually if done consistently. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness Target
To do the Nafran Valley Trek comfortably, you must be able to walk, jog or run 5 km in under 32 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you must aim for.
Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, core, calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.
To reach any fitness target, there are two things you must work on:
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Muscle strength
If you are not currently active, follow the below schedule to get trek fit in 6 weeks!
A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Nafran Valley Trek
(6-Week Fitness Plan: Running)
(6-Week Fitness Plan: Walking)
Pro Tip: Warming up and cooling down before and after your workout is important. Do not miss that.
| Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Strength Training Schedule:
Note:
- Alternatives to 40 Standard Pushups = (4 x 20 = 80 knee pushups) = (4 x 40 = 160 wall pushups)
- Alternative to 60 full squats = (4 x 30 = 120 half squats)
- Alternative to jumping lunges = forward lunges (same count)
- If you are not able to complete 1 full set of any plank, divide it into 2 halves and complete it with a rest break in between. For example: If you are not able to complete 1 minute of a standard plank, divide it into 2 sets of 30 seconds each.
- After completing a few weeks of training, if you can progress, you may increase the number of sets or reps for desired results.
Important note: We accept only running, jogging, or walking workout screenshots as fitness proof. Screenshots of cross-training workouts will not be considered valid. We've suggested cross-training options to help keep your fitness journey engaging and fun, allowing you to explore activities you enjoy and avoid inconsistency.
Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.
What happens if you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team because you’re slow.
- You miss out on a deep, transformative experience that Indiahikes specially designs for you.
The good part is it is not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 6 to 8 weeks before your trek begins.
We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience.
How to Get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes Team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
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 try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.
Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared. As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.
We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.
The Nafran Valley trek is 43.5 km long and you gain 6,169 ft in total on the Nafran Valley trek. The safest way to do this trek is to cover this distance in six days as it allows enough time for your body to acclimatize to the high altitude. It’s easier and makes trekking more enjoyable.
Most walks are on green, undulating meadows. But as a chunk of this trek lies above 10,000 ft, watch out for signs of AMS if you cut the itinerary short.
The Nafran Valley trek is situated in the Pahalgam district. It is slightly towards the west of Kashmir. The trek starts from Mondlan, a picturesque hamlet, which is 10 km from the famous touristy town of Pahalgam.
You come across two alpine lakes on this trek. Harnag and Harbhagwan. Out of the two, Harbhagwan is the highest lake at 13,789 ft ft.
Yes, it is safe to trek in Kashmir. Talking about Nafran Valley, while the trek remains untouched during times of unrest, getting to the base camp or onto the trail might raise concerns in times of unrest.
So, here are certain pointers to keep in mind when you are travelling from Srinagar to Pahalgam and then Aru:
- If you’re staying overnight at Srinagar, stay in touristy areas like Dal Lake or Lal Chowk.
- Blend in with the crowd in terms of dressing and behaviour.
- Avoid going to downtown areas. Stick to tourist spaces as they tend to be safer and well-protected during times of unrest
- Don’t panic if there is a curfew. Keep calm and wait for it to pass.
Nafran Valley is a very high altitude trek that takes you near to 14,000 ft. The trek climbs rapidly and your safety depends a lot on the preparation you put in for the trek.
The trek is long and strenuous as well. Having prior experience trekking in the Himalayas helps in accustoming you to hardship. Having know-how about Acute Mountain Sickness greatly helps in dealing with altitude issues you may face on the trek.
A Himalayan trek like Nafran Valley requires a really good fitness level. The trek has long climbs and steep descents daily. As a measure of your fitness, we need you to:
Run at least 5 km in 32 minutes before your trek. Consistency of your workout also matters, so aim to jog 25 km a week or 100 km in a month. It's a minimum mandatory requirement if you wish to trek with us.
OR
Alternatively, cycle for at least 25 km in 60 minutes. Aim to cycle 125 km a week or 500 km in a month. However, running is better suited for your trek preparation.
After you register, you will be sent a questionnaire about your trekking experience and medical history. Additionally, you must attach a screenshot of a 5 km run under 35 mins only to get approved for the trek.
High-altitude trekking experience of above 14,000 ft or at least moderate-difficult trek experience is a preferred requirement.
Once you get confirmed for your trek, we will diligently follow up on your fitness routine. Our team will also assist in putting you through a fitness plan. It will ultimately help you have a safe trek experience.
The Nafran Valley has a narrow window for trekking. It is possible to trek in Kashmir for only 3 months in a year. The season starts in July and goes till the middle of September.
Even though Nafran Valley has been newly discovered, trekkers eagerly wait to trek in Kashmir.
For this reason, we suggest you book the trek 5 to 6 months in advance for the desired slot.
You will get mobile connectivity only till Srinagar. After that, the network is sketchy and almost non-existent.
Make sure you finish all your important telephone calls before starting your travel to the base camp. Inform family members about poor connectivity during the trek.
Note: Only Postpaid- SIM cards work in Kashmir.
As for electricity, you will get electricity and charging points at your base camp in Aru.
We have a cloakroom facility available at Aru for extra luggage. It costs Rs 200 per luggage. You can keep up to 10 kg.
(The luggage could be a backpack/suitcase/duffel bag or anything similar.).
Before you register for the trek, we would like you to understand the challenges, and the fitness required.
On Moderate-Difficult treks, you’ll walk for about 8-12 km each day. Gradual to steep ascents and descents are common on all days. Expect to reach high altitudes of 15,000+ ft. There will also be technical sections (such as rockfall zones, near-vertical sections, glacier walks), which our technical teams will help you navigate.
If you are above the age of 58 years, your Experience Coordinator will need a detailed account of your health. If you have done a Himalayan trek in the past or they have an active fitness lifestyle (marathons/cycling expeditions), we’ll need to see your Treadmill Test and fitness proof (Fitness proof: 5 kms in 38 mins).
But if you do not have any experience, we strongly advise you to start with an easy-moderate trek.
Having more footprints through porters or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. However, if you have any medical issues and are not able to carry your own backpack, you can offload your backpack. The cost of offloading on the Nafran Valley Trek is Rs 4,800 for the entire trek. Find details about the offloading process here.
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Experts Speak
Dhaval Jajal
Dhaval Jajal
Dhaval Jajal is a Film Maker and Trek Leader at Indiahikes. A dentist by profession, He decided to switch his career after he trekked to Goechala trek with Indiahikes. Currently, he is working towards taking the Indiahikes YouTube channel forward, making films on a wide range of topics to educate the trekking community. Dhaval was also an explorer at Indiahikes and has brought to the trekking community two amazing treks – Nafraan Valley in Kashmir and Tamenglong trek in Manipur.
What I Like About the Nafran Valley Trek
Dhaval Jajal
Dhaval Jajal is a Film Maker and Trek Leader at Indiahikes. A dentist by profession, He decided to switch his career after he trekked to Goechala trek with Indiahikes. Currently, he is working towards taking the Indiahikes YouTube channel forward, making films on a wide range of topics to educate the trekking community. Dhaval was also an explorer at Indiahikes and has brought to the trekking community two amazing treks – Nafraan Valley in Kashmir and Tamenglong trek in Manipur.
1. The endless grasslands
“The Nafran Valley is extremely lush. Perennially fed by the waters of the Kolahoi glacier, the valley is a luxuriant green. In July, the grasslands are a soft green carpet, slowly blooming into a flower bed in August. In September, the meadows slowly start taking on a beautiful yellow tinge, still replete with flowers.
“The meadows are massive, even bigger in size than Lidderwat of Tarsar Marsar and Satsar of the Kashmir Great Lakes,” says Vivek Saini, Slope Manager at Indiahikes who led the second exploration.
“What is unique is that you enter this vast valley within two hours of trekking, and you stay in the grasslands almost until the end of the trek,” shares Vivek. “On most other treks, you trek for at least two days to enter such grasslands,” he adds.
The coniferous forests open up to the beautiful meadows of Shul Margi. Picture by Dhaval Jajal
2. The striking blue lakes
It’s a known fact that one of the biggest attractions of trekking in Kashmir is the alpine lakes. Nafran Valley has not one, but two such lakes — Harbhagwan Lake and Harnag Lake.
Both of them are a crystalline blue, with astounding reflections in the morning hours, slowly taking on the hue of the sky at midday, and reflecting millions of stars at night.
“The blue waters of the Harbhagwan Lake and Harnag Lakes are wonderful surprises for trekkers in an otherwise green valley,” shares Dhaval Jajal, who was the lead explorer of the trek. The biggest bonus is that you camp on the banks of one of these lakes — the Harnag lake.
The crown jewel of the trek, Harbhagwan Lake. Picture by Dr Dhaval Jajal. Picture by Dhaval Jajal
3. An extraordinary view of the Kolahoi Glacier
“While trekking from Harnag to Harbhagwan, trekkers are in for a surprise. Just as they’re walking, on the left side, they start to see huge chunks of the Kolahoi glacier. Within a few minutes, the entire east-facing glacier reveals itself,” shares Dhaval.
“The view of the glacier hanging precariously on the Kolahoi Peak is magnificent. You don’t get to go so close to glaciers on any treks, except perhaps the Gaumukh glacier. So the experience of observing a glacier at such close quarters is very special,” he adds.
The Kolahoi glacier is a major highlight on the trek, apart from the lakes, meadows and peaks. Picture by Dhaval Jajal
4. The campsite locations
“It’s a manicured meadow, which stretches to the horizon. A few sheep graze about in the distance, some flowers sprinkled here and there. You get to camp right in the middle of these meadows. It’s an experience that you’ll remember for life,” he says.
On the other hand, you also camp on the banks of the Harnag lake. “This is a huge lake — as big as Vishansar or Kishansar (of the KGL trek). Camping beside such a pristine lake is an absolute privilege,” he adds.
While these two might be top campsites, the other camps — one in the heart of Nafran Valley and another at Arram Pathri — are no less. Both of them are lovely grasslands. “Arram Pathri has a gentle river flowing through and we camp on the banks of the river, whereas the main campsite at Nafran Valley is set amidst grand alpine meadows. You will have your Sound of Music moment in these meadows,” smiles Dhaval.
The Nafran Valley has a few of the most picturesque campsites compared to all our treks. Picture by Dhaval Jajal
5. The seclusion
Another phenomenon that takes you by surprise is the Kolahoi glacier standing tall in front of you. Make this your rest point and appreciate the spectacle.
A huge chunk of ice slants slightly on the rocks to form this glacier. The cracking sounds of the ever-moving ice are common if you observe quietly and you may even witness the breaking of the ice off of the glacier.
Getting to see a glacier along the valley is a refreshing change in scenery.
You will most likely be the only group trekking in the Nafran Valley. It is yet to come out as a classic trek in Kashmir. Picture by Dhaval Jajal
5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
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We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.
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Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.
We are India’s largest trekking organisation
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Being pioneers of trekking in India
We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.
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We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.
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