Widely known as “A Paradise on Earth”, Kashmir is also a home to the most spectacular trek in the Himalayas namely Tarsar Marsar Trek. This Himalayan trek is literally located in the clouds due to its peak which is at the height of 13021 feet. The trail of the Tarsar Marsar trek is so beautiful because it goes through the green forests, charming meadows, snow-clad mountains & rivers of paradise. This trek will promise you the best scenic & spellbinding views. The highlight of the trek is that it goes through Tarsar, Marsar & Sundarsar & also gives a view of three alpine lakes of Kashmir.
The difficulty level of the trek is moderate. The total distance we cover on this trek is 47 km. When you go through this trek you are going to have the breathtaking views of the three gorgeous alpine lakes of Kashmir & many other things like forests, lush green meadows & many more things are present there on the trail. After watching them your eyes will stop at that point.
Highlights of Tarsar Marsar Trek
Tarsar Marsar is a monsoon season trek, so don’t forget to carry a raincoat and plastic bags (to protect your mobile phones, wallets, etc) in your trek backpack. Also, make sure your backpack is waterproof or else carry a waterproof cover for your backpack.
This trek falls under the category of easy to moderate level with base camp in Aru.
You will explore the best beauty of Kashmir, while being on trek by watching three alpine lakes of Kashmir- Tarsar, Marsar & Sundarsar which will mesmerize due to their beauty.
You are going to witness the phenomena of Tarsar Marsar that changes their color at every angle.
Watch the 200 asbestos types of huts roofed together in the lush green forest & also witness the most magical view of the cloud covered Marsar lake.
Top attractions to visit in Tarsar Marsar Kashmir Trek
Tarsar Lake: This lake is found in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir. This has an Almond like shape or we may say oligotrophic shape. At the west of it there is Dachigam National Park is present & on the south Tral is present there. The shortest path to reach there is from Surfraw Ganderbal but the terrain is hard from that side.
Aharbal Waterfall: This waterfall is known as the Nigara Waterfall of the UT Jammu & Kashmir. Aharbal is a hill station in the southwestern part of the Kashmir valley in the south of the summer capital of Kashmir that is srinagar. The source of the Aharbal Waterfall lies deep in the fir & pine forests in the form of gorgeous Kausar Nag Lake.
Avantiswami Temple: This temple is dedicated to shiva & vishnu & it was made by the Chamar king Avantivarman of the Utpala dynasty in the 9th century CE. This temple is so beautiful & the site comes under the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The locals of that place call the temple as the Pandav Lari means the house of Pandavas.
Marsar Lake: This lake is just like Tarsar lake. It is also in the shape of Almond in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir. It is also close to the Aru valley of Pahalgam in Kashmir. This lake is separated by a mountain which is at the elevation of 4000 meters that is about 13000 feet.
Srinagar: It is also known as the Summer capital of Kashmir. It is located in Kashmir Valley on the banks of Jhelum river. Srinagar is the home for Mughal garden, Dal Lake & many points for the sightseeing of Kashmir. It is also the largest city of Kashmir.
Aru Valley: It is one of the valleys of Pahalgam. The journey from Pahalgam to Aru valley gives the best scenic views of Aru Valley. This valley has beautiful meadows, mountains, lakes and rivers on one side.
How difficult is Tarsar Marsar Trek?
These are the two Alpine lakes of Kashmir which lie at the altitude of 4,042 meters. Worldwide this trek is known as Moderately Challenging & takes about 5 to 6 days to complete.
Best time to do Tarsar Marsar Trek
The best time to visit Tarsar Marsar Trek is July to September because at this time, the temperature of the overall trek is normal & the views of those are at its rise. These alpine lakes are at a height from sea level that's why the temperature at this place is too low in winter. That's why the best time to visit Tarsar Marsar trek is in summer.
How to Prepare for the Trek?
Physical Strength: We must prepare ourselves physically so that your body gains strength & power to walk in the terrain. The path of the treks are not on plain; the overall path is steep & walking on steep is more heavy than plains.
Medication and First Aid: It is advisable to carry a basic first aid kit along with any necessary medications that you may require. We are suggesting you carry a personal water filter or purification tablets for clean drinking water.
Acclimatization: We must do our body acclimatization before starting the trek because our body is transferred from plains to Higher altitude so we may have some problems with our body.
Proper Gear: One of the most important parts to carry is proper trekking gear such as sturdy boots, warm clothes, rain gear, sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a backpack. You may also need to carry a tent or rent one on the trek because these gears are so helpful for trekking.
Guide and Permits: We must have a guide on the trek because of the safety measures on the trek. We are suggesting you hire a local guide who is familiar with the route and the terrain. You will also need to obtain the necessary permits for the trek from the forest department authority.
FAQ’s
1. How do we prepare for Tarsar Marsar Trek?
We should prepare by starting a moderate exercise routine for 2 to 3 months.
2. What is the altitude of Tarsar?
The altitude of the Tarsar is 3795 meters which is about 12450 meters.
3. What is the meaning of Tarsar Marsar?
Tarsar is an alpine lake changing its colors throughout the day while Marsar lake is being called a mysterious lake.
4. Which river does Marsar Lake flow into?
Tarsar lake drains/flows into the Lidder River.
5. How far is Tarsar Marsar trek from Srinagar?
The distance of Tarsar Lake from Srinagar is 107 Kilometers.
6. Which is the Best Month to do Tarsar Marsar Trek?
Best time to do Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek is between the months of June to September.
Assemble at the meeting point in Srinagar drive towards Pahalgam in a local cab with good mountain views.
After reaching Pahalgam, we will take a short drive of 3-4 hrs to Aru Valley via Bijbehara where you will experience the charismatic beauty of Kashmir. Experience lush apple, walnut and apricot orchards enroute. After crossing the Lidder River, we will reach the majestic Aru Valley.
Check-in to our homestay, freshen-up and have some leisure. Feel free to take a stroll around, exploring the village.
Dinner and overnight stay at Aru Valley.
Inclusions
Transportation: From Srinagar to Srinagar.
Accommodation on sharing basis in Camps/Tents & Homestay.
Mountaineering qualified and experienced trek leader and support staff.
Meals: All veg meals from starting from Day 01 Dinner till Day 07 Breakfast) and complimentary evening tea & light snacks.
First-Aid medical kits & oxygen cylinder for emergencies.
All necessary fees and permits.
Driver allowances, toll taxes, parking, state taxes.
Exclusions
Any extra meals apart from the ones mentioned under inclusions.
Travel Insurance, items of a personal nature like porterage, tips, laundry etc.
Any other costing involved due to circumstances like natural calamity, weather conditions, riots, roadblocks, landslides or any other forced circumstances which are out of our control.
GST (5%) is applicable extra.
Anything which is not mentioned in the above inclusions.
Things To Pack
Waterproof and good quality rucksack (40-60 liters) and a day backpack, no trolley bags.
Above-the-ankle waterproof trekking shoes.
Comfortable clothing: down jacket, trekking jacket, trek/cargo pants, cotton long/short sleeves t-shirts and four pair of socks.
Raincoats or ponchos and plastic cover (for wet clothes, smartphone, wallet, cash, etc).
Sunblock lotions, lip balm, coconut oil and other personal care items & toiletries.
Warm woolen sweaters, caps and gloves (depending upon the season).
Water bottle (avoid single-use plastic).
Quick snacks for journey like dry fruits, chocolates.
Personal medicines (or prescribed if any).
Phone, camera and photography equipment.
ATMs and adequate amount of cash for shopping, cafe visits.
Items like torch, power banks, sunglasses.
Personal identity document like Aadhaar, driving licence, passport.
Know Before You Go
Route changes, postponement, delay, or finishing the trek a day earlier: Under some extraordinary circumstance, your trek may end a day earlier or start a day later. This may become necessary due to inclement weather, snow and ice conditions, political restrictions, or any other cause.
In the event of a change, postponement or delay, participants have no right to refund of the trek (in whole or in part) or other compensation for any injury, loss or damage. Trek fee is not charged broken down in terms of days but is a composite fee for the whole trek.
In such a case, we will look for the best possible alternatives, as feasible. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of safety, comfort and general wellbeing as per the call taken by locals, the driver and your trek leader.
If you arrive in Srinagar, one day before, it would help your body adapt better to the altitude and weather.