Tarsar Marsar Trek Guide: A Journey Through Kashmir’s Twin Alpine Lakes

Kashmir often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” For its scenic beauty, natural greenlands, snowy Mountains, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. and it has some of the most beautiful trekking routes on the planet. The Tarsar Marsar hike is one of the most popular because of its calming surroundings and captivating beauty. in this Tarsar Marsar Trek guide With the necessary information provided, we will assist you in navigating the Tarsar Marsar trek and make sure your trip is both safe, easy, and also memorable. A strong level of physical fitness is required for the moderately tough Tarsar Marsar hike. But Don’t worry we will try to make it an easy and unforgettable trek of your trekking journey.

Tarsar Marsar Trek Guide

Overview

The Tarsar Marsar Trek is an amazing hike in the Kashmir Valley with trekkers having opportunities to see immaculate alpine lakes, lavish meadows as well as stunning mountain scenery. This moderate trek takes around 7 days and spans approximately 48km. It leads you to the twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar that are located in the Aru and Lidder Valleys, Jammu, and Kashmir, India.

Best Time to Trek

Late June through early September are good months for walking on Tarsar Marsar Trek. During these months, there are a few weather changes characterized by cool mornings through warm afternoons and at times precipitations like snow during the night. The meadows which had flowers six weeks ago have now turned yellow but their charm is still intact.

Difficulty Level

Tarsar Marsar Trek is claimed as being moderate on a scale from easy to hard. There’s a need for some experience while taking up this trekking challenge. Gradual ascents and descents form part of this trek while one should be prepared for some steep sections along it.

Location:- [Region: Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India]

Starting Point: Aru Village, near Pahalgam

Trek Highlights:

• Tarsar Lake: A picturesque alpine lake known for its clear, turquoise waters and surrounding snow-clad peaks.
• Marsar Lake: Often enveloped in mist, Marsar Lake exudes a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere.
• Sundarsar Lake: A smaller, serene lake situated in a beautiful meadow.

The trek begins at Aru Village, located about 12 kilometers from Pahalgam. Pahalgam is accessible by a five-hour drive from Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.

Tips and Preparation

Physical Setup:
Take up aerobic activities on a regular basis, such as swimming, cycling, or jogging.
It will help to strength exercise with an emphasis on the legs and core muscles. It Will help to imitate trek conditions and hike with a weighted rucksack sometimes.
Adjustments:
Before beginning the hike, spend a day in Aru or Pahalgam to get used to the altitude.
Your body will adjust if you avoid alcohol and stay hydrated.
Packing necessities:
Clothes: A Warm cap, thermal wear, waterproof jacket, gloves, and layered clothes for varying temperatures to keep yourself thermo stable.
Camping supplies like a waterproof tent, a sleeping mat, and a high-quality sleeping bag will assist you in creating a comfy zone for sleeping at night.
Footwear: Bring Extra socks and water-resistant hiking boots particularly made for trekking purposes, to keep you ready in tough situations.
Food and Drinks:
Always have high-energy, low-weight snacks on hand, such as chocolates, energy bars, almonds, and dried fruits. For safe drinking water from streams, use a water filter or purification tablets.

Security and Direction:
For safe travel, it is strongly advised to hire a local guide. Ensure that you have the required permits, which can be obtained at Pahalgam or Srinagar.

Being Weather Ready:
Keep rain gear and sun protection on hand in case of unexpected weather shifts.
Keep an eye on weather reports and make appropriate plans.
Basic First Aid Kit:
Keep a basic first aid kit with you at all times, along with prescriptions for common ailments like vomiting, nausea, blisters, headaches, and altitude sickness.
Inform someone obviously Your close ones about your trekking and keep your emergency contact information close at hand.

Tarsar Marsar Trek itenary

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar and Transfer to Aru

• Altitude: Srinagar (1,585 meters) to Aru (2,400 meters)
• Travel Distance: 107 kilometers (4-hour drive)
• Arrive at Srinagar and transfer to Aru via Pahalgam.
• Stay overnight at a guesthouse or camp in Aru.

Day 2: Aru to Lidderwat

• Altitude: 2,400 meters to 2,900 meters
• Trek Distance:10 kilometers(5-6 hours)
• Gradually ascend through thick pine forests while you embark on a trek starting from Aru.
• Go along the Lidder River and enjoy the beautiful scenes of the valley.
• Sleep at Lidderwat for one night while camping.

Day 3: Lidderwat to Shekwas

• Altitude:2,900 meters to3,350 meters
• Distance trekked:6 km (4-5hrs)
• Trek through lovely meadows and cross some streams.
• The path cuts across stunning landscapes with views of towering peaks.
• Camp overnight at Shekwas.

Day 4: Shekwas to Tarsar Lake

• Altitude:3,350 mts. To3,800 mts. Trek Distance: 5 km (4-5 hrs.)
• Move towards Tarsar Lake which is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Kashmir as you rise higher.
• Marvel at the amazing surroundings that are mirrored in its waters by mountains’ reflections.
• Camp overnight by the lake.

Day5:Tarsar Lake to Sundarsar

• Altitude:3800meters to3850metres Trek Distance :5km(4-5hr)
• Cross over Tarsar pass before descending down towards Sunderswar Lake.

• Enjoying serene and pure air near Sunderswar Lake is another thing not to miss out on this trip!
• You will camp for the night in Sunderswar Lake.

Day 6: Sundarsar to Marsar Lake and Back to Homwas

• Altitude: 3,850 meters to 4,020 meters (Marsar Lake) and back to 3,500 meters
• Trek Distance: 9 kilometers (6-7 hours)
• Go trekking to Marsar; this is a hidden beauty surrounded by rugged mountains.
• Come back from Marsar lake visiting Homwas in the process.
• Remain at Homwas for the night.

Day 7: Homwas to Aru and Return to Srinagar

• Altitude: 3,500 meters to 2,400 meters (Aru) up till Srinagar which stands at an altitude of about 1,585 meters.
• Trek Distance: 13 km (5-6 hours trek) & drive of 107 km (4 hrs).
• Descend down again towards Aru through the same beautiful route.
• Get driven back from Aru heading for Srinagar one more time.
• Stay overnight in Srinagar or leave according to your travel plan.