Arguably The Prettiest Trek In India
XploreTheDreams invites you to explore the Tarsar Marsar Trek, a journey through Kashmir’s most enchanting landscapes. Often compared with the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, this trail holds its own unique charm — one that feels deeply personal and extraordinary.
On this trek, the alpine lakes truly take on a life of their own. From camping right beside the sapphire waters of Tarsar and Sundersar to walking their full perimeters, this trek offers rare perspectives that very few Himalayan routes can provide. Each view feels intimate, peaceful, and breathtakingly pure.
The Magic of Marsar
The elusive Marsar Lake lies hidden behind mountain ridges, often veiled in a curtain of clouds. Standing on the overhang that overlooks it, trekkers witness one of the most surreal sights in all of Kashmir — the lake appearing and vanishing within moments as clouds drift through the valley below.
The Journey Through Heart of Kashmir
The trail begins from the charming village of Aru, winding through fragrant pine forests, flower-strewn meadows, and clearings around Lidderwat. As you move higher, the meadows of Shekhawas open wide before you, leading to alpine basins that cradle the lakes. Each campsite along the route is more spectacular and serene than the last.
Why Trekkers Love Tarsar Marsar
- Opportunity to camp beside alpine lakes — something even Kashmir Great Lakes doesn’t offer.
- Panoramic views from multiple angles around Tarsar and Sundersar.
- Iconic sunrise over Marsar Lake seen from an overhang viewpoint.
- Serene campsites far from crowds — rare in popular Himalayan treks.
- Lush Kashmiri meadows, streams, and valleys that capture the true essence of the region.
The Tarsar Marsar Trek brings together every element of natural beauty Kashmir is known for — shimmering lakes, emerald meadows, snow-draped ridges, and peaceful isolation. It’s a trek that etches itself into memory, not just through sights but through an unmatched sense of calm and connection with nature.
Tarsar Marsar Trek Itinerary
Drive Distance: 100 km | Drive Duration: 3–4 hours
Pick up point: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, Srinagar at 8:00 AM
Transport cost: ₹600 (plus 5% GST) per trekker (one-way). These are non-AC vehicles. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek.
Note: The process of your registration, health screening, and document verification starts at 1 pm. Ensure you reach Aru on time for it. Do not travel elsewhere on this particular day before your trek.
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours
Altitude Gain: 7,960 ft → 9,120 ft
Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Initial gradual ascent for about half an hour followed by gentle undulating walk until you reach the campsite of Lidderwat.
Trek Distance: 5.6 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours
Altitude Gain: 9,120 ft → 11,035 ft
Difficulty: Moderate. Continuously ascending trail for the first couple of hours with a few short level walks. You have a river crossing just before Homwas followed by a gradual ascent.
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours
Altitude Gain: 11,035 ft → 12,435 ft
Difficulty: Moderate. Continuous ascent, mostly on gradual inclines to reach the ridge and then entering into the meadows of Tarsar.
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours
Altitude: 12,435 ft → 12,945 ft via 13,140 ft
Difficulty: Moderate. Steep ascent in the beginning to the pass, followed by a descent and then a gentle ascent to Sundarsar.
Trek Distance: 9 km | Trek Duration: 7 hours
Altitude Loss: 12,945 ft → 11,300 ft via 13,165 ft
Difficulty: Moderate. An hour ascent to Marsar. You later have a gradual descent all the way to Homwas.
Trek Distance: 13 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours
Altitude Loss: 11,300 ft → 7,960 ft
Difficulty: Easy. Gradually descending trail all the way to Aru.
From Aru, transport to Srinagar will be organised by Indiahikes. Cost: ₹750 (plus 5% GST) per trekker (one-way). These are non-AC vehicles. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
If cancelled within 9 days before the trek, no cash refund is provided but you may receive a 10-20% voucher valid for one year. For cancellations 10-14 days prior, 50% of the trek fee is deducted. Trek insurance is recommended for emergency situations.
Tarsar Marsar is located in the Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Kashmir. The trek starts from Aru Village near Pahalgam (about 12 km from Pahalgam and 100 km from Srinagar), nestled in the Kolahoi Mountain Range.
Yes, Kashmir is safe for trekking. The routes are monitored by the Indian Army and tourism has increased significantly. Trek with reputable operators, stay in groups, carry valid ID proof at all times, and check current security conditions before starting.
The Tarsar Marsar trek covers approximately 47-51 km and takes 7-8 days to complete, with daily trekking lasting 6-7 hours.
The trek is rated moderate to moderately difficult. It includes steep climbs, boulder sections, and a maximum altitude of 13,165 feet at Marsar Lake. The challenging sections include Aru to Lidderwat, Shekwas to Tarsar, and steep descents on the final days.
Good fitness is essential. You should be able to run 5 km in 32-35 minutes consistently. The trek requires 6-7 hours of daily walking over varied terrain, so cardiovascular endurance and stamina are important.
It is recommended to book at least 2 months in advance, especially for peak season (July-September). This ensures availability and allows sufficient time for permit processing and trek preparations.
Mobile network is available only till Srinagar and partially in Aru village (BSNL). There is no network beyond the base camp during the trek. No electricity is available on the trail; carry fully charged power banks (10,000+ mAh) and batteries. Only postpaid connections (Airtel/Jio/BSNL) work in Kashmir.
The recommended age limit is up to 62 years, but this depends on your fitness level. You must pass fitness requirements (5 km run in 35-38 minutes), submit a medical certificate attested by a doctor, and get medical clearance before the trek.
Yes, backpack offloading services are available where porters carry your bag (maximum 10 kg). Some operators provide this free of charge, while others charge Rs 1,500-2,500. Confirm availability and cost at the time of booking.
Yes, cloakroom facilities are available in Srinagar or at the base camp in Aru village where you can store excess luggage during the trek. Do not leave valuables or important documents. The luggage will be returned at the end of your trek.
All trekkers need to carry original government ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Driver’s License) along with 3 photocopies for checkpost verification. Medical certificate, signed waiver document, and trek insurance are mandatory. Permit processing typically takes 7-21 days, so apply well in advance through your trek operator.
Kolahoi Glacier Trek Cost Details
- Accommodation in tents and guesthouses during the trek
- All meals from Day 2 breakfast to Day 7 lunch (veg and nutritious)
- Trek leader, local guide, cook, and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, tents, mats, and kitchen gear
- Permits, wildlife and environmental fees
- Mules/porters for carrying common equipment
- First-aid kit and basic medical assistance
- Transport from Srinagar to Aru and return
- Meals during transit and in Srinagar/Pahalgam
- Personal gear (trekking shoes, jackets, poles, etc.)
- Porter for personal luggage
- Insurance (travel, health, or emergency evacuation)
- Expenses due to weather, roadblocks, or unforeseen conditions
- Anything not mentioned in “Includes”
Kuari Pass Trek Location
- Arrive at Aru Valley, around 12 km from Pahalgam.
- Check into a guesthouse or camp.
- Meet trek leader and team for a briefing and equipment check.
- Acclimatization walk in the evening along the Lidder River.
- Overnight stay at Aru.
- The trek begins with a gentle ascent through pine and maple forests.
- Cross streams and meadows with views of Kolahoi glacier in the distance.
- Reach Lidderwat campsite — a scenic valley surrounded by peaks.
- Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
- Gradual climb through lush green meadows and shepherd huts.
- Enjoy views of the river and small waterfalls along the way.
- Reach Shekwas, a meadow used by nomads during summer.
- Overnight camping at Shekwas.
- The trail ascends through alpine grasslands to the breathtaking Tarsar Lake.
- The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and reflects turquoise hues.
- Spend the evening exploring around the lake.
- Overnight camping near Tarsar Lake.
- Cross the Tarsar Pass (~13,500 ft) for panoramic views of both lakes.
- Descend to the other side into the valley and trek towards Sundersar Lake.
- Camp near the lake surrounded by wildflowers and meadows.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Early morning hike to Marsar Lake — hidden amidst mist and cliffs.
- Enjoy the majestic view of the twin lake from a vantage point.
- Descend back to Homwas via Sundersar.
- Dinner and overnight camping at Homwas.
- Descend through Lidderwat valley and retrace the route back to Aru.
- Reach Aru by afternoon and depart towards Pahalgam or Srinagar.
- Trek ends with fond memories of Kashmir’s alpine beauty.
