Tarsar Marsar Trek is the prettiest summer trek in India. This is a classic trek that offers quite a variety and range in scenic beauty and landscape. The trek holds three beautiful alpine lakes, lush grasslands, shimmering river streams, and a chain of snow-peaked mountains. This is an easy to moderate trek which makes even a beginner to enjoy the natural bounties that this trek offers. Tarsar Marsar Trek best time is between August and mid-October.

Tarsar Marsar Trek starts from Aru valley – a quaint valley 112 km off Srinagar. The first day of the trek is an acclimatization camping day at Aru valley beside the lovely Lidder river. The next day the trek proceeds with a short ascent till it enters the thick jungle. The trail through the jungle of pine trees is soothing with the chirping of birds and the music of the Lidder river. One walks through this jungle for about 5km and then the trail blends with a vast meadow. The meadow is wavy and runs alongside the Lidder river. It’s an easy delightful walk until one reaches the campsite of Lidderwat..

Tarsar Marsar Trek Kashmir India

The third day of the trek starts from Lidderwat with a short ascent and then goes into the jungle. The jungle walk finishes into a wide valley of varied flowers and plants. The valley is covered with trees in the surroundings. One gets to cross the Lidder river stream. The gradient of the day is easy with some boulder sections to maneuver just before the day’s campsite at Shekwas.

The next day, start with a gradual ascent through rocky terrain. And then after a river crossing the rocks give way to a long lush meadow. There are shepherd huts on the way and you will see many sheep grazing in these meadows. This meadow walk is soothing and takes one to the beautiful almond-shaped Tarsar Lake. The campsite is just in the vicinity of the lake with the magnificent view of this lake from your camp. Enjoy your evening exploring this lake.

The fifth day of the trek starts with a steep but short ascent to the Tarsar ridge. It then follows a sharp descent and then a boulder trail. It then merges with the long lush meadow of the silent valley. This valley is divinely calm and refreshing. You will see waterfalls cascading down from the surrounding mountains. The trail then takes you to the next campsite just below Sundersar lake.

On the sixth day, behold the beautiful Sundersar lake. The lake is small and round. You will be following the round trail of this lake. Then a short ascent will take you to the Marsar ridge which is the highest altitude of this trek – 4020m. Immediately you will see the large, colorful Marsar lake. The vastness and beauty of the lake will amaze you and will finish all the tiredness of the day. This is the best spot to take a break and have some snacks. From here you will have to retrace your steps towards the silent valley. And then go down via meadow and boulder section to Shekwas and Homwas.

The last day of the trek is long but without any sharp ascent or descent. You will be covering the distance through wavy meadows. The trek finishes in Aru.

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Tarsar Marsar Lake is the best attraction of this trek. Tarsar Marsar Lake is the name of the twin lakes which one sees while on this trek.

Brief Itinerary:-
Day 1: Srinagar – Aru, Altitude: 2,426m
Time taken:3.5 hours drive
Day 2: Aru – Lidderwat, Altitude: 2,426 m to 2,780 m
Time taken:6 hours
Distance: 11km
Day 3: Lidderwat – Shekwas , Altitude: 2,780 m 3,360 m
Time taken: 5 hours
Distance: 6km
Day 4: Shekwas – Tarsar Lake, Altitude: 3,360 m to 3,790 m
Time taken: 5 hours
Distance: 5km
Day 5: Tarsar Lake – Sundersar, Altitude: 3,790 m to 3,945 m
Time taken: 5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Day 6: Visit Sundersar & Marsar Lakes and then descend to Homwas , Altitude: 3,945 m to 3,505 m via Marsar Ridge 4020 m
Time taken:7 hours
Distance: 9km
Day 7: Homwas – Aru – Srinagar, Altitude: 3,505 m to 2,426 m
Time taken:6 hours
Distance: 13km