Tarsar Marsar Trek

Aru to Lidderwat

Altitude: 7,958 ft to 9,131 ft

Duration: 6 hours, 10 km

• The second day of the Tarsar Marsar lake trek takes you upward from Aru base camp to Lidderwat.

• The initial track follows the Lidder River, which links to the uphill village and leads into a dense tangle of Fir trees.

• After passing through the conifer forest, you will arrive at Dalla, a huge clearing dotted with various Gujjar homes followed by a deep pine forest and Nandekai village.On the route, you will come across numerous clear valley streams with clean drinking water.

• After another one-hour walk, you will arrive at Lidderwat and be rewarded with breathtaking views of green fields and mountains.

Lidderwat to Shekiwas

Altitude: 9,131 ft to 11,039 ft

Duration: 5 hours, 5.6 km

• The trek from Lidderwat to Shekiwas is quite simple because the entire trail is set out in a straight line and is shaded by lovely pine trees.
• The pine forest gives way to a beautiful grassland set between high mountains and a peaceful valley.
• There are numerous clean streams throughout the path where you may replenish your water bottles.
• As the path continues, descend to Hamvas, where you may take a quick stop at the Gujjar huts before climbing to the silver birch or Bhoj tree forest.
• The third day's journey concludes in Shekiwas, one of the best camping spots on the Tarsar Marsar trek.

Shekiwas to Tarsar

Altitude: 11,039 ft to 12,449 ft

Duration: 3-4 hours, 5 km

• Day four begins from the Shekiwas campground and follows a snake-like trek across the grassland until landing at Sumbal.
• Two hours later, after passing through some spectacular views from various ridges in line, you will arrive at a conical highland. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the first lake of the trek- Tarsar. It is a beautiful almond-shaped lake that turns turquoise blue in the evening, shimmering like precious stones amidst the snow-covered mountains.
• After crossing the stream, you will arrive at Tarsar grassland, the campsite for day four of the Tarsar Marsar Trek.

Tarsar to Sundersar

Altitude: 12,449 ft to 12,946 ft

Duration: 5 hours, 5 km

• Day five of the trek leads you to Sundersar valley through Tarsar pass.
• On the ascent to the valley, you will come across the Bakkarval shelters situated on the left side followed by lush green grasslands, streams and a big glacial pond.
• After a 30-minute walk, reach the end of the meadow, cross a brook, and ascend the mountain via a stunning narrow valley.
• Along the way, you'll pass across a large meadow filled with colourful flowers in full bloom.
• Following the route will bring you to the grassy plains of Sundersar Lake, where you may pitch your tents and camp in the tranquil beauty of Kashmir.

Visit Marsar and go to Homvas

Altitude: 12,946 ft to 13,201 ft (Marsar Ridge) to 11,500 ft

Duration: 7 hours, 9 km

• On day six, we will hike along the boulder-smitten trail to the Marsar Ridge.

• We'll arrive at the pass in about 30 minutes, which opens out into a beautiful grassland with lovely pathways heading downhill to flat plains.

• Cross the little streams that run over the flat terrain to climb the Marsar ridge. The views of Marsar Lake from here are breathtaking.

• After admiring Marsar's magnificence, begin your 40-minute descent to Sundersar Valley and return to Jagmargi Valley.

• Rather than ascending Tarsar Pass, take the alternate trail to Shekwas, which is only a 30-minute walk to Homvas.

Homvas to Aru. Drive to Srinagar

Altitude: 11,500 ft to 7,958 ft

Duration: 6 hours, 13 km

• On the last day of Tarsar Marsar trek, descend from Homwas to Lidderwat.

• En route, you will catch some beguiling sights that testifies the natural beauty of Kashmir.

• You may also spot the magnificent Kolahoi glacier on your way down to Lidderwat.

• After crossing the Lidderwat pine forest, take a short break before beginning your 4 hr journey to Aru base camp.

• From Aru, you can drive to Srinagar, bidding adieu to this beautiful trekking adventure.

Srinagar- Pahalgam- Aru- Lidderwat- Shekiwas- Tarsar- Sundaresar- Marsar- Homvas- Aru- Srinagar.

The Tarsar Marsar trek begins with a drive from Srinagar to Aru, with a halt at Pahalgam en route. The climb from Aru to Lidderwat takes place on day two. The third day takes you from Lidderwat to Shekiwas. The most exciting day is day four, when you travel to Tarsar and view the stunning Tarsar Lake. On day five, you begin your journey at Tarsar and end it at Sundersar Lake.Trekkers continue their adventure from Sundersar to Marsar lake on day six, concluding the day at Homvas. On the final day, you return to Aru and drive back to Srinagar.

Before embarking on any trekking journey, it is critical that all participants remember certain important tips to guarantee a pleasant and enjoyable trek. Though the Tarsar Marsar trek is quite simple, there are a few things you should be aware of in order to properly prepare for the expedition. Following are some useful details regarding Tarsar Marsar lake trek:

• Tarsar Marsar lake trek is suitable for beginners and amateur trekkers as it is graded as moderately difficult.

• The Tarsar Marsar trek leads you to high elevations of 13,201 ft which might lead to acute mountain sickness among some participants. Hence, carry prescriptions and monitor your oxygen levels regularly.

• Carry the necessary amount of cash before starting the trek as there is no ATM service available after Pahalgam. It is recommended to withdraw cash even before reaching Pahalgam as it regularly runs out of cash.

• Mobile service is available only till Pahalgam. Hence, make all important calls beforehand.

• Electricity is accessible till the Aru base camp. As a result, bring a torch and some batteries with you.