Tarsar Marsar Trek

• Starts from Aru Valley near Pahalgam in Kashmir and follows the scenic Lidder Valley through forests, meadows, and remote alpine landscapes.
• Famous for the stunning twin alpine lakes of Tarsar and Marsar, along with the beautiful Sundarsar Lake.
• Passes through scenic locations such as Lidderwat, Shekwas, Tarsar Lake, Sundarsar, Marsar, and Homwas.
• Features lush pine and birch forests, vast alpine meadows, glacier-fed streams, wildflower valleys, and high-altitude mountain passes.
• Reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 13,500 ft (4,100 m) near Tarsar Pass/Marsar viewpoint.
• Offers the unique experience of camping near Tarsar Lake, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and expansive Himalayan landscapes.
• Marsar Lake is known for its dramatic setting, often surrounded by clouds and steep mountain ridges.
• Provides spectacular views of the Kolahoi Peak region, surrounding Kashmir Himalayas, alpine valleys, and glacial landscapes.
• The trail passes through traditional grazing areas where trekkers may encounter Gujjar and Bakarwal shepherd communities.
• Features varied terrain including forest trails, river crossings, rolling meadows, rocky paths, boulder sections, and mountain passes.
• Generally rated Moderate, making it suitable for fit beginners with good endurance as well as experienced trekkers.
• Best season is generally July to September, when the meadows are green, wildflowers bloom, and the lakes are accessible.
• Considered one of Kashmir's most beautiful alpine lake treks because it combines pristine lakes, lakeside camping, lush meadows, remote wilderness, shepherd culture, and spectacular Himalayan scenery.

Tarsar Marsar Trek is one of the most scenic alpine lake treks in the Kashmir Himalayas. The trek begins from Aru Valley near Pahalgam and takes trekkers through beautiful forests, open grasslands, mountain valleys, and high-altitude lakes.

The route follows sections of the Lidder River and gradually climbs towards the spectacular Tarsar Lake. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, Tarsar is known for its crystal-clear blue water and breathtaking natural setting.

The trek also includes Marsar Lake, another beautiful alpine lake located in a more dramatic and secluded landscape. The combination of green meadows, flowing rivers, wildflowers, mountain campsites, and high-altitude lakes makes Tarsar Marsar one of Kashmir's most memorable trekking experiences.

Major Attractions

• Aru Valley
Beautiful Himalayan village near Pahalgam and the starting point of the trek.

• Lidderwat
Scenic meadow campsite surrounded by pine forests and mountain views.

• Shekwas
A beautiful high-altitude meadow along the trekking route.

• Sundarsar Lake
A peaceful alpine lake surrounded by mountains.

• Tarsar Lake
The main highlight of the trek, known for its turquoise-blue water and spectacular setting.

• Marsar Lake
A secluded high-altitude lake surrounded by dramatic mountain terrain.

• Kashmir Meadows
Wide green grasslands filled with wildflowers during summer.

Day 1 — Srinagar to Aru Valley
Scenic drive through the Kashmir Valley towards Aru, followed by arrival, trek preparation, and overnight stay.
110 km | 3–4 hours

Day 2 — Aru to Lidderwat
Begin the trek through pine forests, riverside trails, and beautiful Kashmiri mountain landscapes.
10 km trek | 5–6 hours

Day 3 — Lidderwat to Shekwas
Continue with a gradual ascent through alpine meadows and scenic high-altitude terrain.
6 km trek | 4–5 hours

Day 4 — Shekwas to Tarsar Lake
Trek through spectacular mountain landscapes towards the stunning alpine waters of Tarsar Lake.
5–6 km trek | 4–5 hours

Day 5 — Tarsar Lake to Sundarsar
Continue across high-altitude meadows and visit Sundarsar along with nearby alpine lakes.
6–7 km trek | 5–6 hours

Day 6 — Sundarsar to Marsar Viewpoint and Towards Homwas
Visit the Marsar Lake viewpoint before descending through beautiful meadows towards Homwas.
8–10 km trek | 6–7 hours

Day 7 — Homwas to Aru and Drive to Srinagar
Complete the final trekking section to Aru, followed by a scenic road journey back to Srinagar, marking the conclusion of the Tarsar Marsar Trek.
7 km trek + road transfer

Participants should:

• Have good cardiovascular fitness
• Be comfortable walking 5–7 hours daily
• Be able to trek on uneven and ascending terrain
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and pulse rate
• Avoid trekking with serious heart, kidney, liver, or respiratory conditions
• Consult organizers regarding asthma, epilepsy, or other medical concerns

Starting Point

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Nearest Airport

Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar

Nearest Railway Station

Jammu Tawi Railway Station

Most trekkers arrive in Srinagar and continue by road to Aru Valley near Pahalgam, the usual starting point for the Tarsar Marsar Trek.

Clothing

• 2 full and 2 half-sleeve synthetic quick-dry T-shirts

• 1 fleece T-shirt

• 1 wind stopper/fleece jacket

• 1 windproof jacket

• 1 down feather/hollow jacket

• 1 pair thermal innerwear (upper & lower)

• 3 synthetic quick-dry trekking pants

• Wind stopper/fleece pant not required

• Waterproof gloves not required

• 1 pair fleece/woollen gloves

• 1 poncho/waterproof jacket and pants

Head Gear

• 1 head torch

• Sun cap not required

• 1 woollen cap

• Balaclava not required

• 2 synthetic buff/neck gaiters

• Sunglasses with UV protection and side cover
  (Contact lenses are preferable; photochromatic glasses can also be used.)

Footwear

• 1 pair water-resistant trekking shoes with good ankle support and grip

• 1 pair floaters/flip-flops

• 7 pairs cotton socks

• 1 pair woollen socks

• 1 pair gaiters (provided when required)

• 1 pair micro spikes (provided when required)

Backpack & Basic Gear

• 50–60 L backpack with rain cover and comfortable shoulder straps

• 20–30 L daypack if your main luggage is being offloaded

• At least 1 walking stick

• 2 one-litre water bottles or hydration pack

• Small tiffin/lunch box

• Energy bars, dry fruits and electrolytes/ORS

• Personal medical kit as advised by your doctor

Personal Essentials

• Sunscreen

• Moisturizer

• Chapstick/lip balm

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Toilet paper and wipes

• Soap/hand sanitizer

• Antibacterial powder

• Quick-dry towel

Tip: For monsoon treks, carry reliable rain protection, quick-dry clothing, trekking shoes with excellent grip, and adequate warm layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

• Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
• Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.