If you have already done the KGL Trek or Tarmar Marsar, then Nafran Valley Trek in Kashmir matches the caliber of these two blockbuster treks.This Trek was recently found in Kashmir.
7 Days
Moderate - Difficult
Aru Valley
13,795 ft
Nafran Valley Trek, a trek that is the combo package of everything a trekker looks for in a trek. This trek matches the caliber of other popular treks in Kashmir like Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Lake, Gurez Valley Trek . This trek starts in the Aru Valley of Pahalgam , goes up to the elevation of ft. The best time to do this trek is going to be between the months of July and September and August being the ideal month to do this trek as you will see blushful meadows as well as fully bloomed wild flowers. During this period you will also get to see tribal peoples and get to interact and experience with them how they live life in such a far flung area as well as being contempt with it. If you have already done the other top treks in Kashmir then Nafran Valley Trek should be in your next to do list as you will get to see places like Aru Valley(not what common tourists see), Harnag Pass and not to mention the Nafran Valley itself.
Our Day first of this expedition, we will start this journey by a drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam. Pahalgam is one of the famous tourist destination in Kashmir, which means we will be enjoying this journey as well . After reaching Pahalgam , we will have to travel for another 12 KM to Aru Valley. We will Spend the their at Aru Valley
Starting our journey for the day, we will first drive to Mondlan from Aru. As soon as we start the trek , we will first climb a gentle slope up until we reach a dense coniferous forest. In the forest , we will be trekking along side a stream . Soon as we crossed the stream , we can see Gujjar huts. After trekking the forest. we will reach Shul Margi meadows.
After climbing the Shul Margi , we will turn left following the trail , as we again enter a dense coniferous forest . From that point the trek becomes steeper and steeper, up until we will see a wooden gate. After crossing the gate, we will walk for half an hour till we reach the Bhaj Margi meadows which is going to be our campsite for that night.
Today we will start our trek from Bhaj Margi . First we will experience a gradual ascent, up until we will reach the coniferous section. After That we will head toward the Arram Pathri Ridge. While walking along the ridge walk section , the trial will get steeper and steeper up until we will reach the top of the ridge.
After that a rocky section will be waiting for us. Here, we have to be cautious as the track is little bit slippery. Just after reaching the highest point at Nafran Valley, now the trail is on the descent end. We will cross it slowly for a distance of 1.5 km which ends at the banks of Nafran River.
From their we will be going ahead with Nafran Valley gradually fainting from our eyes. We will face multiple grasslands and boulder sections one after the other before reaching Harnag Pass. Finally we will face the last ascent of the day with the rocky section up until we will reach the Nafran Campsite where we will set the tents for today.
Our first milestone for the day is going to be Harnag Pass which is around 2 kms from our campsite. The Climb to the Pass is steep up until we reach the top which is a bouldery section, where we have to be cautious as the rocks are losse and slippery. Right at the top of the , the Harnag lake is now visible, the descent is going to be challenging as well. After reaching the Harnag Lake , we will camp here for tonight.
Today the day is going to be long and full of exploration. First, we will go through the plan grassland, then after crossing the 2 streams , we will get to see the Kolahai Glacier. Right next to Kolahai Glacier, their is a Tall peak which is going to be our way to the Harbaghwan Lake. The trail from their gets steeper and steeper. For 3 Km we have to be cautious, as the boulders are slippery and are pron to ankle twists.
After reaching the flat surface of the ridge as the trial ends , you will see the stream . From their we will have to make our way to the Harbaghwan Lake. We will head back to Harnag Lake for camping.
As we have already done the tough part of the trek, we will follow the trail back to Arram Pathri where we will camp for that night.
We will head right to the trial from the Arram pathri , where we will get to Mondlan. Here we will see a completely different section of this trek . A sight to behold as we witness the intersection of the Nafran and the Ghash Aangan River . Walking the trial we will pass the Kanzal Pathri and Gagad Pathri as well as we will get to see pine forests. By the time of lunch we will reach Aru. Finish our lunch and drive back to Srinagar, where we will reach by the evening and part our ways.