Tarsar Marsar is arguably the prettiest trek in India. This is a title we do not give treks lightly. Especially when its formidable sister trek, Kashmir Great Lakes, is in the picture. However, Tarsar Marsar is a trek where alpine lakes take a life of their own. It is not just the fact that you get to camp beside these royal blue, snow-fed lakes (you don’t get this camping chance even at KGL). Or the secluded nature of these campsites (a Godsend in today’s trekking scenario!). You get to circumvent the entire perimeter of Tarsar and Sundersar, offering you multiple perspectives of the very same lake!
Then there is the elusive Marsar, almost always hidden under a shroud of clouds. We see this lake from an overhang, sitting 600–700 ft below. It is a perfect spot to witness the grandeur of the lake, with the sun rising right above it. This is until dollops of clouds waft their way through the U-shaped valley and settle above the lake. The lake disappears from view within seconds!
The Tarsar Marsar trek takes you right to the heart of Kashmir. From the quaint village of Aru to the clearings of Lidderwat. From the rolling green mountains of Shekhawas to the massive alpine lakes. The setting of Tarsar Marsar is such that it leaves you visually stunned for weeks together!
Easy-moderate. Initial gradual ascent for about half an hour followed by gentle undulating walk until you reach the campsite of Lidderwat.
Moderate. Continuously ascending trail for the first couple of hours with a few short level walks. You have a river crossing just before Homwas followed by a gradual ascent.
Moderate. Continuous ascent, mostly on gradual inclines to reach the ridge and then entering into the meadows of Tarsar.
Moderate. Steep ascent in the beginning to the pass, followed by a descent and then a gentle ascent to Sundarsar.
Moderate. An hour ascent to Marsar. You later have a gradual descent all the way to Homwas.
Easy. Gradually descending trail all the way to Aru. Then drive to Srinagar. TREK ENDS.
Weather Information
In Srinagar, the summers are long, warm, and clear and the winters are short, very cold, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 28°F to 85°F and is rarely below 19°F or above 91°F.
Based on the tourism score, the best times of year to visit Srinagar for warm-weather activities are from mid May to late July and from early August to early October.
The trek is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves daily walks of 6–7 hours on varied terrain, with a gradual ascent. Suitable for those with basic fitness and some prior trekking experience.
The best time is July to September. During this window, the weather is pleasant, meadows are lush, and the lakes are fully thawed and vibrant.
The trek usually takes 7 days, including travel from Srinagar to Aru (base camp) and back. The trekking distance is around 48–50 km.
Yes, trekking permits are required. If you're going with a registered trekking operator, they usually handle all permissions and paperwork for you.
The highest altitude on this trek is around 13,000 ft (3,962 m) near Marsar Lake.
Essentials include trekking shoes, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, a backpack, a water bottle, personal medication, and sun protection. A detailed packing list is usually provided by us.