Today, the trek officially begins. Leaving the charming village of Aru behind, the trail immediately immerses you in a world of deep, enchanting pine forests. The path is a steady ascent, and you'll be accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Lidder River and its tributaries. After a couple of hours, the trail may fork; you'll take the path that leads you on a steep but rewarding climb, gaining about 500 meters in elevation. This challenging section brings you to a shepherd settlement known as Geerwad, where you might encounter the Gujjar shepherds, a semi-nomadic community that migrates to these high pastures during the summer months. From here, the landscape opens up as you walk through a mix of grasslands and forest cover. Your destination, Arram Pathri, which translates to "resting place," is a beautiful, sprawling meadow that lives up to its name. It's a perfect spot to set up camp, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Today's trek is a journey to one of the crown jewels of the region: Harnag Lake. You'll start early, as the initial section involves crossing the pass. The trail begins gently before leading you to the base of a steep, rocky ascent to the Harnag Pass. This section, while short, is demanding, requiring careful footing on loose rocks. However, the effort is rewarded the moment you crest the pass. The view that unfolds is spectacular: the pristine, emerald-green Harnag Lake cradled in a valley below, fed by snowfields and glaciers from the surrounding peaks. The descent to the lakeshore is a gentle walk through flat, flower-filled meadows. You'll have the afternoon to soak in the tranquility of this incredible location, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the majestic mountains. You'll camp by the lake, spending a night in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.

This day is a challenging but immensely rewarding side trip from your base at Harnag Lake. The trek to the higher Harbhagwan Lake is a test of endurance, as you'll be climbing to the highest point of the entire trek. The trail is steep and rocky, traversing rugged terrain and navigating through boulder fields. With every step, the views become more expansive and the air thinner. Finally, you'll arrive at the stunning Harbhagwan Lake, a high-altitude gem perched at over 4,200 meters. The lake's deep blue waters, set against a backdrop of stark mountains and glaciers, create a scene of raw, powerful beauty. After spending time absorbing the panorama and enjoying a well-deserved packed lunch, you'll begin your descent back to the more sheltered campsite at Harnag Lake, where a warm meal and a well-earned rest await.

Leaving the serene Harnag Lake behind, today's trail involves retracing your steps from Day 3. You'll re-ascend to the Harnag Pass, this time with the lake providing a beautiful farewell view. From the pass, you'll descend into the heart of the Nafran Valley. The trail navigates through rocky sections and past boulders, requiring careful footing, but it eventually opens up into a wide, gorgeous meadow with a gentle stream running through it. This is the Nafran Valley, a place of immense beauty, surrounded by big mountains on three sides. Your campsite for the night is in this idyllic setting, a perfect place to reflect on the journey so far.

Today presents another challenging day with a significant climb right at the start. You'll ascend from the Nafran Valley floor to cross the Bhaj Margi Pass. The climb is steep and can be taxing, especially with the main highlights of the trek behind you. However, reaching the pass offers a new perspective on the surrounding mountains, including views of peaks like Tulain and glaciers like Wakalbal and Kanital. The descent from the pass into the Bhaj Margi area involves traversing rocky and steep terrain, crossing a few ridges. You'll eventually arrive at the Bhaj Margi campsite, another beautiful meadow that offers a fantastic camping spot and a well-deserved rest after a long day.

The final day on the trail is a pleasant descent through a changing landscape. You'll leave the high meadows behind, passing through a tree line and into grassy lands before eventually entering dense pine forests. The trail follows the forest for several kilometers, a gradual descent that leads you to the small village of Mondlan. The feeling of emerging from the wilderness back into the inhabited world is a special one. Here, your vehicle will be waiting. You'll bid farewell to your trekking crew and begin the scenic drive back to Srinagar, winding down the mountain roads with a heart full of memories. Upon arrival in Srinagar, you can check into a hotel or, if you have an extra day, perhaps a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake to celebrate the completion of an incredible journey.