Harnag Lake Trek

Difficulty:

Moderate

Altitude:

3,750 m

Duration:

4 N 5 D

Distance:

17 km

Harnag Lake & Harbagwan Lake Overview

The Harnag Lake Trek is one of Kashmir’s hidden alpine journeys. It combines green meadows, glacial streams, and high-altitude serenity. The trail begins at Aru, near Pahalgam. It moves through pine forests, rivers, and valleys that open into vast alpine pastures. Less crowded than other treks in Kashmir, it is ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and raw landscapes.

Trekkers cross the meadows of Arampathri or follow the Lidderwat and Satlanjan trail. Both routes offer panoramic views of the Kolahoi range. As the climb continues, the terrain changes into highland grazing grounds. At 3,750 meters, Harnag Lake sits in a basin of rocky ridges with snow patches that last well into summer.

The adventure extends with the Harbagwan Lake Trek. This lake, at 3,650 meters, lies across ridges and wide meadows. It is smaller and more secluded than Harnag. The calm waters mirror the surrounding peaks, giving trekkers a rewarding view after the climb.

For trekkers asking about the Harnag trek’s best time, the answer is simple. The best months are June to September. Trails remain open, flowers bloom, and the lakes stay clear of ice.

Together, the Harnag Lake Trek and the Harbagwan Lake Trek take about four days. Both routes mix stunning scenery, alpine culture, and peaceful lakes. The trek has a moderate grade, so it suits beginners and experienced trekkers. With its beauty and variety, it is a memorable adventure in the highlands of Kashmir.

Harnag Lake Trek Itinerary

    • Pickup from Srinagar Airport and transfer to a traditional Kashmiri Houseboat on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake.
    • Evening is free to enjoy a Shikara ride or stroll around Srinagar’s Mughal gardens.
    • Dinner and overnight stay in the Houseboat.
    • Distance: ~10 km
    • Trek time: 4–5 hrs
    • Trail: Drive from Srinagar to Aru (3 hrs). The trek begins with a gradual ascent through pine and birch forests, following the Lidder River upstream. You’ll pass small wooden bridges, shepherd huts, and patches of wildflowers. After leaving the forest cover, the trail opens into the vast rolling meadows of Arampathri.
    • Highlights: Expansive green pastures framed by snow-capped peaks, grazing Gujjar flocks, and peaceful alpine settings. The route is more secluded than the Lidderwat side, giving it an offbeat charm.
    • Camp: Arampathri, beside gushing streams and open fields.
    • Distance: ~7–8 km
    • Trek time: 4–5 hrs
    • Trail: From Arampathri, the path gradually climbs into higher meadows, dotted with alpine flowers in summer. The terrain becomes more rugged as you approach Harnag Valley. The final stretch involves a steady climb over rocky moraines until the turquoise waters of Harnag Lake appear.
    • Highlights: Breathtaking views of the Kolahoi Glacier range, wild alpine flowers, and the pristine setting of Harnag Lake surrounded by ridgelines with snow patches well into July.
    • Camp: Beside Harnag Lake.
    • Distance: ~17 km
    • Trek time: 5–6 hrs
    • Trail: Retrace the descent via alpine ridges into the open pastures of Arampathri, then through pine forests back to Aru. Pickup from Aru and transfer to Srinagar (3 hrs).
    • Highlights: Stunning meadow walk during descent, last views of the Lidder Valley, and return to the comfort of the houseboat.
    • Stay: Houseboat in Srinagar.
    • After breakfast, transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey.

Your trek includes

Inclusions

  • 2 nights in Srinagar houseboat (Day 1 & Day 4)
  • Tented accommodation during trek (Day 2 & Day 3)
  • All meals during trek + dinner on Day 1 & breakfast on Day 5
  • Transport: Srinagar ↔ Aru transfers, airport pickup/drop
  • Trek crew: guide, cook, helpers, porters for group gear
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mats)
  • Permits & entry fees

Exclusions

  • Flights/train to Srinagar
  • Personal expenses (snacks, beverages, shopping, tips)
  • Extra luggage porter/mule charges
  • Meals in Srinagar (except mentioned)
  • Travel/medical insurance
  • Unforeseen expenses due to weather, roadblocks, or emergencies

Things to Carry

  • Trekking Shoes (Do not carry sneakers/ sports shoes. Carry shoes that has good grip and ankle support)
  • Backpack (40 -60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for a backpack is essential.
  • Daypack 20 litres: On the day of the summit, you’ll need a smaller backpack to carry water, snacks and your medical kit. Bring a foldable backpack.
  • Layers/Warm Clothes/Thermals
  • Trek Pants/T-shirts/Undergarments as per your convenience. Carry the actual number required and stay light Sunglasses, Suncap, sunscreen.
  • Hand gloves, socks 2 pairs and woollen socks
  • Headlamp/LED Torch is mandatory
  • Trekking Pole
  • Poncho/Raincoat
  • Personal Medikit
  • Toiletries: moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do carry wet wipes. One litre water bottle.
  • Plastic covers: Carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes. Make sure you take them back and not litter the mountains.

Health & Safety

  • Before starting the trek, calculate your BMI (Ideal BMI should be between 18.5 and 24.9)
  • Health and Safety checks mentioned below should be made before getting prepared for the trek
  • A balanced mind and body is the first thing that should be given importance before taking off, because this is what will bring out the best of you in every condition.
  • Your body should be fit enough to cover the entire trek with the backpacks on your back along with your body weight. That is why proper stamina and strength is needed. Also because trekking is done in uneven multi terrains and not on smooth paths. So in order to gain leg strength, perform simple squats.
  • Flexibility is very important when it comes to trekking. A good flexibility will be an advantage while walking on trails, climbing and river crossing etc. Attain flexibility by simple stretching or yoga.
  • As the Himalayan treks are basically ascending and descending the slopes, you will need a proper transmission of Oxygen from the lungs and heart to the body muscles. For this, trekkers should have a good cardiovascular endurance that can be gained by doing cardio exercises like running, swimming, cycling etc.

Cancellation Policy

It is good to make your booking two months prior in advance. In the event of cancellation of any trek/adventure activity due to any reasons, it is compulsory to notify us in writing. Cancellation charges will only be effective from the date we receive your request in writing.

If the trek is cancelled by us due to any reason (heavy snowfall, rainfall, natural disaster etc.) then the refund would not be initiated but you can go on the same trek another year. Kashmir Mountain Adventures Family is always with you, Thanks The cancellation charges are as follows:

  • (No bank charges deducted will be Refundable)
  • Up to 30 Days – 90% cost is Refundable
  • Between 21 to 30 Days – 50% cost is Refundable
  • Less than 20 Days – No Refund
  • (Refunds are initiated in 7-8 business days)