Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Nafran Valley or Nafar Valley trek is the most unexplored trek in Kashmir, it falls in the
foothills of Mount Kholai & is fed by Kholai glacier. Trek passes through beautiful valleys,
river streams, mountain ridges, glaciers, waterfalls & exotic flora and fauna. Average
altitude of this trek is 3000 mts from sea level & is basic to advance kind of trekking. is one
among the most famous high altitude Alpine trek in Kashmir.
This trek starts from Aru Valley Pahalgam and passes through Beautiful meadows of Nagpathri, Aarampathri, Dengipani, Nafran Valley and finally leads to Harnag and Harbhagwan Alpine lakes set in mighty Himalayas. One can descend by taking different route of Baltal Sonmarg or by
through green top valley which leads directly to Pahalgam.
Trek Details
- Total Trek distance: 82 kms
- Duration: 7 nts & 8 days
- Trek Type: Moderate to advance
- Average Elevation : 3000 to 4200 Mts (10500 to 14600 Ft)
- Best Time : Mid June to End September
- Starting Point – Sonmarg
- End Point – Naranag
- Highlights – Gangbal lake, Gadsar Lake, Mt. Harmukh, Satsar meadow, Vishnsar Lake,
Nundkhal lake, Nichnai pass, Kishansar Lake, waterfalls, river streams, Flora & Fuana
Day wise Itinerary
Altitude: 2,377 m
Time taken:3 hours drive
Drive from Srinagar to the base camp at Sonamarg. At Sonamarg, afternoon
acclimatization walk.
Altitude: 3,505 m
Time taken: 6.5 hours, 9 kms
A gradual ascent takes us into the valley of Nichnai via famous tabletop that
gives a· panoramic view of a chain of mountains that include Thajwas Mountain
range and Bear Valley. The Nichnai Valley is known as the valley of wildflowers.
We camp in the flowery meadows of Nichnai.
Altitude: 3,650 m
Time: 5.5 hours, 13 kms
We ascend into the Kishansar/Vishansar Valley—a beautiftul valley with two
lakes resting soothingly before two lofty mountain peaks. The lakes abound
with colourful trout fish. Both of these lakes have a religious significance and
they drain into Kishanganga River that meanders through Gurez valley.
Altitude: 4200m
Time taken:6 hours, 14 kms
We enter into the Gadsar Valley over Gadsar pass. The pass gives a wide view
of both Kishansar/Vishansar valley on one side and the Gadsar valley on the
other. Enchant yourself with long wavy meadows dotted with multi-coloured
flowers.
The Gadsar Valley is famous for its lake and sinking watersand. We pitch the
tents beside a shimmering canal that comes out of the Gadsar Lake. Legends
say the water and fish from the Gadsar Lake have healing powers.
Altitude: 3,600 m
Time taken: 5 hours, 12 kms
On the fifth day of the trek, the trail becomes mild and relaxing with a
repetition· of mild ascents and descents through large meadows that stretch
along a succession of a fascinating mountain range. The Satsar valley holds
seven alpine lakes; we camp for the night beside one of the canals that snake
around this valley.
Altitude: 3,587 m
Time taken:5 hours, 9 kms
The sixth day takes us over the Zajibal pass. The pass cuts the Satsar Valley
and Gangbal valley. We cover a mild gradient that leads us to the Nundkol
Lake lying judiciously at· the foot of Harmukh. The Harmukh, the lake and the
reflection of the Harmukh in the lake make it majestic.
Altitude: 2,271 m
Time taken: 6.5 hours, 13 kms
On the last day of the trek, we descend into the Naranag valley. The same day
we will drive to Srinagar for the night stay.
Hot breakfast at Srinagar hotel. Checkout from the hotel and proceed
to airport to board your return flight back home.
Trek Inclusions
- Accommodation in tents/ homestays on twin sharing basis.
- Sleeping bags, Sleeping Mattresses, Toilet Tents & Kitchen Tents, rain coats, walking sticks, air pillows, head lights
- Daily meals (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner).
- Passes and Permits.
- Load ferrying.
- Basic Medical / First Aid Kit.
- Staff (Trek Leaders, Cooks and Helpers).
Trek Exclusions
- Any air or train fare
- Expenses of personal nature like Laundry, Phone Calls, Alcohol, Cigarettes,
Camera Fee, and Bottled Water etc - Travel Insurance and other Emergency Expenses.
