Tarsar Marsar Trek – The Kashmiri Kaashur

Tarsar Marsar Trek – The Kashmiri Kaashur

A journey to these incredibly beautiful twin lakes is a dream of every trekker across the world. A cliché but true couplets of a poet say, "if there is heaven on earth then it is in Kashmir."

The valley of Kashmir will make you fall short of adjectives to describe it. "Kaashur," the word in Kashmiri, means beauty, and Tarsar Marsar is synonymous with it. These royal blue snow-covered lakes provide you secluded heaven of your own, where you get to pitch your tent right next to them. The fresh air and the blossoming nature around them is a breathtaking experience. A Trek where you witness dollops of cloud covering these twins leaves you visually stunned for a lifetime.

Starting from the Village of Aru to the Valley of Lidderwat, this journey will engulf your thoughts with the memory of the green mountains of Shekhawas and the excitement of visiting these alpine lakes.

Expert Opinion Tarsar Marsar:

Neil Bhuta: Tarsar Marsar has been one of the most fabulous experiences of my life. As an avid trekker, I would say it's been one of the best experiences in Kashmir so far. A trek that lingers on in your memory for a long and below is a list of why I love this twin lake trek.

1.) It gives me an experience of intimacy. I got an opportunity to walk by the shores and experience the lakes Tarsar and Sundarsar ambiance by being in close proximity with them.

2.) Sundarsar has a secret passage that leads to the other twin Marsar Lake. It's a spectacular view as the clouds would just gush by your side, and within minutes Marsar would be out of your sight as the fluffy clouds cover it up with their magnanimity.

3.) The Jagmargi Plain, which welcomes you an hour before you reach Sundarsar, is a beauty to witness. The variety of flowers and spread of green that you witness here is something beyond imagination. You may find it difficult to cross this patch as every time you step ahead, and you would be crushing a flower underneath your feet. 

4.) The Shekwas Campsite is an experience a trekker must-have. It's rare to find a campsite that is nestled by three valleys, and that's what Shekwas Campsite is all about. Sweeping mountains, the soft grass to walk upon, and that sunset views, phew! This undulating landscape is a confirmation that some divine source is at work and creating miracles in our lives.

Tarsar Marsar Trek Brief Itinerary

Day One - Road Trip from Srinagar to Village Aru. A 3-hour journey in a 5-6 seater vehicle. Approx. Cost INR 600-700 per person.

Day Two - Trek from village Aru to Lidderwat. A 10 km trek, rated as easy to moderate. 

Day Three - Lidderwat to Shekwas Campsite. Approx 6 km trek, rated as moderate as it involves continues 2 km of steep climbing with few walks.

Day Four - Shekwas to Tarsar. Moderate 5 km trek, mostly ascending with gradual inclines.

Day Five - Tarsar to Sundarsar. Five km trek ascending for some time and then a small patch of descending and ascending again towards Sundarsar.

Day Six - From Sundarsar to Homwas through Marsar. A 9 km Trek that includes a 40 minute ascend to Marsar, and then an ascend towards the Homwas.

Day Seven - Homwas to Aru and then final drive to Srinagar. A 13 km descending Trek to the village Aru and then a 3-4 hour drive back to Srinagar.

Tarsar Marsar Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar to Aru Base Camp (100 km, 3.5 hrs)

The group will assemble in Srinagar by 11 AM and travel to Pahalgam in a local cab. From there, we will take a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Aru via Pahalgam. The route through Bijbehra offers breathtaking views of Kashmir’s landscapes, including apple orchards, walnuts, and apricots. Crossing the Lidder River, we will reach the picturesque Aru Valley. After checking into our homestay, you can explore the surroundings and soak in the beauty of the valley. An overnight stay in Aru marks the beginning of our adventure.

Highlight: Scenic drive from Srinagar to Aru Valley via Pahalgam.

Day 2: Aru to Lidderwat (10 km, 6 hrs)

After an early breakfast, we begin our trek to Lidderwat. The trail starts with a steady climb from the village, following the Lidder River. Along the way, we will pass through small settlements and fir tree forests at Dalla. As we gain elevation, Aru village will be left far behind. After reaching Nandkei, where locals ride horses, we continue onward until we arrive at our campsite in Lidderwat. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in tents.

Highlight: Lidder River, Dalla, and camping.

Day 3: Lidderwat to Shekwas (6 km, 5 hrs)

Waking up in the heart of nature is a refreshing experience. After breakfast, we will continue trekking along the river, passing through lush pine forests. The trail is relatively easy, leading to a stunning open meadow with towering mountains in the background. Along the way, we cross Bhakarwal and see Gujjar huts in the grassy fields. After navigating through these settlements, we reach our campsite at Shekwas, where we will have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 4: Shekwas to Tarsar (5 km, 5 hrs)

Today’s trek takes us to the breathtaking Tarsar Lake. The trail consists of various ridges, leading to a magnificent clearing where the stunning almond-shaped Tarsar Lake appears. After crossing a few rocky patches and streams, we arrive at our campsite near the lake. At night, the lake turns a mesmerizing shade of turquoise blue, reflecting the surrounding snow-covered peaks. You can explore the area and witness a stunning sunset before ending the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Tarsar.

Day 5: Tarsar to Sundarsar (6 km, 5 hrs)

After breakfast, we will begin our journey to Sundarsar Lake. The trail descends through shepherds’ paths before leading to a beautiful, velvety meadow. Along the way, we pass Bakkarval shelters and walk through a boulder-strewn area before entering a colorful meadow filled with wildflowers. After trekking further, we reach Sundarsar Lake, a stunning camping site with expansive grassy land. We will set up our tents and spend the night in this serene location.

Day 6: Visit Marsar and Return to Homwas (11 km, 7 hrs)

Today’s trek is slightly challenging as we navigate rocky terrain in the morning. After walking along Sundarsar Lake, we reach a junction where we take the trail leading to Marsar Lake. The path consists of boulders and rough patches before flattening into lush grassland. After taking in the views of Marsar, we will descend toward Homwas, retracing parts of our route. Dinner and an overnight stay at Homwas conclude the day.

Day 7: Homwas to Aru and Drive to Srinagar (13 km, 7 hrs)

On our final day, we take the same trail back to Aru, passing through the familiar meadows and Lidderwat. From Aru, a 3.5-hour drive will bring us back to Srinagar. As we reach the city, we will bid farewell, carrying unforgettable memories of the trek.