Tarsar Marsar

Dates Available

OVERVIEW

Kashmir, 7D6N, Total trek distance 56km approx, Highest altitude 13400ft, Grade easy-moderate, Base Camp Aru

SHORT ITINERARY

Day 1: Pick up from Srinagar. Drive to Aru (8,038 ft) ~103 km

Day 2: Aru to Lidderwat (9.022 ft) ~8 kms

Day 3: Lidderwat to Sekhwas (11,154 ft) ~6 kms

Day 4: Sekhwas to Tarsar Lake (12,467 ft) ~4 kms

Day 5: Tarsar to Sundersar (12,960 ft) via Sonamous Pass (12,960 ft) ~6 km

Day 6: Visit Marsar Lake (12, 946 ft) and go to Homwas (11,500 ft) via Marsar ridge (13,201 ft) ~9 km

Day 7: Homwas to Aru to Srinagar ~13 km. Drive 103 km to Srinagar

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Pick up from Srinagar. Drive to Aru (8,038 ft) ~103 km

The trek begins from Aru, which is about 12 kilometres from Pahalgam. Reach Srinagar and meet the Chasing Clouds team approx at 1 pm. The drive to the base camp will take around 2-3 hours.

Day 2: Aru to Lidderwat (9.022 ft) ~8 kms

The trek starts with a gradual ascent for 2 to 3 hours through a beautiful pine forest trail. A short level walk along the Lidder river thereafter brings you to a tea stall. Another gradual ascend for 1 hour and you can see the Lidder forest rest house in sight. Cross a bridge and get to the Lidder campsite on the other side of the river.

Day 3: Lidderwat to Sekhwas (11,154 ft) ~6 kms

We’ll leave the treeline today after a gradual ascent of about 1hr. We have a river crossing just before Homwas. Another hour of ascent takes us to the campsite.

Day 4: Sekhwas to Tarsar Lake (12,467 ft) ~4 kms

Gradual uphill following the stream. The views of the mountains get grander and more snow-clad peaks become visible all around us as we approach the Tarsar Lake. 2 hours of trekking and the beautiful lake reveals itself amidst imposing mountain ridges on 3 sides. A wonderful opportunity to camp next to the emerald blue waters of Tarsar Lake. Spend the day exploring the trails around the Tarsar Lake only to witness the grandeur of the lake surrounded by majestic mountains. The beauty of the lake is that it changes colors depending on the time of the day, season and the angle from which one looks at the lake.

Day 5: Tarsar to Sundersar (12,960 ft) via Sonamous Pass (12,960 ft) ~6 km

Today, we have to cross the ridge which surrounds the Tarsar lake. An hour’s steep climb to the top of the ridge and then we descend into the valley on the other side. The view of the valley leading to Zachmargi on the other side of the ridge is simply breathtaking. Upon descending into the valley, we walk along the stream which drains from Sundarsar.

Day 6: Visit Marsar Lake (12, 946 ft) and go to Homwas (11,500 ft) via Marsar ridge (13,201 ft) ~9 km

An hour’s ascent takes us to Marsar ridge, across which is the Marsar lake. The trail takes you to a vantage point which gives you unparalleled views of the Marsar Lake, which is almost always engulfed under clouds and mist. We turn back towards Zachmargi from Sundersar. From here instead of taking the Tarsar pass and reach Sekhwas, we trek for 2 to 3 hours to reach the campsite of Homwas.

Day 7: Homwas to Aru to Srinagar ~13 km. Drive 103 km to Srinagar

A two hours descent from Homwas will take you to Lidderwat. Passing through the pine forests of Lidderwat, we rest at Lidderwat for some time before resuming our trek to Aru which will take about 4 more hours to cover.
Expected time to return to Srinagar is around 7pm.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest Airport is Srinagar. If you are traveling by train you can reach upto Jammu and hire a cab / bus to reach Srinagar

FITNESS REQUIRED

You can start by jogging everyday. Start of slow with shorter distance & keep increasing it with each passing day. As it is a moderate levek trek , we recommend a 45-60 day free hand workout schedule prior to this trek.

WHY THIS TREK

Stunning Scenery: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir’s alpine landscapes, with pristine lakes, lush meadows, and towering mountains creating a picturesque backdrop throughout the trek.

Adventure and Challenge: Trekking across high-altitude passes like Tarsar Pass provides a thrilling challenge for adventure enthusiasts, offering a sense of accomplishment and adrenaline rush as you conquer these rugged terrains.

Cultural Immersion: Interact with local communities like the Gujjar and Bakarwal shepherds, gaining insights into their traditional way of life, culture, and hospitality, which adds a rich layer of cultural immersion to the trekking experience.

Photographic Opportunities: Capture stunning photographs of the scenic vistas, vibrant wildflowers, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped peaks, creating lasting memories of your journey through one of the most photogenic regions of the Himalayas.

Escape into Nature: Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature as you trek through remote valleys and pristine wilderness, enjoying moments of tranquility and solitude amidst the natural beauty of the mountains.

Physical and Mental Well-being: Trekking in the great outdoors offers numerous health benefits, including physical exercise, stress relief, and mental rejuvenation, making it a holistic experience for both body and mind.

Unique Experience: The Tarsar Marsar Trek offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural exploration, making it a memorable and rewarding experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TREK

Beautiful Lakes: The trek takes you to two stunning alpine lakes, Tarsar and Marsar, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush meadows.

Scenic Landscapes: You’ll traverse through verdant meadows, dense forests, and alpine pastures, each offering unique vistas and photographic opportunities.

Flora and Fauna: The trek allows you to witness a variety of flora and fauna typical to the Kashmir region, including wildflowers, pine forests, and occasionally, wildlife like the Himalayan marmot and ibex.

Cultural Encounters: Along the way, you may encounter local shepherds and experience the warm hospitality of the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities who inhabit the area during summers.

Challenging Passes: The trek involves crossing high-altitude passes like the Tarsar Pass, which provides a thrilling adventure and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Campsite Delights: Camping beside the tranquil lakes or amidst lush meadows offers a serene experience under the starlit sky, creating lasting memories.

Seasonal Variations: The trek presents different charms in each season, with vibrant flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden hues in autumn, and pristine snowscapes in winter.

BEST TIME TO TREK

July to September is the best time for Tarsar Marsar trek.
July is usually more colourful and rainy .
August and September is more sunny and cold.

EQUIPMENT LIST

Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, ankle support that can handle boulders firmly. Poncho/waterproof is a must. a 50-60L rucksack, proper warm winter clothes like jacket, socks, thermals etc.