Kashmir
Tarsar Marsar is arguably the prettiest trek in India. This is a title we do not give treks lightly. 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!
Transport will be organised from Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar. at 8 AM sharp. The cost of transport is Rs 500 per person and needs to be paid directly to the driver.
Note: The process of your registration, health screening, and document verification start at 4 pm. Ensure you reach Aru on time for it. Do not travel elsewhere on this particular day before your trek.
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 as cent 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. The transport costs Rs 3,000 per cab (5-6 seater). You have to pay the driver directly.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.