'Fixed departures' are assured departures that will start on the given date as per the given itinerary.
Pahalgam is about 100 km from Srinagar and Aru is 12 km away from Pahalgam. From Pahalgam, Aru is right across the Lidder River. It takes about 4 hours to reach Aru from Srinagar.
Meals: D
Accommodation: Camp
Today we shall be following the Lidder River upstream. After a 9-10 km walk up soft slopes, the trail enters a thicket of conifers. Revealing a sweeping view of the Aru valley left down below. Lidderwatt offers a base for various trekking expeditions carried around the area. Famous treks like Tarsar Marsar, Kolahoi glacier, Sind valley trek are accessible from this point. The area offers a beautiful panoramic view of the lush green meadows surrounded by huge cliffs and dense forests.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
The narrow valley of Lidderwat opens up to tracks of wide sweeping grasslands. The grasslands merge with the towering mountains, with snow patches in their folds. It is no longer a single valley but many valleys that converge together. The trail ahead converges upwards and to the left past the Bhakarwal shelters, sticking to the right of the river. Clear streams run down and cut through the trail many times. Avoid taking the upward trail. Drop down to the river and cross it, first hopping over a few boulders and then crossing a make-shift long bridge. Follow the river and continue to climb the trail. Half an hour later, the trail around a bend opens up to a wide clearing of Homwas. The climb continues to gain altitude. An hour later, you will pass a very old cluster of Silver Birch (Bhoj) trees, and the view opens up to another stunning scenery. The trail climbs swiftly past a few Gujjar huts to the camping grounds of Shekwas. For those on the Tarsar trail, Shekwas is a logical and extremely pretty camping ground.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
The trail to Tarsar, meanwhile, climbs into a ridge that overhangs the stream. In a general westerly direction, the trail climbs rapidly towards a conical hill in front. The trail tops a few false ridges, each opening up to different wondrous sceneries. The trail finally gives you a narrow glimpse of Tarsar. Cross the stream over boulders and set your foot on the grassy glades of Tarsar. There are plenty of flat camping spots along the lake and pitching tents is not an issue.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
Another 5 km trek commences today to the adjoining Sundersar Valley through the Tarsar Pass. The Tarsar Pass commands numerous beautiful views, and the valley spans out beautifully. Trekking through the pass saves you a few hours, which is saying something. The trail that descends from the pass to the bottom of the valley opens up to a verdant valley. Another stretch of meadows, grasslands, streams, and boulders brings you to the magical campsite of Sundarsar Lake.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
Sundarsar stretched far across the lake, and towards Marsar. Soon, the climb leads to stunning vistas of Marsar, enveloped in cloudy haloes. Camp in Homwas.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
After an early breakfast we will walk towards Aru. After reaching Aru, we will take a meal break and then drive to Srinagar.
Meals: B, L
A. Booking Terms
1. If booked more than 15 days before the trip start date, advance of 10% of the total booking value is payable at the time of booking. Balance amount shall be paid no later than 15 days before the trip start date.
2. If booked less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, the full booking value is due at the time of booking.
3. If the due amounts are not paid as per the payment schedule, bookings shall stand cancelled.
B. Cancellation Policy
1. If cancelled more than 15 days before the trip start date, the advance shall be refunded net of a 5% transaction fee.
2. If cancelled after full payment between 15 to 10 days before the trip start date, 25% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
3. If cancelled less than 10 days prior to the trip start date, the booking amount shall not be refundable.
In the event you opt for Refundable Booking, click here to read the terms and conditions for claiming a refund.
C. Changes to and / or cancellation of trips
Itineraries shown are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. The operators reserve the right to change expedition / trek / package dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which the operator or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. The operator reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
*for 15 pax
The Tarsar Marsar Trek is unarguably one of the prettiest treks that you can embark on and reach the heart of Kashmir. The idyllic settings of the Aru village to the clearings of Lidderwat offer a scenic splendor that is hard to describe in words. The rolling green mountains of the Shekhawas offer the most picturesque campsites you can ever imagine. Apart from these, you can circumvent the entire perimeter of the Tarsar and the Sundarsar lakes and get multiple perspectives of the same in a spectrum of colors. From an overhang, you can view the grandeur of the Marsar lake, almost 600 to 700 feet below, with the spectacular sun rising above it. Suddenly, it will get shrouded under a blanket of clouds within seconds. It is a straightforward trek with a maximum elevation of around 4110 meters and offers beauty and solitude that is simply unparalleled.
The 7 to 8 day long Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek is an easy to moderate trek with a one-way trail that starts at Aru and ends there. From the base camp at Aru, the trekking distance is just 33 kilometers and brings you to heaven on earth- adorned with the stillness of azure waters of the oligotrophic lakes. The Tarsar Marsar Trek has a smooth trail that does not require acclimatization prerequisites nor demands any gruelling physical challenge. Therefore, if you are adequately fit physically, you need not worry much before embarking on these heavenly trails. Mental exhaustion will be nil, as you will be greeted by scenes that can only inspire awe and stay etched in your memory forever.
The best time to embark on this trek is between July to September. Though it is the monsoon season across India, the Pir Panjal range prevents the rain-bearing clouds from entering this region and makes it one of the most comfortable times for trekking. Though you might experience occasional evening showers from the end of August to September, yet this is unarguably the best time to embark on this trek. The rest of the year, the trail remains heavily covered under snow, and its beauty is not revealed entirely. The trek will offer a change in appearance and colors throughout these three months, and it is simply mind-blowing!
While early July still finds the upper reaches of the trail covered in snow, the lower meadows open earlier but are punctuated with frozen lakes. You will find remnants of snow and ice floating over Sundarsar lake. Mid-July to mid-August will see the entirety of the trek revealing itself in full glory! While chunks of snow over the lakes melt to make way for the royal-blue shades of still water, the meadows become lush green and are carpeted with vibrant wildflowers. From the end of August, there are occasional evening showers. However, the skies become the most vivid hues of blue, which deepens their reflection over the lakes. The lush green carpets of velvety meadows become a roasted tinge of brown, and this is noticeable from your campsites at the Shekhawas.
The primary gear remains the same, starting from a backpack (50-60 liters), a daypack (20-30 liters), rain covers for both, a sturdy walking stick, headlamps with spare batteries, hydration pack, and water bottles, personal medical kit along with first aid kit, etc. You need warm clothes like a quick-dry, full-sleeve t-shirt, thermal inner for the top and bottom halves, inner fleece jacket, down feather or woollen jacket, windcheaters, waterproof track pants, and a poncho. As part of your footwear, you should carry extra pairs of cotton and woollen socks, water-resistant gumboots, flip flops/floaters, and a high-quality and sturdy pair of trekking shoes with a good grip. Along with these, you should carry synthetic and woollen gloves to protect your palms. Your headgear should consist of a suncap, a woollen cap, balaclava, neck gaiters, sunglasses, etc. Amongst the list of essential toiletries, always carry excess toilet paper and wet wipes, biodegradable soaps, moisturizers, sunscreen, lip salve, hand sanitizers, quick-dry towels, antibacterial and antifungal powders, toothbrush, and toothpaste. This list is almost exhaustive. You can carry snacks like dry fruits and energy bars for the trek.
Since the trek takes place in an eco-friendly zone, you should avoid littering, or you might be fined. Always keep a buffer day within the itinerary to accommodate for any natural calamity or trouble brewing in the region.
If you face any emergency during an adventure in Kashmir, keep the following contact details handy.
- Police- 100
- Fire- 101/132
- Ambulance- 102/108
- Police headquarters in Srinagar- 0194-2443022-23
- Police control room in Srinagar- 0194-2452092/2455883/2481628-32/2482624
- Women helpline- 1091
- CRPF Madadgaar Helpline- 14111
- Jammu and Kashmir Tourism helpline- 95607-88884
- Tourist reception center Srinagar- 95960-98882
Yes, it is a safe trek in Kashmir as long as you abide by specific ground rules. Always listen to your trek leader or local guide's instructions and do not partake in any risky activity against their advice. Avoid going to the downtown area, and don't wander off by yourself without notifying others.
Moreover, the Tarsar Marsar Trek is much outside the bounds of human settlement and therefore considered impervious to any kind of unrest. However, during your stay at the base camp at Aru or Pahalgam, try to keep to the areas permissible for tourist exploration. If you do the tarsar marsar trek solo, keep all information compiled before embarking on the journey.
The Tarsar-Marsar Trek is not a difficult one and is classified as an easy to moderate trek. A moderate altitude gain of 1,598 meters is spread over six days, providing sufficient opportunity for acclimatization without the additional need for a break day. The ascents are not long and arduous but gradual and few. The trek days span for 6 hours on average, but the undulating surfaces ease the walk without mounting any considerable strain on the mind and body.
The Tarsar and Marsar lakes lie between the Aru Valley and Surfraw in Sind Valley in the Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir. These are also the two base points for the trek to Tarsar Marsar. Lake Tarsar is 5 km from the Shekwas campsite, whereas Marsar Lake lies between Sundarsar and Homwas in the Tarsar marsar trek route. Beauty at its purest, these lakes are two of the most scenic lakes in this "Paradise on Earth."
With Aru Valley as its base camp where the trek starts and ends, the Tarsar and Marsar Trek spans over 6 nights and 7 days and covers 47.6 km. It is a relatively short trek, but its offerings are abundant.
The Tarsar Marsar Trek normally starts at the Aru Valley, which is the base camp. From Aru Valley, the route proceeds through the Lidderwat Valley to Shekwas. Tarsar Lake is at a distance of 5 km from Shekwas, followed by Marsar lake.
You can reach the Aru Valley from Srinagar through a shared cab or public bus, which takes about 3 hours. Srinagar, in turn, is well connected by roads, rail, and air. If traveling by flight, you can land directly at the Srinagar airport. Jammu is the nearest rail station to Srinagar at a distance of 290 km. Srinagar is also well-connected by the National Highway 1A to the rest of the country and metropolises within.
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