Tarsar Marsar Trek: A Dream Trek Through Kashmir’s Twin Lakes

Imagine walking through lush green meadows, crossing crystal-clear rivers, and camping beside two of the most beautiful alpine lakes in India. That’s exactly what the Tarsar Marsar Trek offers! Nestled in the heart of Kashmir, this trek is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

I recently had the opportunity to embark on this mesmerizing trek, and every moment felt like stepping into a painting. If you’re looking for an offbeat yet breathtaking trekking experience, this guide will help you plan your Tarsar Marsar Trek adventure.

Why Choose the Tarsar Marsar Trek?

The Tarsar Marsar Trek is often called Kashmir’s prettiest trek because of its serene alpine lakes, stunning valleys, and unmatched beauty. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list:

✔️ Twin Lakes – Tarsar & Marsar: The trek takes you to two breathtaking glacial lakes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

✔️ Best of Kashmir’s Landscapes: From rolling meadows and pine forests to high-altitude passes and snowfields, this trek has it all.

✔️ Moderate Difficulty: Unlike treks like Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar is easier and more beginner-friendly.

✔️ Less Crowded & More Peaceful: Since fewer trekkers take this route, you can truly enjoy the solitude of nature.

✔️ Amazing Camping Experience: Camping right beside Tarsar Lake under a starry sky is an unforgettable experience.

How to Reach the Tarsar Marsar Trek Starting Point?

📍 Base Camp: Aru Village (12 km from Pahalgam, Kashmir)

🚆 By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi (260 km from Srinagar). From Jammu, take a taxi or bus to Srinagar.

✈️ By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities.

🚗 By Road: From Srinagar, hire a cab or take a shared taxi to Pahalgam (100 km) and then to Aru Village (12 km).

Trek Route & Major Highlights

The Tarsar Marsar Trek is a 7-day trek covering around 48 km. Here’s what each day looks like:

📍 Day 1: Srinagar to Aru Village (Drive - 4-5 hours)

Arrive in Srinagar and drive to Aru Village, the base camp.

Enjoy beautiful views of Lidder River and stay overnight in Aru.

Altitude: 8,000 ft

📍 Day 2: Aru to Lidderwat (11 km, 6-7 hours)

Trek through dense pine forests, open meadows, and scenic streams.

Camp at Lidderwat, a beautiful grassland surrounded by mountains.

Altitude Gain: 8,000 ft → 9,200 ft

📍 Day 3: Lidderwat to Shekwas (6 km, 5-6 hours)

A relatively easy trek through lush green valleys and gushing streams.

Camp at Shekwas, with mesmerizing mountain views.

Altitude Gain: 9,200 ft → 11,000 ft

📍 Day 4: Shekwas to Tarsar Lake (5 km, 5 hours)

A short but steep ascent leads to the magical Tarsar Lake.

Enjoy a spectacular sunset by the lake and camp right beside it.

Altitude Gain: 11,000 ft → 12,500 ft

📍 Day 5: Tarsar to Marsar via Sundersar Lake (9 km, 7-8 hours)

Cross Tarsar Pass (13,500 ft) to reach Sundersar Lake.

A steep climb to Marsar Lake, which is often shrouded in mist.

Return and camp at Sundersar Lake.

Altitude Gain & Loss: 12,500 ft → 13,500 ft → 13,100 ft

📍 Day 6: Sundersar to Lidderwat (11 km, 6-7 hours)

Trek back through the same scenic route, descending towards Lidderwat.

Altitude Drop: 13,100 ft → 9,200 ft

📍 Day 7: Lidderwat to Aru & Drive to Srinagar (11 km + 4-hour drive)

Trek back to Aru and drive to Srinagar.

Relax at Dal Lake or explore local markets before heading home.

Best Time to Visit Tarsar Marsar Trek

The best time for the Tarsar Marsar Trek is:

🌿 Summer (June to September): Ideal for lush green landscapes, blooming flowers, and pleasant weather.

❄️ Post-Monsoon (September-October): Great for clear skies, golden meadows, and fewer trekkers.

Avoid trekking in winter (November to May) as the region is covered in heavy snow and becomes inaccessible.

Essential Packing List for the Trek

Packing right is key to a comfortable trek. Here’s what you need:

✅ Trekking Shoes – Waterproof, high-ankle shoes with a good grip.

✅ Warm Clothing – Layer up with thermals, fleece, and down jackets.

✅ Rain Gear – A poncho or rain jacket is essential for unexpected showers.

✅ Backpack (50-60L) – Lightweight and sturdy.

✅ Sleeping Bag – A good-quality sleeping bag (provided by trek organizers).

✅ Trekking Poles – Helps with balance on steep ascents.

✅ Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Protects from harsh sun at high altitudes.

✅ Water Bottle & Energy Snacks – Stay hydrated and energized.

Conclusion: Why You Should Trek to Tarsar Marsar?

The Tarsar Marsar Trek is one of the most picturesque treks in India, offering a perfect mix of adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty. With stunning alpine lakes, breathtaking valleys, and peaceful campsites, it’s an experience that stays with you forever.

If you’re looking for a moderate yet rewarding Himalayan trek, Tarsar Marsar is a must-do! So, pack your bags and get ready to witness Kashmir’s hidden paradise.