Trek Duration
7 Days
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Location
Kashmir
Trek Distance
47.8 Km
Perhaps the most beautiful trek in India.
The Tarsar Marsar Trek offers a remarkable journey through Kashmir, often referred to as the “Switzerland of India.” This trek is renowned for its stunning alpine lakes and diverse landscapes, making it an exceptional choice for those eager to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
On this trek, you’ll visit two beautiful alpine lakes: Tarsar and Marsar. Tarsar Lake, with its distinctive almond shape, and Sundersar Lake, with its crescent moon shape, are fed by glacial melt and display striking blue hues. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush meadows, these lakes offer a peaceful and picturesque setting for your adventure.
Covering approximately 47.8 kilometers and reaching altitudes up to 13,450 feet, this trek provides a mix of moderate challenges and incredible rewards. You’ll traverse through verdant meadows, dense pine forests, rocky ridges, and high-altitude passes, each day offering new and captivating views.
The trek also provides opportunities to observe the unique wildlife of the region. Located near the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, there’s a chance to spot rare Himalayan brown bears and various bird species, adding an exciting element to your adventure.
What makes the Tarsar Marsar Trek particularly appealing is its accessibility. It is suitable for both experienced trekkers and those new to high-altitude hiking. The well-marked trails and gradual ascents make it an excellent choice for beginners who want to experience the Himalayas without tackling highly technical terrain.
Throughout the trek, you’ll pass through charming Kashmiri villages and interact with local communities, gaining insight into the region’s culture and lifestyle. From camping beside shimmering lakes to crossing scenic passes, the trek offers numerous opportunities for photography and a deep connection with nature.
In summary, the Tarsar Marsar Trek provides an opportunity to explore the pristine beauty of Kashmir’s high-altitude landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or an adventurous journey, this trek promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Trek Details
₹19450
₹14,950
Highlights of the tarsar marsar trek
- Spectacular Lakes The trek takes you to two stunning alpine lakes: Tarsar and Marsar. Tarsar Lake, shaped like an almond, and Marsar Lake, often shrouded in mist, are fed by snowmelt and shine with beautiful blue colors. Camping next to these lakes is a highlight, offering amazing views and a chance to fully enjoy the serene surroundings.
- Breathtaking Scenery As you trek, you'll experience a range of gorgeous landscapes. From green meadows and dense pine forests to snow-capped mountains, the changing views keep the journey exciting and memorable. The sights are perfect for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty.
- Wildlife Encounters Being close to the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary means you might spot some rare wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Himalayan brown bear and other local animals, adding a bit of extra excitement to your trek.
- Cultural Touches On the way, you’ll pass through small Kashmiri villages where you can get a glimpse into local life and traditions. These moments enrich your experience and give you a deeper understanding of the region.
- Varied terrain This trek has a variety of terrain, from easy paths and grasslands to rocky peaks and high passes. This variety makes this trek interesting and suitable for both new and experienced hikers.
- Easy Accessibility Compared to other high-altitude treks, Tarsar Marsar is relatively accessible. The trails are well-marked and the ascents are manageable, making it a great option for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
Quick Itinerary
- Travel: Drive from Srinagar to Aru (103 km, approx. 3 hours)
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in tents at the Aru base camp
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude: Srinagar (5,200 ft), Aru Valley (7,920 ft)
- Altitude Gain: 2,720 ft
Begin your journey from Srinagar, taking in the picturesque scenery as you head towards Aru. Once you arrive at Aru, settle into the base camp located by the riverside, surrounded by charming wooden huts.
- Trek Distance: 10 km (approx. 6 hours)
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Lidderwat camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: Aru Valley (7,920 ft), Lidderwat (9,150 ft)
- Altitude Gain: 1,230 ft
Start your trek after a hearty breakfast, heading along the Lidder River. As you ascend gradually, enjoy views of the Aru village below and scenic huts surrounded by fir trees. Reach Lidderwat for the night, where you’ll camp amidst nature.
- Trek Distance: 6 km (approx. 5 hours)
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Shekwas camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: Lidderwat (9,150 ft), Shekwas (11,000 ft)
- Altitude Gain: 1,850 ft
Begin your day with breakfast and hot tea before trekking through pine forests. The path offers easy climbing through beautiful grasslands and views of Gujjar huts. Arrive at Shekwas and camp for the night.
- Trek Distance: 4 km (approx. 4 hours)
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Tarsar Lake camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: Shekwas (11,000 ft), Tarsar (12,450 ft)
- Altitude Gain: 1,450 ft
Today’s trek is short but scenic, with twists and turns through grasslands and ridges. Reach the stunning Tarsar Lake, where you’ll spend the night camping by its pristine waters.
- Trek Distance: 6 km (approx. 5 hours)
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Sundersar camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: Tarsar (12,450 ft), Sundersar (12,950 ft)
- Altitude Gain: 500 ft
Wake up to breathtaking views and trek through grassy valleys and meadows. The trail takes you over rocky patches and snow-covered mountains, leading you to the beautiful Sundersar Lake for an overnight camp.
- Trek Distance: 10 km (approx. 7 hours)
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Homwas camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: Sundersar (12,950 ft), Marsar (13,000 ft), Homwas (11,400 ft)
- Altitude Gain: Sundersar to Marsar (150 ft), Marsar to Homwas (1,600 ft)
Prepare for a rugged trek along Sundersar Lake before heading to Marsar. The trail includes boulder sections and grasslands, eventually leading you to Homwas for the night.
- Trek Distance: 13 km (approx. 6 hours) + Drive (103 km, approx. 3 hours)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Altitude: Homwas (11,400 ft), Aru Valley (7,920 ft), Srinagar (5,200 ft)
- Altitude Difference: Homwas to Aru (3,480 ft), Aru to Srinagar (2,720 ft)
Descend from Homwas to Aru, retracing your steps through meadows and enjoying the views one last time. After reaching Aru, drive back to Srinagar, completing your trek.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Enjoy 6 nights of tented accommodation at Trekup India’s campsites, with twin-sharing arrangements.
- Meals: Fresh, nutritious, vegetarian meals are provided from dinner on Day 1 through tea and coffee on Day 7.
- Transport (Optional): Transportation from Srinagar to Aru and back is available for an extra INR 1,600.
- Trek Insurance (Optional): Trekup India recommends getting trek insurance, starting from INR 210. This covers unexpected events during your trek.
- Trek Equipment: Includes sleeping bags, sleeping tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent.
- Amenities: All essential utensils, sleeping mattresses (black foam mats), and additional gear like crampons and gaiters for snow are provided.
- Health & Safety: The trek is equipped with a first aid box, oxygen cylinders, stretchers, oximeters, and BP machines for your safety.
- Permits: Covers forest permits and camping permission fees.
- Trek Crew: A high-altitude chef, helpers, trek leader, guides, and support staff will be with you throughout.
- Porters & Mules: Porters and mules will carry all trekking equipment, rations, and vegetables.
Exclusions
Packing for the Tarsar Marsar Trek
Head Gears
Don’t forget to carry headgear to protect your head and face from the elements while trekking.
Headgear is essential for safety and comfort during your trek. Make sure to pack headlamps for night trekking, hats or caps for protection from the sun and wind, sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays, and buffs or balaclavas to keep your neck and face warm
- Headlamps: Illuminate your path while keeping your hands free, crucial for night trekking.
- Hats or Caps: Protect your head from the sun during the day and the cold at night.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays and improve visibility in different weather conditions.
- Buff / Balaclava: Versatile gear to keep your neck and face warm, can be used as a neck warmer, face mask, or headband.
Clothes
When trekking at high altitudes, layering is key to staying warm and comfortable.
In the mountains, temperatures can change quickly, so wearing layers helps trap heat and allows you to adjust your clothing easily. In spring, summer, and monsoon, wear a woollen sweater, a fleece, and a padded jacket. In autumn, add another fleece. For winter treks, you’ll need thermals, two fleeces, and a padded jacket.
- T-shirts / Long Sleeve Shirts: Bring three T-shirts and two quick-dry trek pants. Long sleeves offer UV protection.
- Hiking / Trekking Jacket: Down jackets (-5 to -10°C) or multi-layer jackets for insulation.
- Thermals: At least two pairs to keep warm in cold weather.
- Undergarments: Carry according to personal hygiene needs.
- Gloves: One pair to keep your hands warm.
- Trek Pants: Comfortable and quick-drying, bring 2-3 pairs.
- Rainwear (Raincoat or Poncho): Essential for staying dry during rains or snowfalls.
Foot Gears
The right footwear is crucial for a safe and comfortable trek.
Trekking shoes should be waterproof and offer good ankle support. Comfortable sandals are useful at campsites or for crossing streams, while sneakers can be handy for casual use.
- Trekking Shoes: Waterproof with ankle support for rugged terrain.
- Walking / Hiking Sandals: For use at campsites and stream crossings.
- Sneakers (Optional): Comfortable for casual wear or lighter activities.
Personal First Aid Kit
A personal first aid kit is a must-have for any trek to handle unforeseen medical needs.
Your kit should include antiseptic wipes, bandages, medicines for common issues like diarrhea and headaches, ORS pouches for rehydration, and bug repellent. Always consult your doctor for any personal medications.
- Antiseptic Wipes and Bandages: For cleaning and dressing wounds.
- Medications: For diarrhea, colds, flu, fever, headaches, and pain relief.
- ORS Pouches: To prevent dehydration.
- Bug Repellent: To protect against insect bites.
- Nutrition/Energy Bars: Quick energy boost for the trek.
Gadgets And Other Items
Bringing the right gadgets and accessories enhances your trekking experience.
Trekking poles provide stability. Bring a mobile phone and a camera to capture memories. Pack portable chargers to keep your devices powered, and flashlights or headlights for night activities. Use a waterproof bag to protect your gadgets, and consider a journal or books for downtime.
- Trekking Poles: Provide balance and reduce strain on your legs.
- Mobile Phone and Spare Batteries: For communication and navigation.
- Camera and Binoculars: Capture the beauty of the trek and observe distant views.
- Portable Charger (Power Bank): Keep your devices charged.
- Flashlight or Headlight: For visibility at night.
- Waterproof Bag: Protects your electronics and valuables from water.
- Plug/Converter: For charging devices.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the trek.
- Journal and Pen: For recording your journey.
- Books or Guidebook: For entertainment and information.
Hygiene & Personal Toiletry
Maintaining hygiene is important for a comfortable trekking experience.
Pack sunscreen for UV protection, quick-drying towels, toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and sanitary items for female trekkers. Lip balm prevents chapping, and biodegradable soap helps you stay clean while being kind to the environment.
- Sunscreen: Protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Quick-Drying Towels: Dry off quickly after rain or sweat.
- Toilet Paper, Tissues, or Wet Wipes: For maintaining hygiene.
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Mouth Freshener: Keep your mouth clean.
- Deodorant or Talcum Powder: Stay fresh and odor-free.
- Shampoo: Keep your hair clean.
- Sanitary Pads or Tampons: For female trekkers to manage menstrual cycles.
- Lip Balm: Prevents dry and chapped lips.
- Biodegradable Soap: Environmentally friendly option for staying clean.
- Nail Clipper and Personal Hygiene Items: For personal grooming.
By organizing your packing list this way, you’ll ensure you have everything you need for a well-prepared and enjoyable trekking experience in Gurez Valley.
Safety During Gurez Valley Trek
When you trek with KashmireX for the Tarsar Marsar Trek, your safety is our top priority. Our team of trek leaders is qualified in Wilderness first aid and is well-versed in handling high-altitude challenges. We carry a comprehensive first-aid kit on every trek, ensuring we are prepared for any situation. Before joining us, we ask that you confirm your medical fitness, as your health is paramount.
Pioneering Safety in Indian Trekking
Since our establishment, KashmireX has continuously set new safety standards in Indian trekking. We introduced microspikes and mandated emergency bottled oxygen for all treks. Our trek leaders monitor your pulse oximeter readings daily, and we utilize radio walkie-talkies for safety communication.
Ensuring Your Trek Safety
While many trek organizers overlook these safety measures, we at KashmireX have set a benchmark that others are beginning to follow. Our commitment to safety includes a large team of over 100 professionally trained guides and trek leaders, educated at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Indian Mountaineering Foundation Delhi, and Hanifle Center Outdoor Education Mussoorie.
New Safety Protocols
To ensure your trek is as safe as possible, we have introduced several new safety checks:
- Daily Oxygen Saturation and Pulse Readings: Monitoring your health daily to detect any issues early.
- Stretchers Team: Appointed on every trek for emergency situations.
- Radios: For effective communication in remote areas.
- Trained Mountain Staff: Ensuring complete technical safety in the mountains.
- Additional Oxygen Cylinders: Readily available for high-altitude treks.
- Special Medical Kit: Tailored for high-altitude conditions.
- Microspikes: Used on all snow treks for added stability.
- Experienced Trek Leaders: Providing expert guidance and safety.
- Technical Team: On all snowy slopes to ensure safety.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
Our team, fluent in English and Hindi, has local knowledge to enhance your trekking experience. All trek leaders have undergone professional training in first aid, portable altitude chamber operation, CPR, environmental awareness, and advanced wilderness emergency medicine. We carry a complete medical kit on every trek and portable altitude chambers and medical oxygen for high-altitude treks.
FAQ's
The Tarsar Marsar Trek covers a distance of 48 kilometers.
To reach Tarsar Marsar Lake, you’ll first travel from Srinagar to Aru Valley by road. From Aru Valley, the trek begins. You’ll hike through picturesque landscapes, including meadows and forests, passing through places like Lidderwat and Shekwas before finally reaching the stunning Tarsar and Marsar Lakes.
Marsar Lake is known for its mysterious charm. The lake is often shrouded in local legends and stories, which add to its allure. Its tranquil waters and remote location create a sense of mystery, making it a captivating spot for trekkers and adventurers.
The highest point of the Tarsar Marsar Trek is Marsar Lake, which is located at an altitude of 13,500 feet (4,115 meters).
Over 5 adventure-filled days (including a 6-day trip with transportation), the Gurez Valley Trek covers about 36 km. You’ll trek through elevations ranging from 7,870 ft in Srinagar to the tranquil heights of Patalwansar II lake.