TARSAR MARSAR Trek – Kashmir

🏞️ TARSAR MARSAR TREK – JAMMU & KASHMIR

Region: Aru → Lidderwat → Shekwas → Tarsar → Marsar → Homwas

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Max Altitude: ~4,100m

Price From: ₹13,000

⭐ Short Overview

Tarsar Marsar is one of Kashmir’s most breathtaking alpine treks — known for its twin turquoise lakes, rolling meadows, birch forests, and sweeping valley views. It’s less demanding than KGL, making it perfect for trekkers who want a stunning but manageable Himalayan experience. The campsites are some of the most scenic in India.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall Difficulty: Moderate

A good choice for fit beginners & intermediate trekkers.

Why It’s Moderate

• Manageable altitude

• Gradual ascents

• No technical sections

• One long day (Tarsar–Marsar–Homwas)

Trail Type

• Forest trails

• Meadow climbs

• Ridge walk to Tarsar Pass

• Lake-side camping

Daily Distance

• 4–12 km per day

Fitness Needed

• Ability to walk 6–7 hours/day

• Basic stamina

• No prior high-altitude experience required

2. Day-Wise Itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar → Aru (Drive)

• 3–4 hour drive via Pahalgam

• Overnight stay in Aru

• Trek briefing + acclimatization walk

Day 2: Aru → Lidderwat

• Forest walk along Lidder River

• Gradual ascent through meadows

• Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs

• Campsite: Lidderwat (pine forest surroundings)

Day 3: Lidderwat → Shekwas

• Enter wide alpine meadows

• Cross streams & rolling terrain

• Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs

• Campsite: Shekwas (below ridges)

Day 4: Shekwas → Tarsar Lake

• Scenic climb to Tarsar Lake

• Spend evening by the blue lake

• Trek Duration: 4 hrs

• Campsite: Tarsar Lake (one of the best camps in the Himalayas)

Day 5: Tarsar → Marsar → Homwas

• Climb to Tarsar Pass

• View hidden Marsar Lake from the ridge

• Descend to Homwas meadows

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs

Day 6: Homwas → Aru → Srinagar

• Gentle descent back to Aru

• 3–4 hr drive to Srinagar

• Trek ends

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Tents, sleeping bags, mats

• All meals during trek

• Experienced trek leader & guides

• Permits & camping fees

Exclusions

• Transport to/from Srinagar

• Gear rental

• Porter/mule services

• Any personal expenses

4. How to Reach

Nearest Hub: Srinagar

Route:
Srinagar → Aru → Lidderwat → Shekwas → Tarsar → Marsar → Homwas → Aru → Srinagar

Transport Options:

• Cab from airport

• Shared jeeps to Pahalgam + local taxi to Aru

5. Stay & Food

Stay

• Day 1: Aru guesthouse

• Day 2–5: Camping

Food

• Hot cooked vegetarian meals

• Tea / soup in evenings

• Packed lunch on longer days

6. Safety & Weather

Safety

• No technical terrain

• Rivers rise slightly during monsoon

• Guides monitor weather + acclimatization

Weather

• July–August: Peak beauty, lush meadows

• September: Clear skies, crisp views

7. Best Time

• July – September
  This trek closes in autumn/winter due to snow.

8. Packing List

Mandatory

• Trekking shoes

• Warm layers + padded jacket

• Rain gear

• Trekking poles

• Headlamp

• 1–2 water bottles

Optional

• Power bank

• Camera

• Gaiters (optional for rain)

9. FAQs

Q. Is Tarsar Marsar beginner-friendly?
Yes — ideal for first-timers with basic fitness.

Q. Is camping allowed at the lakes?
Yes, Tarsar has one of the best lakeside camps.

Q. How is Marsar Lake accessed?
Seen from a ridge above; approach to the lake itself is restricted.

Q. Any mobile network?
No network after Aru.

Ready to trek Kashmir’s most beautiful twin-lake trail?