Trek Name: Tarsar Marsar Trek Trip Type: Trekking
Trek Region: Kashmir Valley Trek Start/End: Aru Pahalgam
Trek Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
The Tarsar Marsar Trek is one of Kashmir’s most stunning alpine journeys, known for its trio of pristine lakes—Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundarsar—lush meadows, and panoramic mountain views. Starting from the charming Aru Valley, the 8-day trek covers about 47.8 km, with one day reserved for acclimatization.
Trekkers camp beside the crystal-clear Tarsar Lake, take in sweeping views from the Marsar Ridge, and follow the serene Lidder River through vibrant wildflower-strewn landscapes. The route also offers a glimpse into the lives of the Gujars and Bakerwals, nomadic shepherd communities who graze their herds along the trail.
Perfect for beginners, this trek blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and peaceful adventure in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, best experienced between June and October.
The journey begins with a pick-up from Srinagar, followed by a scenic drive to Aru, located 112 kilometers away, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Situated at an altitude of 2,426 meters (7,959 feet), Aru is a picturesque valley nestled in the heart of the Lidder Valley. As you travel, you’ll pass through the charming town of Pahalgam, known for its lush meadows and stunning landscapes, before continuing to Aru. The final leg of the journey offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the serene Lidder River, adding to the journey's charm. Upon arrival in Aru, you’ll settle into your tents and take some time to relax. Once you're comfortable, a short 1-hour acclimatization walk will help your body adjust to the altitude. The evening will be spent enjoying tea and snacks, followed by a comforting soup and a delectable dinner, concluded with a sweet treat to end the day on a delightful note.
On this day, you will begin carrying your backpack as we start the ascent towards the next campsite. Our standard routine begins with an early wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. Starting early ensures we avoid the heat of midday, reach the campsite with ample time to rest, and allow for better acclimatization. After breakfast, your trek leader will provide a brief orientation before we embark on the day's journey. Before setting off, a packed lunch will be provided at Aru. Today’s walk is of 11 Kms which will be covered in nearly 5 hours. As we leave Aru, the trek begins with a steady ascent for nearly 45 minutes and then trail eases into gradual walk. The initial stretch of the trail begins with a walk through a lush pine forest. The air is crisp, filled with the earthy scent of pine needles and the refreshing fragrance of the surrounding flora. The towering trees create a serene aura, their deep green needles gently swaying in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. With every step, the atmosphere feels calming and rejuvenating, as if the forest itself is welcoming you into its embrace. As the trail continues, it opens up into a vast meadow, where the landscape transforms into a breathtaking panoramic view. Majestic mountains rise all around, their snow-capped peaks standing tall against the clear sky. To the left, the Lidder River flows gracefully, its crystal-clear waters glistening in the sunlight, adding a tranquil soundtrack to the beauty of the surroundings. Walking through the meadow, the soft grass beneath your feet and the cool mountain breeze refreshes your senses. The wide expanse of the meadow offers a sense of freedom, as if you're walking through a canvas of nature's grandeur. Soon, we arrive at Tungnal Pathri, a serene spot beside the riverbank. The river here is a striking blue, its waters rushing past with both energy and calm, creating a perfect harmony. We take a moment to sit by the water, feeling the peaceful energy of the place, allowing ourselves to fully absorb the beauty and tranquility. After a well-deserved lunch, we continue our journey for another hour, trekking through the scenic beauty of the valley until we reach the Lidderwath campsite. Before we reach Lidderwath, we cross a bridge, the river gushing beneath, adding to the adventure of our journey. Upon arrival at the campsite, you can settle in and take in the surroundings. The evening is greeted with a warm tea, accompanied by snacks that nourish both body and soul. As the night falls, a comforting bowl of soup is served, followed by a hearty dinner, topped with a sweet dish to complete the day. The mountains, under clear skies, offer an unforgettable starry night. If the clouds part, the heavens above are illuminated with countless stars, making it the perfect opportunity for stargazing. The serenity of the campsite, paired with the celestial beauty, creates a magical ending to a day of adventure in the mountains.
The day begins similarly to the previous one, with a wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. As always, starting early will allow us to avoid the heat of the midday sun, reach the next campsite in good time, and have enough space for proper rest and acclimatization. After breakfast, your trek leader will provide a brief briefing before we embark on the day's journey. Before setting off, a packed lunch will be provided to keep you energized as we embark on today’s trek. The day beckons with a promise of adventure as we set out to cover a distance of 6 kilometers, a journey that will unfold over the course of five hours, each moment brimming with discovery. Our ascent begins gently but steadily, leading us upward into the highlands, where the Lidderwat Valley stretches out before us in its full, breathtaking glory. From this elevated vantage point, the valley unfurls like a hidden masterpiece, its contours and colors rich with the unspoiled beauty of nature. The terrain is moderate, yet it draws us into an odyssey where every step carries us deeper into this majestic wilderness. Soon, the trail weaves into a dense forest, its air thick with the scent of pine and the steady murmur of the Lidder River, which flows beside us like a quiet, steadfast companion. The path eventually opens up to expansive meadows, bathed in the soft light of day and adorned with a tapestry of wildflowers that dance in the breeze. A rustic log bridge allows us to cross the river, a timeless passage leading to Homwas, where the river converges with the meadow in perfect harmony. Here, we pause, losing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of the landscape, as the land around us whispers its ancient secrets. As we continue, the path takes us past traditional shepherds' homes and clusters of Silver Birch, their gleaming white bark shining like beacons amidst the greenery. But the true test of our odyssey awaits just before Sekiwas, where the trail becomes a rugged maze of boulders—large, imposing, and sometimes slick with water. With each step, we must exercise caution, carefully navigating this rocky terrain, where every move is a delicate balance of skill and bravery. Once we pass through this challenging section, we arrive at our campsite—a peaceful refuge nestled in the heart of the highlands. Once we settle in and find our bearings, the day’s adventure will be rewarded with evening tea, accompanied by delectable snacks to replenish our spirits. As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll be treated to a warm, comforting bowl of soup, the perfect antidote to the cool mountain air. As night falls, we’ll indulge in a hearty dinner, followed by a sweet dish that will provide the perfect conclusion to our day, leaving us with a sense of contentment and a memory of a day well spent amidst the majestic highlands.
Today, we begin our day as usual, with a wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. As always, an early start ensures we avoid the heat of the midday sun, reach the campsite with ample time to relax, and allow for better acclimatization. Before heading out, a packed lunch will be provided to keep you energized during the day’s trek. Today’s journey will take us on a mesmerizing trek from Sekiwas to the enchanting Tarsar Lake, a distance of roughly 5 km, which will take us about 5 hours. The path ahead is a continuous, gentle ascent that will guide us through a captivating landscape. Our first stop is Sangam, where two rivers—one flowing from Sundersar and the other from Tarsar—converge in a spectacular confluence. The trail here is a rugged mix of boulders and rocky sections, where we’ll walk carefully across the stones, following a thin, winding trail nestled among them. The river will flow gracefully to our right, its gurgling sound accompanying us as we move forward. The boulder section slowly gives way to a river crossing, where a narrow wooden bridge, though slender, will allow us to cross swiftly. As we ascend further, we will find ourselves surrounded by lush meadows, where flocks of sheep graze peacefully. The scenery is nothing short of surreal, almost as if stepping into a dream—a landscape that feels untouched by time. The final push towards Tarsar Lake will bring us to the Tarsar campsite, situated at an elevation of 3,700 meters, near the outlet of Tarsar Nalla. Once we settle into camp, we will venture out to behold the breathtaking beauty of Tarsar Lake. The water, a brilliant shade of blue, shimmers like a jewel nestled within the valley—a sight so stunning it could be pulled straight from a painter’s canvas. Tarsar Lake is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting gems of the Kashmir Valley. After immersing ourselves in the majesty of the lake, we return to our campsite for a well-deserved break. We’ll sip on hot tea paired with delicious snacks, letting the tranquility of the surroundings sink in. The evening will culminate with a comforting bowl of soup, a hearty dinner, and a sweet treat, before we sign off for the day, resting under the stars, knowing we’ve experienced one of the most magical corners of the world.
The day begins similarly to the previous one, with a wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. As always, starting early will allow us to avoid the heat of the midday sun, reach the next campsite in good time, and have enough space for proper rest and acclimatization. After breakfast, your trek leader will provide a brief briefing before we embark on the day's journey. Before setting off, a packed lunch will be provided to keep you energized as we embark on today’s trek. Today's trek will lead us from the enchanting Tarsar Lake to the serene Sundersar Lake, covering a distance of about 5 km over 5 hours. We begin with a steady ascent towards Tarsar Pass, perched at an altitude of approximately 4,100 meters. As we climb, the views of Tarsar Lake grow increasingly spectacular, its brilliant blue waters sparkling like a precious gem beneath the sky. With each step, the lake's mesmerizing beauty draws us in, and as we near the top of the pass, we are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Tarsar Valley, where the lake shimmers like a sapphire in the sun—a sight that leaves us spellbound. Once we cross the pass, we begin our descent into the peaceful Sundersar Valley. The descent, though short, meanders in a series of zigzags before gently easing into the valley below. The landscape here is a serene tapestry of lush, green meadows, winding streams, and an overwhelming sense of tranquility. The air is pure, the sound of rushing water fills the silence, and the valley feels like a hidden paradise. As we draw closer to Sundersar Lake Campsite, we cross a few boulder patches, each step bringing us closer to the surreal beauty of the lake. Finally, we reach the Sundersar Campsite, nestled near the lake. After settling into our tents, we take in the serene afternoon, surrounded by nature’s untouched beauty. As evening falls, we indulge in hot tea and delicious snacks, the perfect companions to the tranquil atmosphere. The day concludes with a comforting bowl of soup, followed by a hearty dinner, and a sweet dish to round off the experience. The evening, as peaceful as the landscape, gently ushers us into rest, leaving us grateful for yet another unforgettable day in the heart of the Kashmir Valley.
Today, we begin our day as usual, with a wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. As always, an early start ensures we avoid the heat of the midday sun, reach the campsite with ample time to relax, and allow for better acclimatization. Before heading out, a packed lunch will be provided to keep you energized during the day’s trek. After a short hike , we reach Sundersar Lake. True to its name, Sundersar—meaning “Beautiful Lake”—lives up to every expectation. The lake, with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking surroundings, exudes a calming, almost mystical aura. It’s the kind of place that makes time seem to slow, offering a sense of peace that is felt deep within. After another half-hour climb, we begin to circle around the stunning Sundersar Lake, embarking on a trek that gradually leads us toward the Marsar Pass. As we hike, we navigate the contours of the lake, its serene waters reflecting the sky, before making our way up the pass. The ascent is steady, pushing us higher toward the 4,000-meter mark, where the landscape begins to reveal its true grandeur. Upon reaching the Marsar Pass, we are greeted with spectacular views of Marsar Lake—a shimmering gem nestled in the folds of the mountains. Marsar Lake, the source of the Dagwan Nallah, which flows through the enchanting Dachigam Valley before eventually draining into the iconic Dal Lake, is a place of serene beauty. The sight of this pristine waterbody, surrounded by jagged peaks and verdant meadows, is simply mesmerizing. The peaceful stillness of the lake, combined with the rugged terrain that surrounds it, creates an otherworldly atmosphere, one that fills the soul with awe and wonder. After soaking in the magnificence of Marsar Lake, we retrace our steps back towards Homwas, following the same path we took earlier. As we approach the campsite, we allow ourselves to relax and take it easy, enjoying the calmness that envelops the surroundings. The peaceful beauty of the area invites us to pause and reflect. In the evening, we indulge in a warm cup of tea and snacks, savoring the flavors as we unwind. The day ends with a soothing bowl of soup, followed by a hearty dinner, and a sweet dish to finish off the meal. With the majestic landscapes surrounding us and a sense of fulfillment in our hearts, we settle in for a well-deserved rest, grateful for another day of unforgettable beauty in the mountains.
Buffer day or Rest day, thoughtfully built into the itinerary to allow for recovery or to account for any unforeseen delays, such as inclement weather. If we encounter a rainy day or any other reason requiring us to adjust the schedule, this day serves as a backup to ensure we stay on track. The day is to rest and recuperate, allowing everyone to recharge before continuing with the trek. One may choose to bask in the sun, read a book, swim in the nearby waters, meditate, or simply reflect on the journey thus far. It's also a perfect opportunity to soak in the beauty of your surroundings and explore the region around the campsite at a leisurely pace. Breakfast will be served at a leisurely time, allowing you to fully rest and enjoy the morning. Later in the day, we will have a hot lunch, followed by evening tea with snacks, soup, dinner, and a sweet dish. This day offers a much-needed respite in the midst of the trek, allowing everyone to relax and fully enjoy the serene beauty of the landscape, both physically and mentally.
We begin the last day of our trek with an early breakfast at 7:00 am, and by 8:00 am, we will set off. A packed lunch will be provided for the day. Today, we will trek from Homwas to Aru, covering a distance of 13 km in approximately 6 hours. The trail is a steady descent all the way to Aru via Lidderwath, retracing our journey. This marks the last day of our trek and the culmination of the Tarsar Marsar Trek. we will take transportation back to Srinagar, which is 112 km away, and the journey will take approximately 3 hours.
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