Kashmir is truly enchanting as it is obsessively laden with natural beauty, unparalleled to the rest of the world. Every bit of this place is heavily blessed and wins every heart that has visited it. One of its bits to experience its beauty is through Tarsar Marsar Trek. Considered one of the best treks in India, its beauty is beyond mesmerizing. It is the best place where you can see the hours slowly turning into days and days into a week. As much as it is recommended for avid trekkers, this trek can be also participated by beginners.
The Tarsar Marsar Trek
Tarsar Marsar Trek is the most epic trek as it covers ravishing views of mountains, valleys, rivers and pine groves. The trek covers a distance of 48 km and generally breaks down to a 7 days itinerary. The trails of the Tarsar Marsar Trek are moderate to take and not hideous. It commences and ends at Aru. Passing through the most incredible landscapes, this trek mostly takes beside the River Lidder.
Also Read: Exploring The Spectacular Natula Pass – Sikkim
How To Reach Tarsar Marsar Trek
To take the Tarsar Marsar Trek, one must reach Srinagar first via train, flight or vehicle. Srinagar is a pristine popular Kashmiri Town loved by everyone who visits. Reaching here is no big deal as every mode of transportation is accessible.
Trekking Itinerary for Tarsar Marsar Trek
Day 1: Srinagar to Aru Base Camp – The real deal starts here
Altitude: 7,958 ft (2,426 m)
Duration: Three and half hours drive.
To commence the Tarsar Marsar Trek, one must travel from Srinagar to Aru Base Camp which takes about 3 hours by car. As you begin the journey, you can enjoy the 3600 views of the green meadows dotted by an array of about 200 asbestos-roofed huts, the mountains surrounding it and the sublime lush greeneries around. At nightfall, you can stay put and relax in one of the cottages here and enjoy the beautiful nightlife.
Day 2: Aru to Lidderwat
Altitude: 7,958 ft to 9,131 ft
Duration: 6 hours Trekking
Trekking Distance: 10 km
The second day of the Tarsar Marsar Trek unfurls the most majestic view. The trail leads on beside the River Lidder until it reaches a little ascent uphill to reach a village. The trek leads you through the agricultural departmental fence and later passes through a village, a cluster of fir trees and pine forest, and little huts near Dalla. The panorama is simply blissful and the evanescing scenery will thrill you further. After crossing several fir trees and their groves, streams and bridges, you will have a glimpse of Lidderwat. A few minutes later, you will reach the lush green meadows and finally, you will have your rest for the night there.
Day 3: Lidderwat to Shekwas
Altitude: 9,131 ft to 11,039 ft
Duration: 5 hours Trekking
Trekking Distance: 5.6 km
Waking up to the most beautiful view, you will feel elated and cannot wait but proceed with the trekking further. The third day of trekking will include a path that ascends, crosses rivers and passes through plain terrains. As you walk on, you can feel the intense landscape of intersecting towering mountains that holds a beautiful valley with snow patches here and there. Experience the bliss of an age-old forest of Bhoj trees or silver birch and continue your path to reach Shekwas. By far, Shekwas is considered one of the best camping spots in the entire Tarsar Marsar Trek.
Day 4: Shekwas to Tarsar
Altitude: 11,039 ft to 12,449 ft
Duration: 5 Hours Trekking
Trekking Distance: 5 km
On the fourth day, the onward journey and its destination from Shekwas are Tarsar, a pristine lake in the shape of an almond. It will be a gradual uphill winding trail in the grassland until you reach Sumbal. From there, it further leads you through the valley. Cross some few ridges, and streams and get a little glimpse of the lake at a conical hilltop. The view will make your heart race because of the beauty. Trek on and brace yourself to see the most picturesque view of Tarsar Lake surrounded by ridges and hills. Sit and relax as you camp by the lake and watch the water turn turquoise blue, gleaming like twinkling stars and diamonds.
Day 5: Tarsar to Sundersar
Altitude: 12,449 ft to 12,946 ft
Duration: 5 hours trekking
Trekking Distance: 5 km
The fifth day’s trekking destination is Sundersar with the most rewarding view on the way. The journey will not stop your adrenaline rushes as you can see the sublime grasslands filled with stream-fed ponds, flower beds and other enticing things your eyes have never seen. Keep up with the path with the charming velvet-like flowers along the stream. Take a little exploration at Bakkarval shelters and continue the trail behind these shelters. The trail will lead you straight to the flat meadows of Sundersar Lake. You can set up your camp here, contemplate the immense beauty around and relax.
Day 6: Sundersar to Homwas via Marsar
Altitude: 12,946 ft to 11,500 ft
Marsar Ridge Altitude: 13,201 ft
Duration: 7 hours trekking
Trekking Distance: 9 km
Start the day’s mission with a happy heart after a good rest at Sundersar adorn by a ravishing landscape. Walk along the shores of the lake to find two passes leading to Marsar and choose the shorter trail. The overwhelming path of rocks and boulders will soon lead you to flat ground. In a little while, Marsar will come into view and you cannot help but be awestruck at the beguiling beauty. Explore the mesmerizing spot of Marsar and return to Sundarsar Valley and take the trail leading to Shekwas to reach Homwas. Camp for the night at Homwas and experience quite a nightlife there.
Day 7: Homwas to Aru
Altitude: 11,500 ft (3,505 m) to 7,958 ft (2,426 m)
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 13 km
It is the last day of trekking and you will feel a surge of satisfaction as if all your worries and stress are surrendered to the beauty and charm of nature. On your return to Aru from Homwas, capture the imposing Kolahoi glacier and the charming landscape for the last time. Reaffirm your admiration towards the landscape of Lidderwat as you return. Now, you can head to Aru and then drive back to Srinagar, fulfilled.
Best Time To Take The Tarsar Marsar Trek
The best time to experience the Tarsar Marsar Trek in all its natural splendour is from late June to late September.
Also Read: The 10 Best Treks Of Himachal Pradesh.