Nafran Valley
Offbeat Kashmir — a hidden valley and its glacial lake
Why this trek is special
- ✦A valley most trekkers have never heard of — and fewer have seen
- ✦Camp beside a high glacial lake under snow ridges
- ✦Meadows so untouched the trails are made by sheep, not boots
- ✦Kolahoi's satellites and hanging glaciers on the skyline
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Rated 4/5 on the TrekNova Adventures scale — based on altitude gain, trail length, terrain and exit options.
Altitude profile
Day-wise itinerary
Tap a day to expand. Distances and timings are for an average fit trekker.
Drive up the Lidder valley through Pahalgam to Aru. Briefing over kahwa, an early night — from tomorrow the crowds are gone for good.
What's included
✓ Inclusions
- ✓ All meals on trek
- ✓ Alpine tents on twin sharing, sleeping bags & mats
- ✓ Trek leader + local guides who know the valley
- ✓ Ponies for camp equipment
- ✓ All camping fees & permits
- ✓ Oximeter checks twice a day
✗ Exclusions
- ✗ Transport Srinagar ↔ Aru (shareable cab)
- ✗ Backpack offloading
- ✗ Personal expenses & insurance
Permits & paperwork
Army and police ID checks are common on the Pahalgam–Aru road — carry an original govt. photo ID; foreign nationals must carry their passport. This is a remote route: camps and days can adjust to weather and local advisories.
Backpack offloading
Don't want to carry your rucksack? Our mules and porters will carry it camp-to-camp while you walk with a light daypack. Bags must be under 9 kg, soft-sided, without wheels.
Cancellation policy
When to do Nafran Valley? Month-by-month guides
Weather, temperatures and packing for every month — green months are in season.
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