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Rs.14,499/
Per PersonNafran Valley Trek is different yet similar to other scenic treks of Kashmir. The altitude at which it is located is 11,270 ft. This trek will be tricky; it will start from Aru village, and then you will reach Nafran Valley. It would help if you were done with the hike before going on this trek. On this trek, you will be experiencing the natural vistas that Kashmir offers, from dense forests and wildflower meadows to alpine lakes. The trees you will find here are Bhoj, Deodar, Walnut, Apricot, and Apple orchids. You will also see many Shepherds Huts (Gujjar Huts) while going through the meadow-lying trail.
The Nafran Valley Trek, a journey not for the faint-hearted, is a testament to your strength and endurance. It’s considered moderately challenging to complex, demanding a high level of physical fitness and, ideally, prior experience with Himalayan treks. The trail features a mix of uphill and downhill climbs, with some sections being quite steep. The trek reaches an elevation of 14,127 feet, with steep ascents along the way, which can increase the overall difficulty. But with each step, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to the majestic Himalayas.
The Nafran Valley Trek stands out not only for its diverse range of breathtaking landscapes but also for the unique cultural experience it offers. Between June and October, you’ll witness the Nafran meadows bustling with shepherd communities, who later descend to lower elevations as the weather cools. This trek offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of shepherds living in the Nafran Valley, tending to their livestock and earning a living. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in their traditions, learn about their way of life, and perhaps even share a meal or two.
The ideal time to visit Nafran Valley is from July to September when the valley is teeming with wildflowers and lush greenery. As the snow melts in July, the valley transforms into a vibrant green carpet, receiving the highest rainfall. August is the peak blooming season, with the valley bursting with greenery and cattle grazing freely. While the flowers dwindle in September, with clear skies and pleasant weather, the valley remains picturesque. Daytime temperatures during these months range from 12°C to 18°C, while night-time temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C.
Included and Excluded
- Stay: 6 Nights of tented accommodation at individual campsites of Xplorethedreams on twin sharing.
- Meals: Xplorethedreams will provide freshly cooked meals during the trek starting with Dinner on Day 1 to tea, coffee on day 7 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian)
- Transport (Optional): Srinagar to Sonmarg and return. ( 1600 extra )
- Trek Insurance (Optional): Xplorethedreams recommends that all trekkers consider getting trek insurance. This is optional, but highly recommended.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
- Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.
- Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
- Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee
- Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
- Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
- Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
- Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
- Any still / video camera fee
- Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 365 per day, per bag if paid online (at base camp 2,550). Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
- Any emergency evacuation charges
- Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section
Highlights of the Tour
Itinerary
Stay: overnight stay at the homestay; meal: Lunch and Dinner Trek Distance: 103 km, Time Taken: approx. 3 hrs Altitude: Srinagar (5200 ft / 1585 meter.), Aru (7920 ft / 2414 meters.) Altitude gain: 2720 ft / 829 meters. Trek grade: By road You will begin the journey by road from Srinagar to Ari, the campsite, which is also a common campsite for Tarsar Marsar Trek. You will enjoy the forest, local traditional houses, and the river flowing through the mountains. With the Linder River flowing beside it, Aru Village offers the perfect scenic backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir.
Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Time Taken: approx. 5 hrs. Altitude: Aru (7920 ft / 2414 mtr.), Gagad Pathri (9547 ft / 2910 mtr.) Altitude gain: 1627 ft / 496 meters. Trek grade: Gradual to Moderate The morning will begin with a delicious breakfast prepared by Xplorethedream cook. After eating a healthy breakfast, you will prepare for the trek, according to the leader. The trek will begin at Aru Village by climbing uphill till you reach the forest zone. You will climb some more until you reach Geerwad, the shepherd settlement. From here on, you will walk through grassland and forest; the camping site is beside a small river, Gagad Pathri.
Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Time Taken: approx. 9 hrs. Altitude: Gagad Pathri (9547 ft / 2910 mtr.), Nafran Valley (11,270 ft / 3435 mtr.) Altitude gain: 1723 ft / 525 meters. Trek grade: Moderate to Difficult Hot tea and a scenic view of the river flowing between the meadows are ideal ways to begin the day. Today, as you start the trek, you will cross two streams through a wooden bridge; after that lies a shepherd settlement called Kansal Pathri. You will be walking uphill toward Aaram Pathri. From Aaram Pathri, you will climb another hill to reach Nafarn Valley, which has breathtaking views of grasslands and boulders through which flows the rippling river.
Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trek Distance: 5 km, Time Taken: approx. 5 hrs. Altitude: Nafran Valley (11,270 ft / 3435 mtr.), Harnag Pass (12,270 ft / 3740 mtr.) Altitude gain: 1000 ft / 305 meters. Trek grade: Gradual to Moderate The sound of the river flowing is like music playing and a pleasant way to begin the trek. After crossing Nafran Valley, you will come up to the path passing through a loose rock formation. From you must walk carefully, making your way. You will see Harnag Lake, which has several streams flowing through glaciers in the middle of Harnag Valley. Then after you have enjoyed the scenery, you will return the same way you came to Nafran Valley.
Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trek Distance: 2.5 km, Time Taken: approx. 2 hrs Altitude: Nafran Valley (11,270 ft / 3435 mtr.), Aaram Pathri (11,155 ft / 3400 mtr.) Altitude difference: 115 ft / 35 meters. Trek grade: Gradual to Moderate The trek from Nafran Valley to Aaram Thathri is an easy downhill trek, and the trail passes through meadows, a beautiful site. During the day, when the sun’s rays pass through Deodar and Bhoj trees, Aaram Pathri campsite creates a picture-perfect scene.
Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trek Distance: 11 km Time Taken: approx. 5 hrs. Altitude: Aaram Pathri (11,155 ft / 3400 meters.), Bhaj Margi (10,171 ft / 3100 meter.) Altitude difference: 984 ft / 300 meter Trek grade: Gradual to Moderate Aaram Pathri’s trail passages through the jungle and is steep, with loose gravel, soil, and rough rocks. You have to walk very carefully; once you reach the top of the hill, you can catch sight of the entire valley. Now the trek continues down the mountain passing through meadows till you reach the Bhaj Margi campsite.
Stay: No Stay, Meal: Breakfast Trek Distance: Bhaj Margi to Mondlan by Trek – 6 km, Mondlan to Aru by Road – 8 km, Aru to Srinagar – 103 km. Time Taken: Bhaj Margi to Mondlan by Trek – approx. Six hrs., Mondlan to Aru by Road – approx. 20 min, Aru to Srinagar – approx. 3 hrs Altitude: Bhaj Margi (10,171 ft / 3100 meters.), Mondlan (10,374 ft / 3162 meter.), Aru (7920 ft / 2414 meter.), Srinagar (5200 ft / 1585 meters.) Altitude difference: Bhaj Margi to Mondlan (203 ft / 62 meters.), Monday to Aru (2454 ft / 748 meters.), Aru to Srinagar (2720 ft / 829 meters.) Trek grade: Bhaj Margi to Mondlan by Trek – Gradual, Mondlan to Aru by road, Aru to Srinagar by road Today is the final day of trekking on the mountain; you will be looking at grassland, waterfalls, water streams, etc., for the last Time. From Bhaj Margi, the trek will lead you to the trail’s end, a large wooden gate. There is forest all through the route till you reach a shepherd settlement called Shul Margi. You will cross two streams, one small and one large, then pass through a forested area until you come to an open area of Pahalgam. From Pahalgam, you will climb downhill till you reach Mondlan village; from Mondlan to Aru is a short drive of twenty minutes. Then Aru to Srinagar by road; Srinagar will be the last stop where our team leaves you. After that, you can plan your route anywhere you want to go.
Location Map
Frequently Asked & Question
Nafran Valley is situated in the picturesque Pahalgam district, which is located to the west of Kashmir. The trekking adventure commences from Mondlan, a delightful village situated a mere 11 kilometers away from Pahalgam, a well-known and favored tourist spot.
The best time to enjoy the trek is from July to September. Nafran Valley does not receive monsoon rain like other places in India during these months, making it an ideal time to visit. In July, the landscape is covered in snow, creating a beautiful sight. There are frozen lakes such as Harbhagwan and Harnag with snow beside them. The snow starts melting in August, revealing green meadows and grey-colored mountains. You will also see a variety of wildflowers in different colors. In September, the weather starts getting colder, but you can enjoy clear blue skies when there are no clouds.
The Nafran Valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan birds, snow leopards, and musk deer, though sightings are rare.
The trek typically starts from a base village near Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. You can reach Pahalgam by road from Srinagar, which is the nearest major city with an airport.
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