Among all the treks in Kashmir, Tarsar Marsar Trek stands tall. The trek has a cluster of 3 beautiful alpine lakes, long lush meadows, mighty mountains, and the Lidder River. The trek gives the possibility of lake camping on the Tarsar Lake and the grand view from Marsar Lake Ridge. The trek is best suggested for beginners and is done in 7 days which includes a day for acclimatization at Aru. It is best done between June and October.
This trek starts at Aru Valley – a quaint valley 112 km off Srinagar – and falls in the vicinity of the famous Kolahoi Glacier. The trek is 48km long with a mix of ascends and descends. The famous twin lakes of this trek are Tarsar and Marsar Lakes. They are one of the largest alpine lakes of Kashmir and have stunning beauty. At Tarsar Lake, the campsite is just at the lake with a magnificent view of this lake from your camp. Enjoy your evening exploring this lake.
The Trek is best done in 7 days with one day as acclimatization at Aru Valley. In 6 days of walking, this trek goes over the varied landscape of Kashmir, making it the best highlight of Kashmir’s eternal natural beauty. This trek is best recommended for beginners.
Why Choose Tarsar Marsar Trek?
Alpine Lakes: This trek has 3 stunning alpine lakes. There is a lakeside camping at Tarsar which is one of the best attractions of this trek. Marsar lake is a massive lake and the sundersar lake is similar to the moon.
Lush Meadows: It would be quite right to call this trek a Meadow trek. The trek has beautiful wavy meadows that run parallel to the river streams most of the time. You will walk through these lush meadows which are thinly populated by shepherds and their flock.
Campsites: The campsites of this trek are relatively bigger than other treks. You will camp in the quietness of nature. On one of the days, you will camp beside Tarsar Lake. At Lidderwat, Sekiwas, and Homwas you will be camping beside river streams.
Beginners’ Heaven: There are only a few treks in India that are highly recommended for beginners and at the same time carry such a clean landscape. Tarsar Marsar Trek is the best beginners trek in India. The trek exposes the bundle of trekking vistas for new hikers. This trek is neither strenuous nor a simple walk through woods. But a genuine less strenuous trek. It doesn’t have a sharp incline or decline. It has no cliffs, no threatening wildlife, or no maze of jungle where one can lose the way. In conclusion, tarsar marsar is worth doing all the efforts to enjoy the serene landscape.
What are the Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Veg meals during the trek. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner.
- Tented stay on all nights in high-quality tents on double sharing basis. Sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, dining tents are included.
- Mountaineering qualified trek leaders, and experienced cooks.
- Mountain Medicine. First Aid, oxygen cylinder, etc.
- All Permission.
Exclusions:
- Lunch on non-trekking days.
- Personal Expenses.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list.
Extra Services:
If you wish to avail of our transportation service, then the extra cost will be 1800 per person. The transportation cost is to and fro. The pickup and drop place will be Srinagar.
Offloading charges: In case you want us to carry your backpack, the cost per bag is Rs 2800/ per bag. The maximum weight allowed is 10kg. Please note that only a proper trekking backpack will be allowed to offload. No trolly or suitcase will be allowed to offload. We strictly follow to adequately place the load on our ponies.
A Day by Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Srinagar – Aru
- Altitude: 2,426m
- Time taken:3.5 hours drive
The drive is around 4 hours. Pahalgam is around 100 km from Srinagar and then a further 12 km up is Aru Valley. Aru is arguably the best valley and hamlet in Kashmir. This village has remained the base camp for some of the fascinating treks that include the Tarsar Marsar Trek.
While driving towards Aru, you will see the breathtaking Kashmir valley. The ride goes via NH1 Highway and meets Lidder River before Pahalgam. You will be driving through the famous Pahalgam. You will take a left towards Aru and it’s an easy uphill drive that drops down to the beautiful Lidder rives coming from Tarsar Lake which you will in the coming days.
At Aru, our campsite will be fixed to welcome you with a welcome drink. You will meet your trek leader there who will give a brief about your trek and journey ahead. Around 7 you will be served dinner in the middle of this fascinating valley.
Day 2: Aru – Lidderwat
- Altitude: 2,426 m to 2,780 m
- Time taken:6 hours
- Distance: 11km
The gradient of the day is easy, however, there is a long walk of around 11 km. For only the first 30 minutes there is a gradual ascend into the jungle.
The trail of the trek starts with the jungle for about 5 km. The jungle is thick and at a few places opens wide giving way to the shepherd houses and deep gorges in the distance towards your left. The jungle is full of birds, and you will see the trail frequented by shepherds and ponymen.
After the jungle walk, the trail opens onto a vast wavy meadow. The meadow is far stretching with a couple of river crossings. In the middle of this meadow walk, you will be walking just beside the river Lidder. The river dances and flows delightfully.
The grass of the meadow just goes to the bank of the river. You can relax and rest for some time at any of these beautiful locations on the way. Fill your water bottles with this clean glacial water that comes right from Tarsar Lake. This Lidder River will be your travel partner until Tarsar Lake.
While walking for some time, you will see a triangular wooden hut towards your left. Cross the bridge that goes towards the meadow surrounding the hut. You will see your campsite ready for you. You will be welcomed with evening snacks and drinks. This camping site is called Lidderwat.
Day 3: Lidderwat – Shekwas
- Altitude: 2,780 m 3,360 m
- Time taken: 5 hours
- Distance: 6km
The day starts with an ascend and takes you to the higher ground from where you get a wider view of the entire Lidderwat Valley. The grade of the day is easy. Shortly after your first climb, the trail merges into the forest. You will be walking through the jungle and parallel to the Lidder River.
The trail then opens out into the long stretches of meadow walk. You will have to cross the river over a log bridge. The valley is full of wildflowers and grass. You will reach a Homwas where the river meets the meadow, relax, and enjoy the gorgeous beauty here. On your way, you will see shepherd houses and a cluster of Silver Birch
Just before you reach Shekwas there is a boulder section. Be careful with your steps. You will be traversing this section with care, the boulders and big and at times wet with the water that flows below them. Just after the boulder section is the campsite for the night.
Day 4: Shekwas – Tarsar Lake
- Altitude: 3,360 m to 3,790 m
- Time taken: 5 hours
- Distance: 5km
Post breakfast, you will be heading towards Tarsar Lake. The gradient of the day is moderate. The trail is dominated by the boulder and rocky section. You will be walking on the boulders and in between the thin trail of boulders. The river runs beside you towards your right. The boulder section almost ends at the river crossing. The bride is of wood and slim, however, the crossing is short.
The trail then has a short gradual ascend and you will meet the shepherd house. The family most of the time welcomes the trekkers. The shepherds roam around this place with their flock.
The trail is then a succession of small ascends and descends. The walk in the middle of the meadow is surrounded by mountains. Tarsar Lake altitude is the highest you will go on this day.
Once the meadows finish, you will see yourself walking towards the ever-gorgeous alpine lake of Kashmir. Tarsar Lake is almond-shaped and one of the prettiest lakes in Kashmir. You will feel the thrill of seeing this lake, it is so mesmerizing that you will not stop before thronging around this lake the moment you see it. The lake is so famous that sometimes this trek is called Tarsar Lake Trek.
The campsite will be ready here for the night stay.
Day 5: Tarsar Lake – Sundersar
- Altitude: 3,790 m to 3,945 m
- Time taken: 5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
The gradient of the day is moderate. The trail starts with a sharp ascend for around an hour to the Tarsar Pass. The ridge is just parallel to the lake which takes you to the other side of Tarsar Valley.
Once you have reached the top of the ridge, you get a fascinating view of Tarsar Lake. All the pics that you have seen of Tarsar Lake with a wider view are from this top. All the trekkers stop here for pictures and videos and rest for some time. The descent from this ridge is equally sharp, be careful with your steps and trail.
After you have descended there is a boulder crossing and thereafter you enter into a terrific, beautiful meadow that connects Shekiwas to Sundersar. The meadow has been named Silent Valley owing to its calmness. It has lush grass in between the two mountain stretches. The land is filled with small river streams and water ponds.
After the meadow, there is a short ascend and descend that will take you to your Sundersar campsite.
Day 6: Sundersar to Homwas via Marsar Lakes
- Altitude: 3,945 m to 3,505 m via Marsar Ridge 4020 m
- Time taken:7 hours
- Distance: 9km
From your campsite, you will reach within half an hour the stunning Sundersar Lake. The lake is small and exquisite with the small mountains surrounding it from three sides. The lake is glacial and circular.
To visit Marsar Lake, you will have to go round to the Sundersar Lake and ascend a ridge. It takes half an hour to climb that till you reach a flat land and within minutes you are beholding the eternal Marsar Lake, placed there in all the calmness and beauty. The lake is wide and enticing. You will see this lake from the vantage point where you get the view of an entire lake.
Enjoy the view of the lake, and take pictures and videos to capture this moment. This is also the highest altitude point of the entire trek. You will be standing at an altitude of around 4020m.
After seeing Marsar, you will take the same route back via Sundersar Lake and descend towards Homwas. The trail is through the meadow and boulder section. Most of this trial is a repeat of
Day 7: Homwas – Aru – Srinagar
- Altitude: 3,505 m to 2,426 m
- Time taken:6 hours
- Distance: 13km
This is the last day of the trek. The trail is long and that which you have already traversed in the first two days of your trek from Aru. The trail will go to Aru via Lidderwat and follow the same route. The trek ends at Aru, the way it starts. From Aru, take a cab that drops you at Srinagar.
Why Choose Real Mountaineers Kashmir For Tarsar Mrsar Trek?
- Experienced Trek guides: Real Mountaineers Kashmir has the well qualified trek guides that ensure safety during the trek. We provide the knowledge of every single thing which is mentioned in the itinerary.
- Safety: The first priority of our company is safety for trekkers. In order to ensure emergencies during the trek, we provide high safety standards, essential equipment, medical support, and well-trained staff.
- Hiking Equipment: We provide the best quality of trekking equipment like sleeping bags, waterproof tents, hiking poles and other trekking instruments. This offers the trekkers a pleasant and comfortable journey.
- Affordable Pricing: Our company provides the best prices for their customers; the packages include all the necessary details which are included in the trek packages so that the trekkers can plan their itinerary according to their budget.
- Excellently Planned Itinerary: We expertly plan the trek, accounting for the degree of difficulty, the need for acclimatisation, the trekking routes, and the breathtaking scenery. This guarantees a satisfying and enjoyable experience for all.
- Educational Appeal: Our trek leaders regularly incorporate information about the local flora, wildlife, and geography into the hikes, making them educational. This adds a more rewarding and educational element to the walk.
Best Time For Tarsar Marsar Trek
This is the most frequently asked query of our clients. The best time to do Tarsar Marsar Trek is from June to October. In June, you will see snow in the upper reaches and the best snow landscape. The lakes are covered in snow and you see large chunks of snow floating.
However, from July to September, snow melts and you get to see the best summer landscape with all the greenery in the surroundings. In October, there are high chances of seeing snowfall on the trails of this trek. The trek in May is accessible if the snow has not fallen too much during the winter.
In the months of winter, this trek is closed and not accessible. Because of the heavy snowfall that this region receives, the trek is closed down.
How Difficult Is Tarsar Marsar Trek?
It is an easy to moderate trek. Compared to other treks in Kashmir, this trek is easy and equally breathtaking. The trail is mostly flat and through meadows. There is a boulder section and river crossings on some occasions. There is a jungle walk too, but most of the trail has a meadow walk. This trek is best recommended for beginners.
How To Reach The Base Camp
To reach for Tarsar Marsar, you will have to reach its base camp in Kashmir’s Aru village. Aru is around 110 km from Srinagar. You can take a shared cab from Srinagar that Real Mountaineers Kashmir India will facilitate, and it takes between 3 to 4 hours to reach the base camp.
By Air: Srinagar has an airport that has an airway service from all the states of India. The most convenient and short way to reach Srinagar is from New Delhi.
By Train: Kashmir doesn’t have a railway facility that connects to the other parts of the country. The nearest railway station is in Jammu. Jammu station is very well connected to the other major railway stations of the country.
By Bus: Srinagar has an NH1 highway that connects it to the rest of the places in India. There are regular bus and cab services from Jammu. You will reach within a day from Jammu to Srinagar. Once you reach Srinagar book taxi service in Srinagar to reach the final destination.
From Srinagar, it’s a 3 to 4-hour drive to the base camp Aru.
Things To Carry For The Trek
- Warm clothes should bea carry which include the warm fleeces, warm jackets, thermals, warm socks, gloves taht will protect you from the extreme cold.
- When going on a trek you must carry the first aid box that will have all the necessary medicines such as pain killers, bandages, medicine for any kind of stomach and headaches.
- Backpacks should be of good quality that will carry minimum 60-70 litres.
- Trekking shoes should be of good quality and waterproof that should be comfortable for the trekking terrains.
- To enjoy trekking, you must carry electronic equipment like a torch, power bank, music system to enjoy the terrains, bluetooth, camera to capture all the beautiful landscapes and mobile phone.
- Must carry the toiletry things such as toilet papers, tissues, dry tissues, wet tissues, sanitary pads for the female travellers and soap.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, towels, toothbrush and toothpaste and moisturisers for the extreme cold temperature that will protect your skin.
Carry a lightweight sleeping bag that fits the expected temperature range of your hike.
Carry water bottle to stay hydrated during the trek. - You can also carry the snack such as dry fruits, sprouts energy bars etc to keep yourself strong for the trek.
Before you set out on your trek, make sure this list meets your needs by modifying it to account for the duration of the trip and the requirements of your destination. Prioritise comfort, safety, and minimising your impact on the environment when planning your adventure.
Is Tarsar Marsar Trek Safe?
This is the most frequently asked question from the trekkers. They all want to know how safe is Tarsar Trek is. It is an easy to moderate trek with the total distance of 50km around, and the highest tarsar altitude of the trek is around 4000m.
Here are some of the important points related to the safety of the trek.
The Terrain: The terrain of the trek is easy to moderate. It starts with half an hour ascending, then goes into the jungle for the next 5 km around, and then a meadow walk. The walk is easy, and the trail follows small ups and downs.
The trek has a boulder section just around your Shekiwas campsite. The day you will trek to Tarsar Lake, you will have to cover the boulder section. Boulder section comes on your next day as well, as you move from Tarsar to Sundersar Lake.
There are river crossings as well. A couple of log bridges are placed over water streams.
The most difficult ascend in the entire trek is the Tarsar Ridge. This you will be ascending in the morning as you move from Tarsar camp. The ridge is around 150m in height and is sharp. It equally has a sharp descent on the other side.
The first and the last day of the trek long.
However, keeping all these things into consideration, Tarsar Marsar Trek is not a difficult trek. Most of the trekkers make it quite easy. The gradient for the trek is Easy to Moderate. The landscape of this trek is so beautiful that at times you will forget and enjoy the challenges this trek throws at you.
Altitude Gain: The highest altitude point of the trek is around 4000m which you will reach while ascending the Marsar Ridge. The total altitude gain of the trek is around 1600m. However, you will not be gaining this height in one day. You will be ascending Marsar Ridge on the 5th day of the trek. By this time your body is well acclimatized to the altitude.
In case you feel nausea or any altitude sickness-related symptoms, you need to speak to your trek leader.
The Weather: The weather remains sunny during the summer season. However, there are chances of seeing snow on the ground if you do this trek in June. There is some snow traverse this month. During the summer months, the weather is pleasant, sun is out and nights are pleasant. August is the warmest month for this trek.
As you are mountains, the weather remains unpredictable though. You never know when it rains in the mountains. During rainy days, the trek becomes a bit tricky as the trail gets muddy and slippery. You need to be extra careful mostly when you cross the boulder section and ascend the Tarsar Ridge.
Real Mountaineers Kashmir expert trek leaders will be accompanying you all along and will assist you in such situations. You need to strictly follow the instructions that they provide you.
Exit Points: In case you are feeling sick and feel you won’t be able to finish the trek, the best expert advice is to exit the trek. This trek has easy evacuation exits. The nearest you can get is to the base camp Aru. You will be at the base camp and then to the nearest hospital within a day. The nearest hospital is at Sonamarg. From the base camp Aru, you can easily get a cab to Pahalgam which is around 12km from there.
FAQ’s
Where is Tarsar Marsar Located?
This trek is located in Aru – a village 12 km from Pahalgam Kashmir. Tarsar Marsar are two lakes that people trek to see. They are among the best alpine lakes here in Kashmir.
These Lakes are situated in the Anantnag district of Kashmir, and both of the lakes are near Pahalgam. Tarsar Lake location is exactly 25km from Aru.
Can we Swim in Tarsar Marsar Lakes?
You can enjoy swimming only if you are a pro swimmer. You must be very careful and thoughtful while swimming there as they are alpine lakes and in a very sensitive environment. The water of these lakes is cold so one must be prepared for the ice-cold water.
Can we do the trek in October?
October is the last month in which you can do this trek. After October this trek gets closed because of heavy snowfall. So yes, you can do the trek in October too. Real Mountaineers Kashmir conduct this trek until October. However, the best time is June to September.
Can we do the trek in June?
Tarsar Marsar is the only summer trek in Kashmir that opens as early as May. So June is the best month to do this trek. You will be mesmerized to see the lushness of the meadows and the chunks of snow floating in its alpine lakes. The landscape is full of snow-capped mountains and the breeze of summer.
Can we do the trek in September?
September is one of the best months for this trek. The temperature is pleasant, and it has the least chances of rainfall. You can finish the trek in shorts and dry fit gear also. It has least chances of giving you the sun burns.