Barafsar lake Trek: The Untouched Beauty of Kashmir

Trek Cost

₹14,500 per person

Duration

5 Days (Srinagar to Srinagar)

Max Atitude

4,500 meters (Barafsar Lake)

Trek Distance

Approx. 30–35 km

Trek Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Region

Kashmir

Base Camp

sarbal village (near sonmarg)

Best Time

July to September

Start/End Point

Srinagar

Photo Gallery

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar – Drive to Sarbal Village (9,300 ft)

Distance/Time: 100 km / 3-4 hrs drive

Stay: Overnight in camps at Sarbal

Meals: Dinner

Itinerary Highlights:

Arrive at Srinagar in the morning. Our representative will pick you up from the airport or your designated point.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Sarbal Village, the last settlement before the high alpine wilderness.

Settle into your camps, acclimatize, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Team briefing and equipment check in the evening.

 

Day 2: Sarbal – Durinar Meadow (11,800 ft)

Trek Distance: 6-7 km / 5-6 hrs

Stay: Camping in Durinar Meadow

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Itinerary Highlights:

Begin your trek through lush alpine forests and cross bubbling streams.

As the trail ascends, the valley opens up to offer beautiful views of surrounding peaks.

Reach Durinar Meadow, a vast alpine grassland perfect for camping.

Enjoy your first evening under the starry skies of Kashmir.

 

Day 3: Durinar Meadow – Durinar Lake (13,000 ft)

Trek Distance: 6 km / 4-5 hrs

Stay: Camping at Durinar Lake

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Itinerary Highlights:

Today’s trek takes you higher through boulder sections and alpine terrain.

Reach the stunning Durinar Lake, nestled in the lap of rocky ridgelines.

Spend the evening exploring the surroundings and watching the sunset reflect off the lake surface.

 

Day 4: Durinar Lake – Barafsar Lake – Sapphire Lake – Back to Durinar Lake (14,700 ft approx)

Trek Distance: 10-12 km round trip / 7-8 hrs

Stay: Camping at Durinar Lake

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Itinerary Highlights:

This is the most thrilling and long day of the trek. Start early and ascend toward Barafsar Lake, one of the most pristine high-altitude lakes of Kashmir.

Witness the shimmering Sapphire Lake, known for its gem-like blue color and tranquility.

Enjoy the raw, untouched beauty of Kashmir’s hidden gems.

After spending quality time at both lakes, descend back to Durinar Lake by late afternoon.

 

Day 5: Durinar Lake – Sarbal – Drive to Srinagar (Departure Day)

Trek Distance: 12-13 km / 6-7 hrs

Drive: 3-4 hrs to Srinagar

Meals: Breakfast & Packed Lunch

Itinerary Highlights:

Begin your descent early from Durinar Lake through Durinar Meadow back to Sarbal Village.

Enjoy the scenic beauty and retrace your steps through forests and meadows.

Reach Sarbal by afternoon and board the vehicle for Srinagar.

End of the trek. Drop at Srinagar airport or hotel by evening.

 

Inclusions – What’s Covered in Your Trek Package

All Meals During the Trek:

Enjoy wholesome and hygienic vegetarian meals—breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner—prepared fresh by our mountain cooks. We ensure a nutritious and varied menu, avoiding repetition to keep your energy and morale high throughout the journey.

Comfortable Camping Accommodation:

Stay in high-quality alpine tents on a double-sharing basis. We provide:

Insulated sleeping bags with liners

Foam mattresses

Spacious dining and toilet tents for comfort at high altitudes

 

Expert Trek Support Team:

You’ll be guided by experienced and certified trek leaders, supported by local guides, high-altitude cooks, and support staff—all trained to handle mountain situations with expertise.

Safety and Medical Backup:

We carry a comprehensive mountain medicine kit, including:

First aid supplies

Oximeter to monitor oxygen levels

Emergency oxygen cylinder

Your safety is our highest priority.

 

Permits and Entry Passes:

All necessary forest permits, camping fees, and local permissions are arranged and included in the package.

 

Exclusions – What’s Not Included

Lunch on Day 1 (during transit to base camp)

Any kind of personal expenses, such as offloading, tips, bottled water, personal gear rentals, etc.

Travel insurance or medical insurance (recommended but not included)

Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusion list

FAQ

Best Time to Visit

The best time to do the Barafsar Lake Trek is from mid-July to mid-September. During this time:

Snow has melted, revealing the beautiful alpine trails

Weather is stable and skies are mostly clear

The lake is partially frozen and truly magical in early July

Barafsar Lake is one of Kashmir’s highest alpine lakes, located at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,763 ft). The name ‘Barafsar’ literally means ‘Head of Ice’, and the lake remains frozen for most of the year.

Unique Features:

Pure alpine wilderness

Crystal-clear glacial lake nestled among snow-capped peaks

Panoramic views of Mount Kolahoi, Harmukh, and other Kashmir giants

Barely any crowd – a true offbeat trek

The trek is Moderate  depending on fitness and experience:

Daily trekking of 8–12 km over 6–8 hours

Steep ascents, boulder zones, river crossings

High altitude challenges above 13,000 ft

It requires good physical preparation and prior trekking experience is helpful.

Nearest Airport: Srinagar (SXR)

Drive from Srinagar to Aru Village (Pahalgam) – approx. 3–4 hours

Aru is the base village of the trek

From here, the trail leads through lush meadows, pine forests, and remote highlands

Unexplored alpine route—very few trekkers have done it

Combination of lush valleys, deep forests, snowy passes, and glacial lakes

Spectacular summit experience at the lake with minimal human impact

Perfect for those seeking raw nature and solitude

Offers 360° Himalayan views, including the best of Kashmir’s alpine terrain

If you’re someone who has done regular treks like Kedarkantha, Bhrigu Lake, or Tarsar Marsar and now wants something beyond commercial trails, then Barafsar is your next big adventure.

It’s ideal for photographers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers

The lake is considered sacred by locals

One of the highest non-technical treks in the Kashmir Himalayas

Yes It is  recommended for absolute beginners

High altitude

Remote terrain and no mobile network

Limited exit routes

However, fit and determined first-time trekkers with a professional guide team and proper acclimatization can attempt it safely.

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