Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek A Serene Escape into Nature

The Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek is undoubtedly a serene escape into nature, as it brings a different experience than other hikes, as trekkers get the opportunity to camp beside the stunning crystal blue lakes covered in a snow blanket. An amazing experience in itself, this trek is different from even KGL (we will tell you why). The secluded campsites here are a rare blessing—one of the best highlights of visiting Tarsar Marsar. Regarded as the most picturesque in India, this trek is often compared to its impressive counterpart, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek.

Tarsar Marsar is famously known as “sister trek” to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek; the only thing that makes it unique is that it has fewer crowds, if compared, and offers a more private and peaceful experience with nature.

Introduction to Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Well-known for its twin alpine lakes, Tarsar and Marsar, bordered by green meadows, tranquil valleys, and snow-capped mountains, these lakes are the highlights of this trek. Located in Lidder Valley, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, India, the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek offers a spectacular high-altitude hiking experience to the nature lovers who are also seeking solitude.

Highlights of the Tarsar Marsar Lake

• Breathtaking reflection in crystal-clear alpine lakes
• Wildflowers filling the verdant meadows make it a wonderland from the fairytale.
• Open valleys and peaceful trails in a remote place offer a desired break from city life.
• Covered in mist, Marsar Lake adds a mystical vibe to the place.
• Explore the traditional Kashmiri culture closely.

Trek Overview

This trek, in Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Kashmir region, is at an altitude of 13,000 feet and takes 7 to 8 days to complete. The best time to do this trek is from July to September, and its difficulty level is moderate. You will find the base camp in Aru village, which is near Pahalgam.

How to get a permit for the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek?

The Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek in Jammu & Kashmir mandates acquiring necessary permits. Here is an extensive guide to assist you in navigating the permit process:​

Trekkers are supposed to obtain two permits, one from the forest department (Pahalgam or Anantnag) and a second from the local police (in case of special cases, like foreign nationals).

Permits can be acquired either independently or via the trekking agency you are embarking on the journey with. It is advisable to contact your trek leader for all the necessary formalities to save time. They will arrange all the permits on your behalf. The permit cost gets included in your trek package.

What permit requires: copy of valid government ID, like an Aadhaar card, driving license, or passport.

Important Note: Processing of the permit might take up to 2 to 3 days, so plan your trip accordingly and give a heads-up to your trek agency in advance if you want them to handle your permit process.

Complete Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek Itinerary

DAY 1: Drive from Srinagar to Aru

Drive distance: 100 km, around 3 to 4 hours

Altitude covered: 7,960 ft

Meals included: dinner

Stay: Guest House

How does your day 1 look?

• Shared vehicle from Srinagar to Pahalgam takes about 3 hours.
• Along the way, enjoy the view of apple orchards and walnut and apricot trees.
• Reach Aru, situated right across the Lidder River, in just half an hour.
• Stay in a guest house provided by Thin Air Expedition.

DAY 2: Trek from Aru to Lidderwat

Trek distance: 10 km, around 6 hours

Altitude covered: 9,120 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack, and dinner.

How does your day 2 look?

• It is your trek day 1. From Aru to Lidderwat, cover a distance of 10 km while climbing the gentle but lengthy trail.
• The trail is followed by the Lidder River, which makes it the highlight of the day. Also, experience the agricultural department’s fence on your way.
• As you cover a decent distance, turn around and witness the beauty of the entire Aru region.
• A dense forest of fir trees welcomes you as you continue to climb for another half an hour until the trail gets open and clear, called Della. View the attractive Gujjar huts there.
• There is no climbing anymore as you reach Della—just a moderate, sinuous walk through thick pines.
• A wide divide in the trail under a big fir tree hints at the deviation to Nandkei after 20 minutes.
• As you progress, the forest keeps getting thinner.
• Welcome to the open grassland and half an hour walk. This is where you will meet the families of Gujjars traversing the green fields on horseback. You will hardly notice this trail, as it is gentle.
• The trail crosses two rivers (drinkable water) after another half-hour climb. The second river can be seen over a wooden bridge. From the bridge, there is a walk for another hour to Lidderwat. As the trail from the bridge to Lidderwat ends, a small woodland of pine trees awaits.
• If you are coming to Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek during peak season, then on the right you will find a tea stall serving a good cup of tea.
• Another highlight of the day is springs spreading out at the valley bottom as soon as the pine tree forest ends.
• The grassy dells next to the river as you continue to climb, and beyond that, the Lidder swiftly meets with lovely fir forests.
• This gorgeous-looking section will take another half an hour of trail walking before you yet again enter the forest of firs.
• Reach the picturesque meadows of Lidderwat after ten minutes, where you will see a few more Gujjar huts.
• After a tiring but worthy day, camp anywhere on the other side of the meadows. Also, accommodate yourself in Pahalgam District Authority huts if you want.

DAY 3: Trek from Lidderwat to Shekwas

Trek distance: 6 km, around 5 hours

Altitude covered: 11,035 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack, and dinner.

How does your day 3 look?

• Your day 3 climb is not as challenging as previous ones. You reach the pine forest quickly, following the river alongside.
• After half an hour of climbing, enter a stunning open view of Lidderwat displaying wide-sweeping meadows merging with the gigantic snow-capped mountains. Not just one, but you will encounter many valleys joining along the way.
• The trail ahead goes upwards. On the left you will see Bhakarwal shelters, and on the right there is a river flowing, cutting your trails every now and then, making it an adventurous trek. Feel free to fill your water bottle.
• To stay safer, go down, take the riverside to continue with the trek, and avoid going upwards. You will find few boulders on your way while crossing the rough bridge, making it a thrilling task. Keep walking by the river for half an hour only to see the wide land of Homwas.
• Take a break, enjoy a hot cup of tea at Gujjar huts, and freshen up as you are now going to see the highlight of the day—grassy land enters a narrow valley with clear turquoise blue waters giving you continuous company for a while.
• The elevation picks up after an hour later only to see a primitive cluster of Bhoj (Silver Birch) trees. Another highlight of the day is a much wider meadow leading towards two wide, lush green valleys.
• On your left there are wavy meadows reaching out for the sky and tall, dark, snow-covered cliffs making a shadow on the right. Pass a few more Gujjar huts until you reach your campsite, referred to as the camping grounds of Shekwas, a reward to enjoy after a lengthy and tiring trek.

DAY 4: Trek from Shekwas to Tarsar

Trek distance: 5 km, around 4 hours

Altitude covered: 12,435 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack, and dinner.

How does your day 4 look?

• There is a long zigzag trail through the meadows post-Shekwas. During the trail to Tarsar, climb into an edge that extends the stream.
• As the trail progresses, there are several false ridges, each boasting exceptional and incredible views.
• There is a narrow view of Tarsar after two hours of climbing, which is the delightful highlight of day 4. The excitement is heightened once you reach the shore of the lake.
• To reach the grassy glades of Tarsar, you will have to cross the stream by stepping over boulders.
• Install camps anywhere along the lake. Here your day 4 ends.

DAY 5: Trek from Tarsar to Sundersar via Tarsar Pass

Trek distance: 5 km, around 5 hours

Altitude covered: 13,140 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack, and dinner.

How does your day 5 look?

• The other side of the Tarsar Pass holds yet another stunning attraction as the endless verdant valley stretches out from your left to right, leading you towards Shekwas meadows.
• Reach the bottom of the valley by descending the pass and meet with the trail running along the river on the valley’s green bed.
• Keep walking for 10 minutes on the trail that goes uphill, and on your left, arrive at Bakkarval shelters.
• Resume the climb behind the Bakkarval shelters; there is a short stretch of boulders to pass the hill. Your day 5 gets interesting here, as behind the hill a widening valley on your left opens up the greenest grasslands of the entire trek.
• Sheep grazing on the meadows and horses munching on the grass, where also the river meets the large pond, brings cherry on the cake. This wonderful experience of nature takes around half an hour to cross.

DAY 6: Trek from Sundersar to Homwas via Marsar

Trek distance: 9 km, around 7 hours

Altitude covered: 13,165 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack, and dinner.

How does your day 6 look?

• There are two possible ways to reach Marsar. Out of which, your trek leaders will choose the best pass to climb and reach Marsar. To reach it faster, climb the boulder-laden trail that stays on the left for half an hour.  Boulders covered in snow might make the trail risky; however, this is when your trekking pole will help with firm footing.
• After half an hour, arrive at plain stretches, only a few hops along the trails keeping the excitement alive. The trail later bends to the left.
• A stunning view of Marsar is ahead of you after a five-minute climb. This hidden gem is a treat to the eyes, surrounded by mist and dollops of clouds. On the left, a picturesque sight is visible where lake water overruns towards a lovely green valley—Traal.
• To the right, what you see is the outer boundaries of the Dachigam reserve forest almost reaching the lake’s shores. Trace back your steps to Marsar and incline your way back to Sundarsar in around 40 minutes.
• Enjoy your breakfast at Sundarsar campsite, and depart for Homwas.

DAY 7: Trek from Homwas to Aru. Drive to Srinagar.

Trek distance: 13 km, around 6 hours

Altitude loss: 7,960 ft

Meals included: breakfast

How does your day 7 look?

• Meet the same route you saw at the beginning of your trek through Lidderwat.
• Now the descent is quick, which will take around 2 hours from Homwas to Lidderwat.
• If you missed anything during the beginning of your trek, it can be viewed now.
• The highlight of this day is the shrinking Kolahoi glacier.
• Head for Aru after a small break at Lidderwat, which is a 10 km walk.
• The entire descent takes around 4 hours, including lunch.
• In the evening around 4, reach Aru, where the vehicles will be arranged to go to Srinagar.
• You are expected to reach Srinagar between 7 and 8 pm.

Risks and Precautions

Although the Tarsar and Marsar Lake Trek is a rewarding journey, thorough preparation is always good before you embark on a hiking journey. The trek is moderate and suitable for beginners only if they work on their fitness at least 2 weeks prior, especially cardio and leg strength.

You will be updated with the list of essential gears and clothing to carry for the trek by us through email as well as message. Tents and sleeping bags are provided by us, inclusive in your trek package. Hiking poles and shoes can be rented once you reach Kashmir, or our agency will make the arrangements on your prior intimation.

We carry the first aid with us during the course of the journey to ensure your safety.

You get scrumptious, healthy, and tasty food 3 times a day, but it is advisable to carry high-energy bars, nuts, or a packet of trail mix to stay energized.

By opting for us, you are choosing a trustworthy agency. We advise our future trekkers to stay with the guide always and follow the guided trail only, as network reception is unreliable in these regions.

You will be acclimatized from day 1 to make sure your body gets used to the new climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the weather at Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek?

The treks are done under the clear sky during the peak months of trekking; however, sometimes there can be occasional rain. Carry your waterproof gear in case of such circumstances. The landscape is lush green and offers a picturesque view most of the time. The nights may feel colder for those who are traveling from southern regions.

What is the best time to do the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek?

This trek starts in mid-June and ends in mid-September.

What if the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek gets cancelled?

We understand that a cancelled trek is a bummer, but you can opt for another trek for your dates. There are several other trekking destinations in the same region to keep your excitement alive. Tulian, Gangbal, and Thajiwas are a few equally interesting treks you can choose from in case your trek gets cancelled.

What is the difficulty level of the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek?

The trek is moderate and suitable for beginners as well as pros.

What is the total length of the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek?

This moderate-grade journey through Kashmir takes 7 days and around 48 km in total to complete the trek.

The Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek transforms your trek into serene and scenic experience. The magnificent lakes of gigantic mountain, verdant meadows, and quiet pathways in the heart of the Himalayas is one of its kind trekking endeavor which is a once in a lifetime experience should be taken with your family and friends. Situated in Kashmir, this trek harmoniously balances the jaw-dropping natural beauty with peacefulness, making it an excellent choice for both nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Thin Air Expedition manages all required permits, transportation, and meals from the first day to ensure a comfortable journey. Click here to reserve your next trekking adventure in Kashmir with us.