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The Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek is one of the most breathtaking trekking routes in the entire Himalayan range of India. Trekking in Kashmir is rare, but for those who embark on this journey, it promises an unparalleled experience of enchanting landscapes, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes.
The boundless beauty of Kashmir truly justifies its title as paradise on earth. The vast, tranquil valleys adorned with greenery and flowers, encircled by towering mountains, seem like a haven untouched by the rest of the world.
The natural lakes in the valley appear so crystal clear and blue that they resemble realms of fairies. Such breathtaking beauty transcends imagination, making it difficult to believe one's eyes.
Until a few years ago, these valleys were hidden from the world, but now they are easily accessible,...
You can complete the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek in as many days as you wish, but most companies organize it over 6-7 days to ensure you fully enjoy the trip. Each day involves trekking until midday, allowing you ample time to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
The trek presents challenges, with altitudes starting from around 2400 meters and reaching up to 4000 meters at Sundersar Lake. You'll encounter various terrains, from forests to rocky meadows and boulder-strewn paths, where you must proceed with caution.
The weather plays a crucial role throughout the journey. In summer, afternoon showers are common, making it challenging to climb the mountains while drenched. Post-monsoon is considered the best time for this trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery in clear weather. While speed hiking may allow you to complete the trek quickly, taking it slow gives yo...
How to Reach Tarsar-Marsar Lakes: Aru Valley is the base camp for the Tarsar Marsar Lake trek, which has excellent road connectivity. Aru Valley is around 100 km away, ahead of Pahalgam, from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. One can also reach Aru Valley directly from Jammu using one's vehicle or public transport facilities. Jammu to Aru Valley is a 250-kilometer journey that may take approximately 6–7 hours.
Reaching Srinagar by flight and then heading towards Aru Valley is the most convenient and comfortable way to start the trekking journey of the Tarsar Marsar Lakes. But when you choose a train, Jammu Tawi must be considered as the first destination.
Tarsar Marsar Trek itinerary: It is almost a 50-kilometer (round-trip) trek that is generally completed in 6-7 days. Please follow the itinerary below:
Day 1: Srinagar to Aru Valley (Base Camp) (100km drive, 4 hours)
Day 2: Aru Valley to Lidderwat Campsite (6-hour trek journey, moderate trek)
Day 3: Lidderwat Campsite to Shekwas Campsite (5-hour trek, steep ascent, boulders)
Day 4: Shekwas Campsite to Tarsar Lake (12500 ft) (3-hour trek, boulder areas, windy and cold weather)
Day 5: Tarsar Lake to Sundarsar (12950 ft) (5- to 6-hour trek, quite the same as the previous day)
Day 6: Sundarsar Lake to Homwas via Marsar Lake (13400 ft)
Day 7: Marsar Lake to Aru Valley (complete descent) (6-hour trek)
Note: It is noteworthy that train services between Jammu (JAT) and Srinagar (SINA) will be started soon.
Best time for Tarsar Marsar Trek: Experts say that the peak monsoon months, July and August are the best time to trek to Tarsar Marser Lakes.
Tarsar Lake: Located at a height of 3,795 meters (12,448 ft), the almond-shaped, oligotrophic alpine lake is incredibly beautiful. The twin lakes (Tarsar-Marsar), and other lakes such as Sundersar, Chandsar, and Hokesar, all belong to the Kolahoi mountain range of the Greater Himalayas.
The lake is located around 18 km from Aru Valley. It is the largest lake of all lakes in this region. The beauty of the lake has no match at all. If you're concerned about the Tarsar Marsar Trek difficulty, experts suggest its a moderate level trek, demands good fitness and enthusiasm.
The Tarsar lake's water is so clear that the surface is visible in the light. The surrounding rugged mountain peaks suggest that this lake could be millions of years old. Since the campsite is located just a few meters away from the lake, you can spend a long time here.
Sundersar Lake: The Sundersar Lake is situated in the middle of the mountains and at a height of 3795 m (12900 ft). The area of the lake is smaller than the Tarsar Lake but in terms of beauty, it has its charm. The valley is so vast and open at Sundersar Lake.
The snow-capped mountains around the lake make it even more captivating. It is a 5 km moderate trek to reach Sundersar from Tarsar Lake which may take 4-5 hours. You can spend your entire day on the shore of the lake, making memories and capturing moments.
Marsar Lake: This is the highest point of your Tarsar Marsar Lakes trek. Located at a height of 13400 ft, this is the second largest lake of the trek. The lake looks like a small pond from a distance when approaching, but it's not that tiny. You can also check our Tarsar Marsar camping tips for better trekking experience.
The huge lake has a rocky terrain, and slopes of ideal height, making it more like a fairy world. One can either camp at the banks of the lake overnight or proceed further for Homwas. However, one gets hours to spend here as the further journey takes almost an hour to the campsite for the day.
Pahalgam: Pahalgam, also known as the "Valley of Shepherds", is no less than a paradise for nature lovers. It is almost the prettiest location to experience when you're in Kashmir. The places to visit in Pahalgam are Betab Valley, Lidderwat River, a challenging trek to Kolahoi Glacier, Mamaleshwar Mahadev, and Chandanwari- the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
Every spot in Pahalgam is worth every penny and second, you spend here. Vast meadows, valleys with snow, glacial water streams, and large amounts of flowers make Pahalgam a must-visit location in South Kashmir. One must have extra days to explore Pahalgam and experience the richest nature of the greater Himalayas.
Trekking into the Incredibly Beautiful Valleys: Pahalgam in Kashmir, and its valleys, Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, are unmatched in their beauty. The beauty of these valleys changes with the changing seasons. In winter, these valleys are covered in a velvety blanket of snow, while in summer, they are laden with green grass and colorful flowers. Butterflies, colorful birds, bears, red foxes, and many other Himalayan creatures make these valleys even more alive. Whether you go alone, with friends, or with family, these magical valleys provide the perfect setting for creating beautiful memories.
Experience High Altitude Himalayan Lakes: Even though these lakes are not associated with the gods, their beauty and purity are unparalleled. These clear and pure water lakes are located at an altitude of over 3500 meters. Their vastness and the high cliffs around them make them even more scenic. If you are camping, their water can be used for cooking or drinking. Since these are glacial lakes, they are completely frozen in winter, although their winter trek is not yet generally open. Sitting by their shores, playing your favorite music, you can forget all the troubles of your life and live that moment to the fullest.
Explore Pahalgam, the Valley of Shepherds: Vast meadows and thousands of sheep grazing in them are a vivid example of all the valleys of Pahalgam. The shepherds here produce a large amount of wool. Betaab Valley appears to be a vast and magnificent pasture where nature seems to be completely benevolent. Pure streams, green meadows, valleys laden with flowers and thousands of sheep grazing in them, it seems like a very vibrant painting of an artist. Where the Lidderwat river sings the song of life, the cliffs of the Kolhoi glacier show the other side of the coin of nature. Be it Pahalgam or Aru Valley, one cannot say goodbye to Kashmir without riding a horse.
Tips to consider while planning Thajiwas Glacier Trek trip:
● Tarsar Marsar Lakes trek is an easy to moderate grade trek, it can be easily done by yourself or with a trekking company, depending upon choice at convenience.
● Since the Tarsar Marsar Lakes trek is a moderate one, it is highly recommended to be physically fit and prepared.
● It is strongly recommended to hire a guide for the entire trek, it will help guide you on the trek, set up tents, and make food arrangements for the day.
● If you're choosing a train journey to Jammu Tawi, no need to go to Srinagar until you mention it in 'the places to visit' or the itinerary.
● Keep your national identity proof with you to have a comfortable Kashmir trip.
● Be kind to the fauna and flora of the Himalayas, and avoid littering.
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