INTRODUCTION:

Tarsar Marsar is arguably India’s most beautiful trek.This is not a designation we bestow lightly on trips.Especially when its intimidating sister trek, Kashmir Great Lakes, is included.

Tarsar Marsar, on the other hand, is a hike across alpine lakes.It’s not just that you get to camp next to these royal blue, snow-fed lakes (something you don’t get even at KGL). Or the remoteness of these campsites (a blessing in today’s trekking scenario!).

You get to walk around the entire perimeter of Tarsar and Sundersar, giving you multiple views of the same lake! 

Then there’s Marsar, who’s almost always hidden behind a cloud coverThis lake can be seen from 600–700 feet below from an overhang.. It’s an ideal spot to take in the beauty of the lake as the sun rises above it.Until clouds pass over the U-shaped valley and settle above the lake. The lake vanishes from view in an instant!

The Tarsar Marsar walk will take you to the heart of Kashmir.From the quaint village of Aru to the Lidderwat clearings. From the Shekhawas’ rolling green mountains to the massive alpine lakes. Tarsar Marsar’s setting is so stunning that it will leave you speechless for weeks!

Itinerary

• DAY ONE

Travel from Srinagar to Aru by car.

Drive time: 3-4 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, Srinagar

Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar, will organise transportation. at precisely 11.30 a.m. The cost of transportation is Rs 500 per person, payable directly to the driver.

Please keep in mind that your registration, health screening, and document verification will begin at 4 p.m. Make sure you arrive in Aru on time. Do not go anywhere else on this day before your trek.

• DAY TWO

Aru to Lidderwat Trek

Trek length: 10 kilometers | Trek duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 7,958 feet to 9,131 feet

Easy-moderate. A half-hour gradual ascent is followed by a gently undulating walk until you reach the Lidderwat campsite.

• 3RD DAY

The journey from Lidderwat to Shekwas

Trek length: 5.6 km | Trek time: 5 hours | Altitude gain: 9,131 feet to 11,039 feet

Moderate. For the first couple of hours, the trail was steadily ascending with a few short-level walks. Just before Homes, there is a river crossing, followed by a gradual ascent.

• 4TH DAY

The journey from Shekwas to Tarsar

Trek length: 5 kilometres | Trek time: 4 hours | Altitude gain: 11,039 feet to 12,449 feet

Moderate. Continuous ascent, mostly on gradual inclines, to the summit and then entering the Tarsar meadows.

• 5TH DAY

Tarsar to Sundersar trek

Trek length: 5 kilometres | Trek time: 5 hours | Altitude gain: 12,449 feet to 12,946 feet

Moderate. A steep ascent to the pass is followed by a descent and then a gentle ascent to Sundarsar.

• DAY SIX

Trek through Marsar from Sundersar to Homes.

Trek distance: 9 kilometres | Trek time: 7 hours | Altitude loss: 12,946 feet to 11,500 feet via 13,021 feet

Moderate. The ascent to Marsar takes about an hour. You then descend gradually to Homes.

• 7TH DAY

Drive to Srinagar after trekking from Homwas to Aru.

Trek length: 13 km | Trek time: 6 hours | Altitude loss: 11,500 feet to 7,958 feet

Easy. The trail descends gradually to Aru. The cost of transportation is Rs 3,000 per cab (5-6 seater). The driver must be paid directly.

Prepare to walk on the greenest of meadows carpeted with colorful wildflowers, cross a full flown river on a bridge of wooden logs, meet some of the most hearty people on the planet, see a river meeting a full flown glacier before entering civilization, and run with hundreds of sheep, wake up to a heart-touching view each day, and see the most beautiful of the lakes hidden in a setting of rugged mountains on the Tarsar Marsar Trek.

Our lungs were filled with alpine air and our hearts with joy while on the Tarsar Marsar Trek!! This has been one of our most fulfilling experiences. We not only explored the magic of Kashmir in its purest form, but we also discovered that true joy is found in the simplest of things.

TARSAR MARSAR TREK BEST TIME TO VISIT

This journey is best done between July and October. The summer months in Aru are best in July and August. This is the best time to go on the trek. It is also popular during snowfall (October), which adds to its allure.

We went during the last week of July. The path was lush with greenery and wildflowers in bloom. The weather was nice, and the temperature at night was comfortable.