Starts From
Mountains that look like they have stepped out of a portrait.
Lakes that are brought to life by pure melting snow.
Valleys that look like a green carpet dotted with the most exotic-coloured flowers.
A constant scent in the air that pulls you towards it.
Do you really need anything more to break that monotony of your daily life? Perhaps some new friends and an adventure that will stay with you for a long time.
Presenting the Tarsar Marsar trek – the kind of trek that you might want to repeat, simply because you want to experience the sheer beauty of Kashmir.
Nestled in the heart of Kashmir, the Tarsar and Marsar lakes are the kind of places you might see in your happiest dreams. When the sun shines, the water twinkles and when the clouds descend, the lake disappears under a shroud.
At Plan The Unplanned, we don’t do random trips – we do treks that might challenge your body, but will certainly rejuvenate your mind. This alpine trek would be a change of scenery, as well as a change of mind for you, Bangaloreans!
Kashmir might seem distant from Bangalore, but when you are trekking with Plan The Unplanned, no gorgeous destination is too far. Even if you are someone who is travelling that far up north for the first time, there is nothing to worry about. Not only will we chart out the entire trip, we will also help you with what you need to carry and such.
But let’s first take a look at all that you will get to experience on the Tarsar Marsar lake trek:
Kashmir is known for its pristine beauty, but what you get to experience off the beaten path is a gloriousness that is unparalleled. Trek and camp with Plan The Unplanned for a journey that will find a place in your fondest memories.
Starting From : INR 16750/-
per person
Dinner
Private Vehicle
Tents
Details
The adventure begins in Srinagar and we drive to Aru Valley located at 8,000 ft. above sea level. A 3.5 hours drive shows off beautiful views, providing us with a peek at the rivers Jhelum and Lidder- crystal clear flowing water that we are about to see even more closely in the few days to come.
When in Aru give time to acclimatise. Give your legs a stretch, feel the cool mountain air, take several clicks of pictures and bathe in the environment. Today is your day to adjust to the new surroundings and also wind down, and prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
All Meals
Trek
Tents
Details
Wake up and have breakfast and prepare yourself to take a beautiful trekking route of Aru to Lidderwat at 9,000 ft. The path is easy and mostly hilly up and down and takes about 7 hours of hiking through the pinewood forests and green fields.
When you arrive at the campsite you will be welcomed with a piece of paradise as down on one side flows the gurgling Lidder River and on the other the almighty Kolahoi Glacier flowing its waters. Interestingly, Lidderwat literally means a Lidder Mixture, an ideal name for this bridge of natural beauty.
Relax in a hot cup of tea, watch the beautiful scenery and have an afternoon story at the riverside and sleep under the stars.
All Meals
Trek
Tents
Details
The path starts by ascending slowly but steadily along the thick meadows and forest segments, with few unstable areas coming in its way. When you go by Homwas, and cross a river behind it, look out on a short, but sudden, ascent.
Between Homwas and Shekwas the country does fairly open out - by imagination take in broad acres, steep valleys and winding brooks. Watch out near the camp site, there is a Zadsar Lake but it is filled only early season rather it drizzles towards the month of August.
To conclude the day, indulge in stunning sunset moments at Shekwas, a place that has perfected its mood of undisturbed wilderness, and mountainous sceneries as your company.
All Meals
Trek
Tents
Details
The same day trail has a gradual ascent through easy gradients and takes you to a spectacular Tarsar Lake. The turquoise water is visible after approximately four hours as it is surrounded by the magnificent mountains of Kolahai.
The approach to the lake, by a picturesque stream overlying rocks, then a broad, open scenery, is very delightful. When you get to the lake, camp and allow the calmness of the environment to engulf you. The rest is your time, you can go to the shores and relax on the water and that is what most people do or just enjoy the beauty like no other.
All Meals
Trek
Tents
Details
Rise early in the morning to have a spectacular view of Tarsar Lake and then have a trek to Sundarsar located at 12,900 ft. The hiking route starts with a steep ascent to the Tarsar Pass that grants you breathtaking views on lush grasslands extending towards the Jagmargi Plains.
Walk across crystal-clear rivers, cross meadows speckled with wild horses, and arrive at the moon shaped Sundarsar Lake - which changes view with the direction you are facing. Camp on the peaceful water and do not miss the golden sunset and sunrise colors. It is like spending the night on another planet.
All Meals
Trek
Tents
Details
The day will start with a 40 minutes ascent to the highest point of the trek and the highest point also in the whole Marsar Lake, at 13165ft. Marsar is often referred to as being the twin of Tarsar and it is as beautiful as it is alpine and feeds into the Dal Lake via the Dachigam National Park. The adjacent trail has an exciting landscape of wilderness and hilly terrain.
Having basked in the scenery, slip down through meadows and ridges to Homwas (11,300 ft), where you will spend the night admiring the serene environment.
Breakfast
Multiple Modes | (Trek, D)
Stay Not Applicable
Details
We will close our tour with a picturesque drive, to Aru, by Lidderwat, by passing Homwas. Relive the previous few sights and then we hit back to Srinagar where you spend the night.
The week of trekking in the most clean and wild parts of Kashmir ends, full of new acquaintances, personal achievements and unpredictable impressions. You might feel sore in your legs, but your heart will fill.
This trip can have an end but the memories of the trip will last forever.
✅ Soft copy of your Aadhaar or Voter ID (mandatory for permits)
✅ A comfortable pair of trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support (no sneakers or sports shoes)
✅ 40–60 litre backpack with sturdy straps and a rain cover
✅ 20-litre foldable daypack for summit day essentials
✅ Warm layers, thermals, and weather-appropriate clothing
✅ Lightweight trek pants, t-shirts, and undergarments as per your need
✅ Sunglasses, sun cap, and sunscreen for sun protection
✅ 2 pairs of regular socks + 1 pair of woollen socks
✅ Hand gloves to keep your fingers warm
✅ Torch or headlamp for visibility at night (mandatory)
✅ Trekking pole to support your walk
✅ Extra cash for any meals not covered in your itinerary
✅ Compact raincoat or backpack cover to stay dry
✅ Power bank and charging cable for your phone
✅ Portable chargers for other electronics
✅ Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
✅ Extra pairs of clothes to change into
✅ Poly bags to pack your wet clothes
✅ 2x one litre water bottle
Here’s the cancellation policy for Tarsar Marsar Kashmir Trek
Note:
If for a rare reason, PTU cancels the trek
Plan The Unplanned strives to ensure that our treks are not cancelled or called off. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances or natural disasters such as continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other calamity that could jeopardize the safety of our trekkers, or if there are unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that make a safe trek impossible, we will issue a voucher equivalent to the amount paid for the trek. This voucher can be redeemed for any of our treks in the coming year. We regret any inconvenience caused by such cancellations, but our top priority is always the safety of our trekkers.
We've divided out the travel based on the kind of transportation and the route you take for clarity:
TRC to Srinagar Airport
As you exit the Srinagar (Sheikh Ul-Alam) airport, the tricolour flag of India waves proudly in front of you. You must first travel to the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), which is located 12 kilometres from the airport. But getting there is simple.There are two routes to the TRC.
1. Government Bus: This is the most convenient option. Every half hour, airport shuttles transport passengers to TRC. The ticket now costs around Rs.80. If you have time on your side, this is the most dependable, safe, and cost-effective method.
The second alternative is to take a private cab. As soon as you exit the airport, you will be bombarded with them. However, choose this alternative only if you are short on time because it is costly. The cab will cost you approximately Rs.600. Please keep in mind that while vehicles are available in Srinagar city, they are not available at the airport complex. To find an auto, you must walk about a kilometre from the airport. It is not recommended.
TRC to Aru Direct Route
After arriving at TRC, you will begin your journey to Aru. The road to Aru goes through Pahalgam. As a result, the first and most visible leg of your travel will be to Pahalgam. This can be accomplished in two ways. One travels along the four-lane Jammu Highway, passing through Anantnag. The second is on the other side of the Lidder river and takes the same length of time but is a little more scenic because of the apple and apricot orchards along the way. This is the path that leads through Bijbehra.Both roads meet three kilometres before Pahalgam. The entire route takes approximately 3.5 hours.
How to Plan Your Travel ?
1. When travelling to Srinagar, we recommend arriving a day early and staying in Srinagar. Staying in Srinagar allows you to get some much-needed rest for the night. Plus some additional sightseeing.Your journey concludes at Sonarmarg when you return. We once again organise transportation for trekkers to reach Srinagar. You arrive in Srinagar between 6 and 7 p.m.
Keep a buffer day aside for emergencies. Your journey will last 7 days, but add one extra day as a buffer. This is not part of the itinerary. On a trek, it is impossible to forecast adverse weather, landslides, or political situations. If you don't use the buffer day on the trek, you may always use it to explore Srinagar.
After including the buffer day in your itinerary, always reserve your return flight/train tickets.
2. Arrange your next flight/train trip
If you are flying from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, or any other city, book your flights for Day Zero, which is the day before Day 1 on the schedule. If your trek begins on July 24, plan your flights to Srinagar on July 23.
In order to make this a smooth and enjoyable process for all involved we ask that you read and follow the below guidelines:
Starting From : INR 16750/-
per person
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