
Difficulty
Moderate | Level 3

Duration
7 Days

Highest Altitude
13,165 ft

Age
12 to 62 years
Duration
7 Days
Age
12 to 62 years
Difficulty
Moderate | Level 3
Highest Altitude
13,165 ft
Dates Full? Check out the Bodpathri Lakes Trek!
The new discovery that could be one of the greatest treks in Kashmir. Click here to read about Bodpathri Lakes Trek.
Tarsar Marsar Trek
Arguably The Prettiest Trek In India
Tarsar Marsar is arguably the prettiest trek in India. This is a title we do not give treks lightly. Especially when its formidable sister trek, Kashmir Great Lakes, is in the picture.
However, Tarsar Marsar is a trek where alpine lakes take a life of their own. It is not just the fact that you get to camp beside these royal blue, snow-fed lakes (you don’t get this camping chance even at KGL). Or the secluded nature of these campsites (a Godsend in today’s trekking scenario!).
You get to circumvent the entire perimeter of Tarsar and Sundersar, offering you multiple perspectives of the very same lake!
Then there is the elusive Marsar, almost always hidden under a shroud of clouds. We see this lake from an overhang, sitting 600–700 ft below. It is a perfect spot to witness the grandeur of the lake, with the sun rising right above it. This is until dollops of clouds waft their way through the U-shaped valley and settle above the lake. The lake disappears from view within seconds!
The Tarsar Marsar trek takes you right to the heart of Kashmir. From the quaint village of Aru to the clearings of Lidderwat. From the rolling green mountains of Shekhawas to the massive alpine lakes. The setting of Tarsar Marsar is such that it leaves you visually stunned for weeks together!
Tarsar Marsar Videos
Watch these videos to prepare well for your trek
Quick Itinerary
Study this chart to know how much altitude you would gain/lose every day on the Tarsar Marsar Trek
Day 1
Drive from Srinagar to Aru
Drive distance: 100 km | Drive Duration: 3-4 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, Srinagar
Transport will be organised from Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar. at 8 AM sharp. The cost of transport is Rs 500 per person and needs to be paid directly to the driver.
Note: The process of your registration, health screening, and document verification start at 4 pm. Ensure you reach Aru on time for it. Do not travel elsewhere on this particular day before your trek.
Day 2
Trek from Aru to Lidderwat
Trek distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 7,960 ft to 9,120 ft
Easy-moderate. Initial gradual ascent for about half an hour followed by gentle undulating walk until you reach the campsite of Lidderwat.
Day 3
Trek from Lidderwat to Shekwas
Trek distance: 5.6 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude gain: 9,120 ft to 11,035 ft
Moderate. Continuously ascending trail for the first couple of hours with a few short level walks. You have a river crossing just before Homwas followed by a gradual ascent.
Day 4
Trek from Shekwas to Tarsar
Trek distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude gain: 11,035 ft to 12,435 ft
Moderate. Continuous ascent, mostly on gradual inclines to reach the ridge and then entering into the meadows of Tarsar.
Day 5
Trek from Tarsar to Sundersar via Tarsar Pass
Trek distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude gain: 12,435 ft to 12,945 ft via 13,140 ft
Moderate. Steep ascent in the beginning to the pass, followed by a descent and then a gentle ascent to Sundarsar.
Day 6
Trek from Sundersar to Homwas via Marsar
Trek distance: 9 km | Trek Duration: 7 hours | Altitude loss: 12,945 ft to 11,300 ft via 13,165 ft
Moderate. An hour ascent to Marsar. You later have a gradual descent all the way to Homwas.
Day 7
Trek from Homwas to Aru. Drive to Srinagar
Trek distance: 13 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude loss: 11,300 ft to 7,960 ft
Easy. Gradually descending trail all the way to Aru. The transport costs Rs 3,000 per cab (5-6 seater). You have to pay the driver directly.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤ Special Cancellation Policy for Tarsar Marsar: Because of a govt. order in Kashmir, we have extremely limited slots for the Tarsar Marsar trek. This has increased the demand for the trek. Which is why we have a special cancellation policy for this trek. It is designed to help trekkers take an early call about their trek.
If you cancel your trek between 60 days to 1 day of the trek, you do not get any refund or a voucher. You forfeit your entire trek fee.
If you cancel the trek over 60 days before the trek date, you get a refund with 10% cancellation charges.
➤Advisory Note: For all your travel plans include a buffer day to accommodate bad weather on the trek/political instability. This depends completely on the circumstances of the trek and the situation in Kashmir.
➤Unforseen Changes: In case of emergencies, we will reroute treks to other trails. Please ensure you're mentally prepared in case such situations arise.
There are often uncertainties when it comes to trekking in Kashmir. If you're planning any trek in Kashmir, ensure you book flexible flight tickets, that allow you to reschedule your flight at no added costs. These are easily available with most airlines.
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions before and during the trek.
➤Stay facility: Please note that you will be staying in tents on all days of the trek. Trekkers need to make their arrangements for a stay in Srinagar on Day 7.
Study this chart to know how much altitude you would gain/lose every day on the Tarsar Marsar Trek
PRO-TIPS
Book flexible flight tickets:
You are going on a Himalayan trek, where there are several unpredictable factors. It's best to book flexible flight tickets, which you can reschedule if required. These are available for a small added cost with most travel companies.
Campsites at a Glance
Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder
Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible.
I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.
In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
What I Like and Don’t Like About Tarsar Marsar Trek
What I Like About Tarsar Marsar Trek
Tarsar Marsar Is Best Discovered Through Pictures
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Tarsar Marsar trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find these extremely useful.
PRO TIPS
Why Fitness Matters on Tarsar Marsar Trek
On Moderate treks, you walk for about 6-8 km each day. The ascents and descents could get steep. The maximum altitude will range between 13,000 ft to 14,000 ft. You’ll come across tricky patches frequently (like snow or scree), which require you to navigate with a certain amount of caution. There might also be small stream/river crossings.
Your goal is to 5 km with an intention to finish within 35 minutes.
Note: If you are above the age of 58 years, you'll also need to submit your Treadmill Test within 7 days of registration.
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About Tarsar Marsar Trek
Did you know that the name of the Tarsar Marsar Trek is linked to life and death?
The name Tar and Mar in Kashmiri roughly translate to life and death. There is famous local folklore in Kashmir on why these lakes were named as such. Do ask your guides for the story.
Locals say that one can find true peace at the Tarsar lake. It joins one place to another and makes you feel at ease. On the other hand, it is believed that Marsar lake is the opposite.
Sundersar, the second lake on the Tarsar Marsar trek, is more locally known as Chandrasar because of the crescent moon-like shape of the lake. On this trek, you get to visit 3 beautiful lakes that give you a deep insight into Kashmir.
Did you know about the ancient tribe at Lidderwat?
The true start of the Tarsar Marsar trek begins at Lidderwat. Lidderwat is not just a place. It's a junction.
At this junction, there's a family of Gujjars. Gujjars are an ethnic agricultural and pastoral community of India. There's something extremely special about them. They've mostly earned a living by keeping cattle and selling milk, and wool.
As the winters begin, the Gujjars vanish by September and go down to Jammu. They are mostly here from the three months of July to September. Make sure to interact with them and find out more on the trail. They are usually in their Pathani suit.
Did you know that Marsar lake is connected to the mighty Dal lake?
The Marsar lake which you'll come across on the Tarsar Marsar trek is connected to Dal lake. All alpine lakes have runoff. Marsar's runoff connects to Dal lake.
It goes towards Dachigam National park. This national park is between Dal and Tarsar Marsar.
It is a true scenic beauty, and a privilege to witness the aura of the Dal lake. The Marsar lake is small in size. The mysterious vibe and blue colour of the lake are a sign to behold. However, the beauty of this lake will captivate your heart.
Available Dates
Dates Full? Check out the Bodpathri Lakes Trek!
The new discovery that could be one of the greatest treks in Kashmir. Click here to read about Bodpathri Lakes Trek.
Other Treks Like Tarsar Marsar Trek
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