Tarsar Marsar Lakes Trek: A Trekker’s Paradise in Kashmir

Full guide and itinerary.


Blog Home | Haveed Hilal | 20-01-2024


Tarsar Marsar: Overview

When we talk about the less visited and most serene places of unparalleled beauty in Kashmir, Tarsar and Marsar Lakes stand among the top destinations. These are two of the largest high-altitude lakes in Kashmir. I am typing today to give you detailed info about the Tarsar Marsar trekking, activities and other necessary details. Tarsar Marsar Lakes are two of the most magnificent yet unexplored beauties of Kashmir.

The Twin Lakes

Beginning with the geography of the lakes, Tarsar and Marsar are often called twin lakes or sister lakes. This is due to the short distance of around 3 kilometres that stands between the two lakes. Both the lakes are of oligotrophic nature and boast crystal clear waters that are a heavenly sight to the eyes. These are situated in the alpine regions of the Greater HImalayan Range of mountains, in the east of Kashmir region, connecting with the Anantnag and Pulwama districts of Kashmir. Reaching a height of around 13,000 feet, these lakes are home to various trout fishes and mahseer. These are hot destinations for trekking in Kashmir.

Poetry of Yusuf Shah Chak

Diving into the history of Kashmir, we find that the Sultan, Yusuf Shah Chak in his reign of Kashmir, wrote a few lines relating to the lakes:

“When I remember the two tresses of the comely beloved, Tears begin to flow from my eyes like streams from Tarsar and Marsar.”

Trekking Routes

There are many trekking routes to reach the twin lakes including, Dachigam National Park in Srinagar, Naga-Beran in Tral, Naranag in Ganderbal and Aru Valley in Pahalgam. The most accessible and most used is the Aru Valley route which can be hiked by a beginner as well. Tarsar Marsar trekking is most suited from Aru Valley.

Trekking Journey

Tarsar Marsar Trek
Map showing the checkpoints of Tarsar Marsar Trek. Source: Trek The Himalayas

Talking about the trek itself, this trek is considered among the longest in the category of high-altitude lakes in Kashmir. The trek duration is around 7 days and the distance is approx 48 kilometres- to and fro. During the trekking journey, you will see lush pastures, glacial streams, dense forests, green carpeted meadows, tribesmen and their houses (locally called Gujjar and Bakerwal) and vistas that leave you stunned.

Brief Itinerary

This is the day-wise details of the Tarsar Marsar trekking journey:

  • First day – Srinagar to Aru – stay at Aru
  • Second day- Aru to Lidderwat- 10 km
  • Third day- Lidderwat to Shekwas- 6 km
  • Fourth day- Shekwas to Tarsar Lake- 4 km
  • Fifth day- Tarsar Lake to Sundersar Lake- 6 km
  • Sixth day- Sundersar to Marsar Lake to Homwas- 9 km
  • Seventh-day- Homwas to Aru- 13 km

Wildlife Amid The Trek

Higher reaches of Kashmir.
Higher reaches of Kashmir. Source: Kashmir Monitor

While passing through the areas of Tarsar and Marsar trekking, you can get a chance to see amazing wildlife. The Tarsar and Marsar area is adjacent to the Dachigam National Park and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary.

You can spot wonderful wildlife such as Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Kashmir Stag (Hangul), Grey Langoor, Musk Deer, Golden Marmot and many other exotic species. You can also find numerous alpine avian species including Jackdaw, Himalayan Black Bulbul, Monal Pheasant and many migratory birds as well.

In the flora category, you can see plenty of pine, fir and deodar trees. Flowers like geum, potentilla, blue poppy and gentian are common near the lakes. Many medicinal plants are also found in these alpine areas.

The Lidder River

Lidder River
Tourists had a stop by the Lidder River on the journey to Tarsar Marsar Lakes. Source: 2itchyfeet

This is the river that forms the Pahalgam Valley and is seen flowing abundantly in Pahalgam. This river has its source in the Kolahoi Glacier and is seen flowing at many intervals in the serene journey of Tarsar Marsar trekking.

Necessary Protocols

  • Some important protocols to follow in trekking in Kashmir and Tarsar Marsar trekking are:
  • Carry warm clothes, waterproof shoes, and trekking equipment such as poles and sleeping bags.
  • Follow your guide in every manner because a forest is beautiful but dangerous at the same time.
  • You can opt for horse riding if you think you cannot make the journey on foot.
  • Prior permission from the wildlife department is necessary, although we can arrange that already.
  • Do not litter in the area and keep the environment clean.

Best Time For The Trek

The best time for doing the Tarsar Marsar trekking is the same as for other high-altitude lakes in Kashmir- June to September. The lakes are not accessible in winter because of the huge amount of snow in the areas.

Start The Expedition!

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