The Tarsar Marsar trek situated in the Kashmir valley takes you on a soul stirring journey to the remote and wild Himalayas. Here the lush green valleys hide the glassy mountain lakes, looking stunning with the backdrop of the Pir Panjal range. The trek is still safe from the rampant commercialisation that many times takes away the untouched charm of many himalayan trails. The Tarsar Marsar trek is the perfect destination for beginners or experienced trekkers who are looking for an experience that is both serene and spectacular.
The Himalayan Daredevils guides you through these breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and provides you the best experience for the best value for money.
What is The Tarsar Marsar Trek?
The Tarsar Marsar trek is located in south Kashmir and starts from the quaint himalayan village named Aru, situated near Pahalgam. You will find on this trail the tall pine forests, lush green meadows exploding with man colored wildflowers and along with this you will also get to see the culture of the people of this region. The trek takes its name from the two lakes the Tarsar Lake and Marsar Lake located at a height of 13,000 feet. These alpine lakes are surrounded by towering peaks that are perpetually covered with stark white snow, and it is these mountain peaks that glacial streams trickle down and feed these lakes.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar - Drive to Aru (Base Camp)
The journey to the beautiful alpine lakes begins from Srinagar, from here you drive and reach the Aru village near Pahalgam. The village is in the Lidder valley, the beautiful village is surrounded by lush green forests that provide you the perfect introduction to the trek up ahead.
Day 2: Aru to Lidderwat
On the first day of the trek you will have to walk for a total of 10 KM to reach Lidderwat, which is situated at an altitude of 9,000 ft above the sea level. The trail is filled with pine forests, river crossings and meadows.
Day 3: Lidderwat to Shekwas
The trek on the third day is 6 KM in length. The trail opens up into the vast meadows bursting with wildflowers and it is also here that you get to see the Gujjar shepherds with their flocks, leading an ancient lifestyle that has still remained intact.
Day 4: Shekwas to Tarsar Lake
This may become the most memorable day of your trek. On this day you will cross the tough himalayan ridges and tackle the steep ascent to reach the emerald waters of the Tarsar Lake. The lake is surrounded by tall mountains and you may even camp here for the night.
Day 5: Marsar Lake viewpoint
On the final day of the trek you reach Marsar Lake after climbing the Marsar Ridge. Walking on the ridge you get the opportunity to look down and see the beautiful and mystical Marsar Lake. The water from this lake flows down to the famous dal lake.
Why Trek To Tarsar Marsar?
- An Offbeat Adventure: The Tarsar Marsar trek is comparatively a lesser known location in the Kashmir Valley and because of this you will find fewer people on this beautiful trek.
- Perfect Campsites: The Tarsar Marsar trek gives you the unique opportunity to camp next to an alpine lake ie. lake Tarsar, there are only a few other destinations that allow this.
- Moderate Difficulty: The Tarsar and Marsar lake takes you to beautiful locations that seem otherworldly. Most of the similar locations in the himalayas are tough to reach but the Tarsar Marsar Trek is easy to trek, fit for beginners and experienced trekkers alike.
- A Cultural Tour: Throughout the trek you find the Gujjar settlements and see their lifestyles as they go about their daily life.
What Should You Pack?
- Trekking shoes with good ankle support
- Warm layers (temperatures drop sharply at night)
- Rain gear (July-August sees brief rain spells)
- Tent and sleeping bag (if going independently)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- High-energy snacks and personal medicine
You should note that if you trek with the Himalayan Daredevils most of the essential gears would be provided to you.
Safety and Permits
Given the location in a sensitive region, it’s important to:
- Check local advisories before planning your trip.
- Carry ID proof at all times.
- Hire a good trekking company or go through a trekking company for ease of permits and safety.
The Tarsar Marsar trek is a beautiful moderate level trek. The beautiful lakes surrounded with tall mountains makes this a trek that one must do in his or her lifetime. The trek is in the remote valleys of Kashmir and though it is comparatively easy it still has some chllanges. By choosing the Himalayan Daredevil you can keep the thrill and ease these challenges. Our expert guides, safety-first approach, and local support ensure you conquer every challenge confidently, turning a tough trek into a truly rewarding experience.
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