Trek Name: Tosamaidan Yusmarg Trek Trip Type: Trekking
Trek Region: Kashmir Valley Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trek Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days Total Trek Distance: 45.5 km
Highest Altitude: 4,000 m ASL Best Time: Mid June to End September
Accommodation Type: Tents Pickup Point: Srinagar, J&K
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.
Following an early morning indulgence in a hearty breakfast, we set forth towards the Gadtarsar Campsite, embarking on a day of gradual ascent. The trek will unfold with mesmerizing views, as we traverse the verdant expanses of the Tosamaidan meadows, while the vast, tranquil Valley of Kashmir unfurls beneath us in all its splendor. As the afternoon gently wanes, we will arrive at our designated campsite, where the day’s journey comes to a serene close. Here, we will take respite to unwind and rejuvenate, preparing ourselves for the adventures of the following day. The evening will be spent beneath the starlit sky at Gadtar, where a delightful dinner awaits, and a restful night’s camping provides the perfect end to the day’s exploration.
After a leisurely breakfast, we embark on today's trek towards our next destination, the picturesque Chanze Campsite. Our journey will take us through a series of breathtaking landscapes, as we traverse lush meadows, serene lakes, and sparkling rivers. Along the way, we will pass the shimmering Bodsar Lake, the tranquil Trastar Lake, and the captivating Navkansar I and II, before reaching the pristine Damamsar Lake. The trek also brings us alongside the winding Sukhnag River, and through the enchanting Gulposh Valley. By early evening, we will arrive at our charming campsite, where the beauty of the surroundings will be the perfect backdrop for a restful night. After a satisfying dinner, we settle in for a peaceful night’s camping at Chanze, ready to embrace the wonders of tomorrow’s journey.
After a delightful breakfast, we set out on our journey towards one of the most enchanting destinations of this trek—the stunning Ashtar Valley. Nestled at the base of the majestic Mt. Tatakuti, this campsite promises an awe-inspiring experience. Tatakuti Peak, with its towering elevation of 4,760 meters (15,620 feet), dominates the landscape, standing as a proud sentinel on the border of Budgam and Poonch districts in Jammu and Kashmir. A prominent and striking peak within the Pir Panjal range, Tatakuti is the highest summit that forms the southwestern boundary of Kashmir. Today’s trek will lead us through picturesque meadows, crossing two river streams, before we descend into the serene embrace of Ashtar Valley. Upon reaching our campsite in the valley, we will settle in for a peaceful evening. With the grand Tatakuti peak as our backdrop, we’ll enjoy a restful night of camping, followed by a satisfying dinner, in the tranquil setting of Domail Ashtar Valley.
After a leisurely breakfast, today’s trek promises to be a more relaxed journey. We will gently descend from the serene Domail Ashtar Valley towards the charming Diskal. The trail unfolds through vast, open meadows, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, the air is filled with the refreshing scent of juniper bushes that dot the path, adding a delightful fragrance to the tranquil atmosphere. As we arrive at Diskal, we will settle into our campsite, where the quiet beauty of the surroundings provides the perfect setting for a peaceful night. After a nourishing dinner, we will enjoy a restful night of camping, preparing for the next day’s adventure.
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.
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.
After a satisfying breakfast, we embark on a scenic trek from Diskal, passing through the picturesque Daanuer, as we begin our descent towards the expansive Liddermud meadow. From this vantage point, one can revel in the awe-inspiring views of the towering Pir Panjal Range, which commands the horizon in all its majesty. Continuing our descent, we make our way to the serene Mazekhenen meadow, nestled beside the tranquil banks of the Doodh Ganga River. The peaceful surroundings offer a perfect backdrop to unwind and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. As the day draws to a close, we will settle in for the night at Mazekhenen, where a comforting dinner awaits, and the quiet of the meadow promises a restful night under the stars.
After a leisurely breakfast, we begin our journey towards the enchanting Yusmarg, crossing the tranquil Frasnag along the way. The name "Yusmarg," which translates to "The Meadow of Jesus" in Kashmiri, is steeped in both history and legend. The word "Yus" is believed to be a shortened form of "Youza" or Jesus, while "marg" refers to a meadow. According to local lore, Jesus Christ himself is said to have visited Kashmir and spent time in Yusmarg. Some even claim that it is in Yusmarg where he was buried, although this assertion remains highly contested. Situated approximately 50 kilometers from Srinagar in the Budgam district, Yusmarg lies at an altitude of 2,396 meters (7,861 feet), an alpine valley encircled by snow-capped peaks and lush meadows adorned with Pine and Fir trees. After soaking in the tranquil beauty of Yusmarg, we drive back to Srinagar, a scenic 2-hour journey, bringing our adventure to a close.
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