Barafsar Lake
Duration
8 Days
Best Time
July & September
Elevation
4,950m / 16,240ft
Location
Himachal Pradesh
Difficulty
Fitness Level
The Barafsar Lake trek is a high-altitude journey in Kashmir, linking the Gurez side with Bandipora through a series of alpine valleys and passes, with Barafsar Lake as a key highlight. The route moves through remote meadows, ridgelines, and glaciated sections, staying largely away from established trekking circuits.
This trek is defined by its varied terrain and isolation. Starting from forested valleys, the trail gradually opens into expansive alpine meadows before gaining height towards the lake and surrounding passes. Camps are set in wide, open landscapes with very limited human presence beyond seasonal shepherd movement.
The approach to Barafsar Lake involves steady climbs over mixed ground—grass slopes, moraine, and occasional snow patches depending on the season. The lake itself sits in a high basin, often partially frozen early in the season, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain. What sets this trek apart is its combination of landscape diversity and low footfall. It is not a marked or heavily trafficked route, and sections may involve route finding, especially across higher ground.
We approach this trek with a focus on strong logistics, route awareness, and steady pacing, ensuring the journey remains well-managed in a relatively remote setting.
What to expect from this Expedition
The Barafsar Lake trek is a moderate high-altitude trek, with difficulty coming from distance, elevation gain, and terrain variation rather than technical challenges. The route includes forest trails, alpine meadows, ridgelines, and high-altitude lake sections, making it physically varied. The climbs are gradual but sustained, with some sections feeling longer due to the open terrain. Weather can be unpredictable, especially near the lake and higher passes, with temperature drops and changing visibility. Camps are set in remote locations with minimal infrastructure. This trek is suited for those looking for a less crowded Kashmir experience, combining alpine lakes, high passes, and extended walking days in a quiet setting.
Note on Itinerary: While we aim to follow the planned schedule, all itineraries are subject to change based on weather, route conditions, and team pace. Decisions are made in the field to ensure safety and continuity of the journey.
Day 1 – Arrive Srinagar
Elevation: 5,200 ft / 1,585 m
Arrive in Srinagar. Transfer to your hotel and rest. The day is kept easy to recover and prepare for the trek.
Day 2 – Drive to Arin, Trek to Gurez Meadow
Elevation: ~7,500 ft / 2,300 m
Distance: 6–8 km
Drive to Arin near Bandipora and begin the trek. The trail ascends gradually through forested terrain to reach open meadows. Camp in a clearing above the valley.
Day 3 – Meadow to Nichnai Valley
Elevation: ~9,500 ft / 2,900 m
Distance: 8–10 km
Trek through mixed forest and alpine clearings. The route gradually gains altitude and opens into wider valley sections with streams and meadows.
Day 4 – Nichnai to Barafsar Lake
Elevation: ~12,000 ft / 3,650 m
Distance: 10–12 km
Climb steadily towards Barafsar Lake. The terrain includes ridgelines and high alpine sections before reaching the lake basin. Camp near the lake.
Day 5 – Barafsar Lake Exploration
Elevation: ~12,000 ft / 3,650 m
Distance: 4–6 km
Explore the lake basin and surrounding ridgelines. The day is kept flexible to move within the area and rest.
Day 6 – Barafsar Lake to Gurez Valley
Elevation: ~8,500 ft / 2,600 m
Distance: 10–12 km
Descend from the lake towards the Gurez side. The trail moves through open alpine terrain into broader valley sections. Camp in Gurez Valley.
Day 7 – Trek to Road Head, Drive to Srinagar
Elevation: ~5,200 ft / 1,585 m
Distance: 6–8 km
Short trek to the road head followed by a drive back to Srinagar.
Day 8 – Departure
Depart from Srinagar after completing the trek.
Price
Barafsar Lake
₹68500 - 8 Days / Ex.Srinagar
- Train / Flight reservations for your expedition should be made as soon as possible.
- Please forward a copy of your travel itinerary before final payment so we can review departure and arrival dates.
- We make hotel arrangements to meet individual itineraries.
- Visas & Passports To enter India – You must have a passport that is up to date and valid for at least six months after the end of your intended trip in order to enter India.
- Citizens of SARC nations do not need visas, but they must have a valid form of identification with them at all times (see country-specific rules before travelling).
- It is the responsibility of participant to ascertain and meet entrance criteria for their passports or nationalities.
- We are delighted to assist with this procedure. We advise you to review the entry requirements on the relevant country’s official website.
Flight to / from Srinagar : The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, which is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jammu. This trip requires that you arrive in Srinagar on Day 1 of your expedition. Early afternoon arrival is preferred. You may plan your onward travel any time after 12:00 Hrs on the last day of your itinerary.
Train to / from Srinagar : Srinagar is now connected via railway to Jammu through the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla line. Jammu remains the primary major railhead, well connected to the rest of India. From the railway station, onward travel to Srinagar is by road.
Road to / from Srinagar : Srinagar is connected by road to Jammu via National Highway. The journey typically takes 8–10 hours depending on road and weather conditions. This route passes through mountain terrain and is subject to seasonal closures or delays, so buffer time is recommended.
Early Arrival/Late Departure: For those arriving early or departing after the scheduled itinerary, we can make hotel and transport arrangements at an additional cost. Please contact our office in advance if you would like us to make additional reservations.
Missed Flights / Trains: If you miss your flight / Train or if your flight / Train is significantly delayed, please contact Swapnil Rachelwar on +91 94076 89444 and follow the prompt for 24-hour contact. Citizens of SARC nations do not need visas, but they must have a valid form of identification with them at all times (see country-specific rules before travelling). Participants are responsible for determining and meeting entry requirements for their passports or nationalities.
- Accommodations as per the Itinerary
- International Mountain guide fees
- Guide with First aid Certification
- Porters, Camp staff
- Breakfast and dinner in the during stay at town / city
- All food and lodging during the trek & climb. No expense is spared in providing high-quality food. (If you have particular dietary requirements, please give us specific details and we will accommodate your needs.
- All transportation as per the Itinerary
- All group equipment needed to reach Base Camp and climb the mountain: cooking gear, fuel, stoves, ropes, all forms of rock and ice protection, radio communications, medical supplies etc.
- Permit & Park / Forest fee
- Waste disposal bags
- Wire transfer fee (if applicable)
- IFMGA-certified mountain guide fees (You need to inform us prior to book)
- India entry visa and airport fees (If Required)
- Any extra nights’ lodging
- Single room supplement
- Meals not listed above
- All personal snack/lunch food
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks (bottled water)
- International & Domestic Airfare / Trainfare
- Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- Any transportation not mentioned
- Personal gear, clothing and sleeping equipment
- Forest Charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
- Personal communication (phone, fax, email)
- All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc.)
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Pahadi Bakra Adventure
- Insurance. Trekkers are required to have a comprehensive medical insurance policy in order to embark on this expedition.
EXPENSES
For purchases and supplemental costs in India, we advise combining cash and credit/debit cards. After Manali, there aren’t many establishments that accept cards or UPI permits, therefore we advise you to bring additional cash. Request modest denominations of change when exchanging money because bigger note change is difficult to get outside of major cities. Alcoholic beverages and bottled beverages are not included with your meals, and as we do not promote the use of single-use plastic, it is advised that you bring your own water bottle. If you intend to purchase refreshments (which are not permitted during the excursion), please bring some additional cash. Ahead of Schedule/Evacuation You are in charge of paying any costs incurred (such as extra hotel nights, transportation costs, and evacuation fees) if you have to leave the adventure before it is finished. It is advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance so that these expenses may be paid for should they arise.
TIPPING
Every effort is made by our staff to make sure your trip or excursion is successful, safe, and as fun as possible. Gratuities are a great way to express your gratitude after a satisfying encounter. Since we think gratuities should depend on the quantity and quality of services, as well as an amount that fits your budget, it’s challenging to suggest a precise sum. Your lead guide and coordinator can accept any contributions to the guides’ tip fund, and the entire team will be grateful.
- 25% cancellation of the package cost after confirmation/issuing the hotel voucher.
- 30% cancellation of the package cost Between 60 to 45 days of the traveling date.
- 50% cancellation of the package cost Between 44 to 30 days of the traveling date.
- 100% cancellations Between 29 – 0 days of the travels date.
- 10% amount is non-refundable at any point.
- If the customer cancels his/her booking because of reasons like Illness, personal problems death, accident or No Shows amount will be deducted according to the policy.
- All cancellations must have interacted in writing.
- Policy may be different for Foreigners or International traveler / participants.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE
- As there are many unforeseen circumstances that may occur during or leading up to the trip, we highly recommend trip cancellation insurance.
- In many situations, this may be the only way to receive a refund for unused services.
- In brief, trip cancellation insurance may allow you to get reimbursed if you need to cancel your expedition when you are not entitled to a refund from Pahadi Bakra.
PACKS & BAGS
Duffel Bag (1 Piece, 90–100L)
Primary load bag for transporting all personal gear. Should be durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for rough handling.
Backpack (1 Piece, 50–60L)
Main trekking pack for carrying daily essentials. Must have proper load distribution and hip support.
Dry Bag / Pack Liner (1 Set)
Internal waterproofing system to protect critical gear from moisture and river crossings.
CLOTHING SYSTEM
Base Layer (1 Set)
Moisture-wicking thermal layer used for temperature regulation during cold conditions.
Trekking Clothing (2–3 Sets)
Lightweight, quick-dry layers suitable for sustained movement over multiple days.
Mid Layer (1 Piece – Fleece / Light Insulation)
Active insulation layer for moderate cold during movement.
Insulated Jacket (1 Piece – Down / Synthetic)
Primary thermal layer for static conditions and high-altitude camps.
Waterproof Shell Jacket (1 Piece)
Technical outer layer providing protection from wind, precipitation, and exposure.
Waterproof Shell Pants (1 Piece)
Protective lower layer for high pass crossings and adverse weather.
Trekking Pants (1–2 Pieces)
Durable, breathable pants for daily use across varied terrain.
HEAD, HAND & FOOTWEAR
Warm Cap / Beanie (1 Piece)
Thermal protection for cold and high-altitude exposure.
Sun Cap (1 Piece) – Optional*
Protection against direct solar radiation at altitude.
Buff / Neck Gaiter (1 Piece) Optional*
Multi-use protection from wind, dust, and cold.
Insulated Gloves (1 Pair)
Primary hand protection in cold and windy conditions.
Trekking Boots (1 Pair)
Mid to high-ankle boots with stiff sole for stability on uneven terrain and load carrying.
Camp Footwear (1 Pair)
Lightweight footwear for recovery and movement at camp.
Socks (3–4 Pairs)
Combination of moisture-wicking and insulating layers for foot management.
CAMPING GEAR - Can be Rented
Sleeping Bag (1 Piece, Comfort -10°C to -20°C)
Insulated system suitable for sub-zero high-altitude conditions.
Sleeping Mat (1 Piece)
Ground insulation to reduce heat loss and improve recovery.
PERSONAL ITEMS
Headlamp (1 Piece)
Hands-free lighting system for early starts and camp movement. With extra battery or Charger.
Sunglasses (2 Piece, Category 4 or with UV Protection)
High-altitude eye protection against UV exposure and snow glare.
Sunscreen (1 Piece, SPF 50+)
Protection against intense solar radiation.
Lip Balm (1 Piece)
Prevents cracking and sun damage at altitude.
Personal First Aid Kit (1 Set)
Basic medical kit tailored to individual needs.
HYDRATION & NUTRITION
Water Bottles (2 Pieces, 1L each)
Carrying capacity for maintaining hydration at altitude.
Personal Snacks (1 Set) Optional*
Supplementary nutrition for energy during long trekking days.
MISCELLANEOUS
Trekking Poles (1 Pair)
Aid in balance, load distribution, and reducing joint strain.
Power Bank (1 Piece)
Backup power source for essential electronics.
Repair Kit (1 Set)
Basic field repair tools for gear maintenanc
DOCUMENTS
ID Proof (1 Piece)
Mandatory for permits and identification.
Insurance
Travel insurance copy printed.
Cash (Small Amount)
Required for remote regions with no digital access.
Customise This Expedition
While most of our departures are designed as small, fixed groups, this itinerary can also be run as a private or customised expedition. Group journeys often create strong connections and shared experiences, but we understand that certain trips require a more tailored approach—whether it’s timing, team composition, or objective. Over the years, Pahadi Bakra has led private expeditions across multiple Himalayan regions, working with climbers, trekkers, filmmakers, and organisations. A private departure allows for better control over pace, team size, and overall structure—especially in remote or high-altitude environments where flexibility matters.
Build It Around Your Objective
This itinerary can be adjusted based on your requirements. Whether you need a specific start date, a modified route, or additional acclimatisation days, we can structure the expedition accordingly. It also works well for focused objectives—recce trips, training-based journeys, documentation projects, or small team expeditions. We keep the approach practical—fewer people, better logistics, and a structure that fits your goal, rather than forcing you into a fixed format.
Get in Touch
If you’re looking to customise this trip or run it privately, reach out to discuss your plan. We’ll work with you to shape an expedition that fits your timeline, team, and objective.
Why Trek With Us!
