Tarsar Marsar Trek
Possibly the most picturesque trek in India is Tarsar Marsar trek. We do not give treks this title lightly. especially when Kashmir Great Lakes, its challenging sister trip, is present.
On the other hand, Tarsar Marsar is a trip where alpine lakes come to life. It’s not simply that you get to set up a tent next to these ice-blue, snow-fed lakes. Or the seclusion of these campsites.
Itinerary
First day: Srinagar to Aru
7,958 feet in altitude (2,426 m)
Time: 3.5 hours of driving.
Beginning in the late afternoon is the Kashmir Tarsar Marsar trek.Aru base camp is the first stop on the journey.There isn’t a proper gravel road from Srinagar to the Aru base camp. Therefore, we would have to enter through Pahalgam.100 kilometers separate Srinagar and Pahalgam, and driving there will take you about 3 hours.In order to arrive at Aru Camp before dusk and set up camp in tranquility, leave Srinagar at 2:00 PM.
Words may be insufficient to adequately describe this adorable little town that lives up to its name because the journey is laid across the River Lidder. A sight worth seeing is a collection of 200 huts with asbestos roofs that are neatly spaced out among the verdant meadows next to the magnificent Lidder.
Since there are many cottages available in Aru, it is the best place to stay the night in a cottage.
Second day : Aru to Lidderwat
7,958 feet (2,426 m) to 9,131 ft in altitude (2,783 m)6 hours and 10 kilometers
Complete a 9–10 km journey in roughly 5–6 hours.The route has a pleasant uphill slope and is easy to navigate.Start by following the path that runs parallel to River Lidder; it leads uphill to the settlement.The agricultural department fence will be followed by the road as it leaves the village, providing a sophisticated and unobstructed view of Aru behind.
The trail will enter a group of Fir trees before leading to a sizable clearing, or Dalla, next to Gujjar cottages. The path is a simple, pleasant stroll through a deep pine forest starting from Dalla.Reach a broad fork 20 minutes into the forest that indicates a detour to Nandkei.
The same track will be followed as the jungle fades into the background and charming Gujjar cottages and families may be seen ahead. They are amiable individuals doing their daily activities while mounted.The route then begins a gradual rise.Arrive at two drinking-water-safe, clear streams that are diverging after 30 minutes.From here, it’s another hour’s walk to Lidderwat.
Enter a second stream by way of a wooden bridge, then continue through a forest of pine trees. The Riverside and the bottom of the Valley are intersected by the trail upward at the junction of the pine trees, providing a breathtaking view.The track bends forward and enters a stunning fir forest from here after crossing the Riverside. To get past this forest and into another fir one will require another 30 minutes of work.The trail will eventually reach the lush green meadows of Lidderwat once you have completed the second section of the Fir Forest line. The time required for this would be around ten minutes.
Third day : Lidderwat to Shekiwas
9,131 to 11,039 feet above sea level (3,365 m)
5.6 kilometres and five hours.
5 hours should be enough to travel 6-7 km.
There will be a lot of ascent, several river crossings, and plain ground connecting the ascents.The trial on day three departs from PDA cabins beside the Lidder River and leads us into a pine forest.Without much effort, the track runs straight. A cosy valley with scattered snow patches will eventually be formed when the pine cluster opens up to a vast and sweeping grassland that intersects enormous mountains.The route splits off into numerous little valleys before coming together upwards and heading into the Bhakarwal Shelters by the river’s right bank.
Numerous crystal-clear streams that run alongside the route make it a wonderful place to fill water bottles.From here, descend to the riverbed, hop over a few boulders, and then cross the water by means of a temporary bridge.After 30 minutes, follow the riverside to the clearing of Hamvas.Visit the Gujjar huts nearby for a quick break where tea and delectable savouries are served.
The route here is delightful; the flat grassland provides a lovely relief from the arduous ride.
Following this, the rise gets a little steeper and you will enter a grove of silver birch trees, commonly known as Bhoj trees, as you gain altitude hour by hour. In the area, these trees are regarded as being quite old.
The Shekiwas is an undulating meadowland that can be reached by winding paths that cross two green valleys. It is surrounded by mountains with dark snow patches.
One of the top camping spots on the Tarsar Marsar trip is here.
Fourth Day : Tarsar to Shekiwas
3,365 m to 11,039 ft (11,039 m) in altitude (3,794 m)3 to 4 hours, 5 kilometres
climb a 5 km ascent that would take 5 hours to finish.The day begins in Shekhiwas Meadow and travels through a grassland snake-like path for a considerable amount of time before guiding us down a valley to Sumbal.The route to Tarsar then ascends a ridge above the creek at this point.After travelling along the western trail for two hours, you will reach a conical hilltop where you may be able to catch a sight of the picturesque Tarsar, a lake with an almond-like shape.From here, the frantic, adrenaline-filled walk to the lake begins.
Utilizing boulders and fastened rocks, cross the stream, and then arrive at Tarsar’s meadow to set up tent for the day 4.
At night, the lake transforms into a stunning hue of turquoise blue, sparkling like priceless stones in the shadow of snow-capped mountains. All of the arduous climbing and walking done the previous days will have been worthwhile when it happens.
Fifth Day : Sundaresar to Tarsar
Elevation: 3,794 m to 12,946 ft (12,449 ft) (3,946 m)time: 5 hours, 5 kilometresYou will be stunned as you take in the other Tarsar sights and the lengths of the grassy valley.The Shekwas meadows are accessible from this valley.Start your descent down the shepherds’ path, which will lead you to the valley’s center.
Take a stroll on the lovely, velvet-like grass that borders the stream.
The track passes through the boulder region behind the Bakkarval shelters, which are visible along the way on the left.The most magnificent grasslands you’ve ever seen are further ahead, and in the middle of the meadows, a stream changes into a sizable pond that receives water from snow spots on the mountains.
In 30 minutes, complete this stretch to reach the end of the meadow.By using boulders to cross a stream at the ridge’s base, you can then climb to the top of the ridge by ascending for fifteen minutes through a small valley.
Unexpectedly, a large meadow with a vibrant flowerbed appears in front of you. The vistas are breathtaking, and the trail that will take you to the mountains at the end of the Tarsar Marsar hike is also visible from here.
To enjoy camping here, continue on the trail until you reach the lovely grassy area of Sundersar Lake. Here, you can set up your tent anywhere on the flat ground.
Enjoy Kashmir’s tranquil beauty while having a comfortable tent stay.
Sixth Day: Go to Marsar and Homwas
12,946 feet (3,946 metres) to 13,201 feet (4,024 metres) (Marsar Ridge) to 11,500 feet (3,505 m)7 hours and 9 kilometres
You may reach Marsar by travelling along the Sundersar Lake shoreline and then over two passes.Take the shorter trail and climb through the boulder zone, but take caution as you climb because there is snow covering the stones, making this portion challenging.
It takes 30 minutes to get to the pass, which is a beautiful grassland with easy trails going to the level grounds below.
Cross the little streams that are located along the trail to reach the level area.From here, you can begin the ascent to the ridge, which provides a breath-taking view of Marsar.Although it is Tarsar’s twin, it is nonetheless shrouded in fog and clouds.
Reach Sundersar by descending and spending 40 minutes there.Go to Sundersar Valley for a while, then return to Jagmargi Valley to see the grasslands once more and take in the beauty of nature.You may get to Homwas in 30 minutes from Shekwas by taking an alternative trail rather than going over the Tarsar Pass.
After a strenuous day of hiking, you arrive, set up your tents, eat delicious food, and then retire for the night.
Seventh Day: Homwas to Aru
Go to Srinagar by car11,500 feet (3,505 m) to 7,958 ft in altitude (2,426 m)6 hours and 13 kilometresFrom Homwas, descend to Lidderwat.Today’s trip offers captivating views, and you can see the Kolahoi glacier along the way.Discover the Lidderwat pine forest, pause there, and then proceed to Aru.
Aru is currently 13 kilometres distant, and it will take you 4 hours to get there.
You will have access to vehicles up until Srinagar.
