About the Trek
The Tarsar Marsar trek takes you to two of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Kashmir, set in the heart of the Aru Valley near Pahalgam. Tarsar Lake is a large, deep-blue lake surrounded by towering green mountains, while Marsar Lake is a smaller, more secluded gem hidden in a high cirque.
The trail passes through some of Kashmir's finest landscapes — vast meadows filled with wildflowers, dense birch forests, crystal-clear streams, and dramatic mountain passes. The Lidder Valley, through which the trek begins, is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the entire Himalayas.
This trek offers the quintessential Kashmir trekking experience — pastoral beauty, shepherd encounters, and the kind of pristine alpine scenery that has earned Kashmir the title 'Paradise on Earth'. The moderate difficulty makes it accessible to most trekkers while still offering a genuine wilderness experience.
Trek Highlights
- Camp beside the stunning Tarsar Lake — a deep-blue alpine gem
- Cross a high ridge to reach the secluded Marsar Lake
- Walk through Kashmir's flower-filled meadows and birch forests
- Stunning views of the Kolahoi Glacier and surrounding peaks
- Encounter Gujjar shepherds and their flocks
- The quintessential Kashmir trekking experience
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 7-day trek from Srinagar through the Aru Valley to the twin alpine lakes of Tarsar and Marsar.
- Drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam, then to Aru village
- Trek registration and permits
- Explore the beautiful Aru Valley
- Overnight at guesthouse
- Trek along the Lidder river through forest
- Gradual ascent through meadows
- Reach Lidderwat campsite by the river
- Overnight in tents
- Steep climb through birch forest to Shekwas meadow
- Continue ascending to the ridge above Tarsar
- Descend to Tarsar Lake — stunning blue water surrounded by peaks
- Camp beside the lake
- Overnight in tents
- Climb the ridge between Tarsar and Marsar
- Reach the secluded Marsar Lake
- Descend to Sundersar campsite
- Overnight in tents
- Descend through meadows and shepherd camps
- Beautiful pastoral scenery
- Reach Homwas campsite
- Overnight in tents
- Descend back to Aru village
- Trek completion
- Overnight at guesthouse
- Drive back to Srinagar
- Optional shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Trek concludes — departure
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom) x 2
- Heavy fleece / down jacket
- Waterproof outer shell
- Woollen cap, balaclava, gloves (inner + outer)
- Trekking pants x 2
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
- Gaiters
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is a Moderate grade trek. You'll be walking 5–8 hours on some days, often at altitudes above 3,500 m. Prior trekking experience is not mandatory but a solid 4–6 weeks of preparation will make a real difference.
Cardio — Start 4–6 Weeks Before
- Run/jog: Build up to 5 km in under 28 minutes, 4x per week
- Brisk walks: 8–10 km weekend walks with a 5–8 kg daypack
- Stairs: 10–12 floors daily, or use a stair machine at the gym
- Cycling / swimming: Great cross-training — 30 min sessions, 2x per week
Strength (3–4x per week)
- Squats — 3 sets of 20 (add 5 kg dumbbells in week 3+)
- Lunges — 3 sets of 15 each leg
- Step-ups on a bench — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Planks — hold 60 seconds, 3 sets; side planks 30 sec each
- Dead hangs — grip strength helps on rocky scrambles
Diet & Hydration
- 3–4 litres of water daily throughout your training period
- High-protein meals (eggs, dal, paneer, chicken) for muscle recovery
- Complex carbs (oats, brown rice, sweet potato) for sustained energy
- Cut alcohol completely 1 week before departure
- Carry electrolyte sachets and glucose powder for the trail
Altitude Awareness
- Moderate treks often cross 3,500–4,200 m — AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real risk
- Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and hydrate constantly above 3,000 m
- Know the symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness
- Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel unwell — never push through altitude symptoms
- Consult your doctor about Diamox if you have a history of altitude sensitivity
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Aru Valley and the trek route are safe and well-established. Trishul Adventures works with local Kashmiri guides who know the terrain and conditions.
July to September offers the best weather. June can have residual snow, and October is cold but offers clear skies.
Both lakes have crystal-clear water. Tarsar is deep blue while Marsar has a more turquoise hue. The water is glacially cold.
Yes, there are several stream crossings which are manageable but can be higher after rain. Waterproof boots or trek sandals are useful.