Arrival in Srinagar & Journey to Aru

• Meet the Namma Trip team at Srinagar Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and begin the journey towards Aru.
• Cover approximately 112 km in 4–5.5 hours, travelling through the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir.
• Drive past Pampore’s famous saffron fields and continue through the historic town of Bijbehara.
• Follow the turquoise waters of the Lidder River towards Pahalgam, popularly known as the Valley of Shepherds.
• As the road winds deeper into the valley, enjoy breathtaking views of pine-covered slopes, green valleys, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
• Arrive at Aru Village, situated at approximately 7,958 ft, and settle into this peaceful mountain hamlet.
• Surrounded by pine forests, open meadows, and spectacular mountain scenery, Aru offers the perfect setting to begin the Nafran Valley adventure.
• Experience the charm of the village, with its traditional wooden houses and welcoming local communities.
• Spend the evening soaking in the fresh mountain air and listening to the soothing Lidder River flowing nearby.
• Check into the hotel on a twin-sharing basis, relax, and prepare your essentials for the trek ahead.
• Overnight stay in Aru Village.

Through Forests & Alpine Meadows Start the day with a short 20-minute drive from Aru to Mondlan, the starting point of today's trek. Begin the 8.5 km trek towards Bhaj Margi, with approximately 6–8 hours of trekking through the pristine landscapes of Kashmir. Gradually gain altitude from around 7,960 ft at Aru to 10,374 ft at Bhaj Margi, with the trail ranging from moderate to challenging. Walk through beautiful pine and deodar forests, surrounded by the refreshing scent and peaceful atmosphere of the conifers. Follow the trail past clear mountain streams, where you can take a short break and refill your water bottles. Continue towards Shul Margi, an expansive meadow offering spectacular views of lush green pastures and surrounding mountains. Pass by Nandkei and traditional Gujjar settlements, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle and heritage of the region's shepherd communities. Beyond Shul Margi, the trail becomes steeper and more demanding, adding an adventurous element to the day's journey. Cross a wooden gate and continue towards the campsite, with a refreshing stream along the route. Reach Bhaj Margi campsite, a beautiful alpine meadow surrounded by wildflowers and magnificent mountain scenery. As evening approaches, watch the landscape transform beneath the golden sunset and changing Himalayan sky. Enjoy dinner at the campsite and spend the night in twin-sharing tents under the star-filled sky.

Cross Arram Pathri Ridge & Enter Nafran Valley

• After breakfast, begin the trek from Bhaj Margi towards Nafran Valley via the scenic Arram Pathri route.
• Cover approximately 8 km in 6–7 hours, crossing alpine meadows, rocky trails, and rugged mountain terrain.
• Gradually climb from 10,374 ft to around 11,482 ft, before descending to approximately 11,358 ft at Nafran Valley.
• Start with a gradual ascent through coniferous forests, where sunlight filters beautifully through the tall trees.
• Climb towards the Arram Pathri Ridge and enjoy panoramic views of Bhaj Margi, Dadwar meadows, and the distant Pahalgam Valley.
• The ridge section includes a steady climb with a short challenging stretch, rewarding you with spectacular mountain vistas.
• Descend carefully through rocky and uneven terrain, maintaining a steady pace on the trail.
• Take a refreshing break beside natural mountain streams, where available, before continuing deeper into the valley.
• Cross rolling grasslands and boulder-covered sections before reaching the Nafran River.
• Enter the breathtaking Nafran Valley, surrounded by vast alpine landscapes and towering snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
• Complete the final descent towards the campsite and take in the changing colours of the valley as the sun sets.
• Reach Nafran Campsite, relax by the riverside, enjoy dinner, and spend the night in twin-sharing tents to the soothing sound of the flowing river.

Cross Harnag Pass & Reach the Glacial Lake

• Begin the trek early from Nafran Valley, enjoying the beautiful morning light over the surrounding alpine meadows.
• Cover approximately 9.5 km in around 7 hours, with challenging ascents, rocky sections, and steep descents.
• Gradually climb from 11,358 ft to Harnag Pass at 12,509 ft, followed by a descent to Harnag Lake at approximately 12,099 ft.
• Walk past traditional shepherd huts, offering a glimpse into the seasonal lifestyle of the local mountain communities.
• As you move higher, the gentle grasslands give way to rocky outcrops and rugged high-altitude terrain.
• Tackle the steep ascent towards Harnag Pass, carefully navigating loose rocks and boulder-covered sections.
• Cross several small glacial streams, where wet and slippery rocks require extra caution.
• Reach Harnag Pass at 12,509 ft and enjoy spectacular panoramic views overlooking Nafran Valley and the secluded Harnag Valley.
• Begin the descent towards Harnag Lake, following a challenging trail with loose rocks and uneven, eroded sections.
• Use trekking poles for better stability while negotiating difficult stretches along the route.
• Arrive at Harnag Lake, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine Himalayan wilderness.
• Settle into the campsite near the smaller extension of Harnag Lake, relax amidst the peaceful surroundings, and enjoy a well-deserved meal.
• Overnight stay in tents near Harnag Lake.

Conquer the High-Altitude Trail to Harbhagwan Lake

• Begin the trek early from Harnag Lake, with morning mist creating a peaceful atmosphere across the valley.
• Cover approximately 9.2 km in 8–9 hours, making this the most challenging day of the trek.
• Ascend from 12,099 ft to around 13,789 ft, followed by a descent back to the Harnag Lake campsite.
• Follow the trail through a serene high-altitude valley, crossing scattered mountain streams and rugged terrain.
• Reach the Kolahoi Glacier viewpoint, offering spectacular views of its dramatic ice-and-rock formations, famously known as the “Crown of Kashmir.”
• Admire the imposing Mount Kolahoi, the highest peak in the region, rising majestically above the surrounding valleys.
• Take on the steep 3 km ascent towards Harbhagwan Lake, a demanding stretch that tests both physical endurance and mental determination.
• Navigate through thin air, steep slopes, and boulder-strewn terrain, maintaining a steady pace and careful footing.
• Reach Harbhagwan Lake, where pristine turquoise waters surrounded by jagged Himalayan peaks create a breathtaking high-altitude landscape.
• Spot floating chunks of ice on the lake, reflecting its glacial origin and untouched wilderness.
• Spend some time soaking in the silence of the mountains, occasionally broken by the sound of cracking ice and cold mountain winds.
• Begin the return journey, retracing the same trail while enjoying expansive views of Kolahoi Glacier and the surrounding valleys.
• Descend back to Harnag Lake, where the warm golden afternoon light transforms the rugged landscape into a stunning Himalayan panorama.
• Overnight stay at the Harnag Lake campsite.

Descend Through Meadows Back to Arram Pathri

• Begin the morning at Harnag Lake, taking a peaceful moment to admire the still waters reflecting the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
• Cover approximately 7.15 km in 5–6 hours, descending from 12,099 ft to around 11,482 ft at Arram Pathri.
• Start the descent through rolling alpine meadows and scattered boulders, offering a more relaxed pace compared to the previous day’s challenging climb.
• Follow the natural contours of the valley while enjoying uninterrupted views of the untouched Himalayan wilderness.
• Walk through lush green stretches dotted with colourful wildflowers and glistening mountain streams.
• Admire the distant peaks and familiar ridgelines that now carry memories of the challenges and experiences of the trek.
• Continue through a mix of forest trails, rocky paths, and open meadows, retracing sections of the journey with a new perspective.
• As the trail gradually loses altitude, the landscape becomes greener and more welcoming.
• Reach the expansive meadows of Arram Pathri by midday, marking the return to familiar terrain.
• Settle into the campsite surrounded by traditional wooden Gujjar huts, grazing sheep, and the soothing sound of a nearby stream.
• As evening approaches, watch the mountains glow beneath golden sunset hues blending into the purple sky.
• Relax by the tents and reflect on the unforgettable journey through Kashmir’s remote valleys, high-altitude lakes, and rugged mountain landscapes.
• Overnight stay at Arram Pathri campsite.