Max Altitude
13,500 FT
Grade
Easy To Moderate
Duration
7 Days
Trekking KM.
48 KM
Suitable for: | 10+ years |
Experience: | First timer can apply, previous trekking experience is more appreciated. |
Fitness: | cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress. |
Customise Trek
Trek Info
One day, if you wake up in the meadows of Kashmir on your trek to Tarsar Marsar, in that moment, your entire life is going to dissolve into a distant dream. As though you have just crossed the threshold and come to heaven. The famous couplet of the Persian poet shall ring true— if there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here!
The valley of Kashmir is an experience that may rob the most masterful wordsmith off adjectives, but never fail to brew unceasing lyricism in the heart of her beholders. Kashmir’s inherent classical romanticism aside, there are some things exclusively special to trekking and the Tarsar Marsar twin lakes trek brings all of them together.
Grasslands like velvet, walking through hovering pine trees that are beautiful and fragrant, little thatched roofed hamlets peopled by beautiful humans, perfect stillness of azure waters, and camping by the glacial lakes which give the trek its name. What’s more wonderful, on practical trekking terms, Tarsar Marsar doesn’t charge a great deal of physical challenge, acclimatization prerequisites, or exhaustion.
Special Note: Lately, there has been much apprehension regarding treks in Kashmir owing to perennial reports of trouble brewing in the valley. Therefore, in a responsibly organized journey, with some foresight, we wish to add an extra day or two in the 7-day itinerary. If we must make an emergency halt, the need for which we pray doesn’t occur, these buffer days will be useful. This can be confirmed and elaborated upon at the time of your trek registration.
Health Awareness
Government Employees {SCL}
Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT)
Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.
Note
Our first day destination is Aru on the banks of Lidder and Aru Rivers, situated 12 km off Pahalgam. A fairly developed tourist stop, Aru is regarded the main base for two well-loved treks—the Tarsar Marsar and Kolahoi Glacier Trek, the destination of the latter being the origination of the Lidder-Aru rivers.
We shall meet you at Srinagar and make a 3-4 hours short drive to Aru via Pahalgam. Since steady telephonic network by all network providers cannot be confirmed at Aru, you need to wrap up your communication with the rest of the world at Pahalgam itself.
At Aru, you will be welcomed at a river-side camping zone, off the touristy hub, by the sweet flowing Lidder. There are lots of activities around town at Aru—from trout fishing in the Lidder, the Aru Biosphere Reserve to horseback riding and heliskiing in the winters. You can explore and mark these for a later visit, because we will be reaching quite late into the dusk around 6 pm.
Today we shall be following the Lidder River upstream. After a 9-10 km walk up soft slopes, the trail enters a thicket of conifers. Revealing a sweeping view of the Aru valley left down below. We continue venturing through the forest shade and then come into a clearing filled with Gujjar huts. This is the Nandekai village inhabited by seasonal, migrating shepherd people, and agrarian, foraging Gujjar community. Here is a slice of idyll, picture perfect and a far call from life as we know it. We won’t be passing through the heart of the village but rather get a priceless deep view of the picturesque setting as we move uphill. A little after, we have now entered a tumbling meadow grassland, and the fir tree thickets have completely ebbed away. This is still part of the Gujjar village ecosystem and you are going to find horse -riding folks and cattle grazers.
The trail cuts across a couple of little valley streams next as we go. We soon come across a crude log bridge over the second brook. This is the spot to fill up our water supplies and take some rest, may be have the lunch carried from last camp. The Lidderwat locale is still an hour’s journey from here.
The trail here curves into another wooded area of gorgeous firs before coming out into the meadows of Lidderwat where the river flows clear watered. We can find quaint little Gujjar settlements that mark the valley locale. Thanks to tourist inflow in recent times, there are also Pahalgam District Authority Huts and food places established for comfortable stays.
Our camp would be at a quiet spot close to the stream. There should be enough time before sundown to walk around the peaceful fir tree shadowed Gujjar settlement and then lay out in the dying light on soft grass by the streamside to soak in the tranquil.
A trek, approx 5-hour long starts today, winding directly up from behind the PDA homes. In a matter of half an hour, you will be finding yourself inside a forest of pines, the Lidder River is now a distant shadow, and the meadows have ebbed away. The woods are not very thick and occasionally open up to wide clearings.
Soon, you will find the stretch of Lidderwat breaching to the aperture of a more vast expanse of merging valleys and snowy elevations rising straight from the rim of the valleys. There will be multiple clear water streams cutting across our path where you can stop to refill drinking supplies.
You will be directed towards Homwas, which is a little clearing inhabited by another cluster of Gujjar huts that falls on the other side of the now re-emerged river along our tracks. After crossing a log bridge, we are ushered into the locality of a few homes and tea shops. You will never fail to find warm hospitality with these villagers and despite the exhaustion of travels, this makes one’s day.
Hand in hand with the crystal waters flowing by our tracks, we now enter a different grassy landscape. As green as green can be, stretching in gentle folds to as long as the eyes can see, the meadows of Shekwas are breathtaking. Gujjar habitation and hospitality is ubiquitous in this area too and their little low roofed, leaf-thatched huts dot the lush landscape here and there. Our trail climbs pass the huts onto a slightly higher camping ground. A sweet night, a star peppered night falls over the meadows.
The green moors of Shekwas are best experienced bare feet. Try this as you set out for Tarsar Lake today. The trail moves through a silken lawn of nature for sometime before finally taking a lunge over a humpbacked hill and after crossing through a few ridges, opens to a little peek of Tarrsar’s magnetic blue waters.
It takes a total of 5 hours to reach Tarsar from Shekwas and after the ridge, it’s another 3 hours, the view of the Lake widening as we go down succeeding smaller ridges. You need to cross the stream, jumping from boulder to boulder adventurously before finally gliding into green veldt around the lake where we would camp the night. Sink your feet deep into the soft grass and watch how the almond shaped waters reflects the passing hues of the sky as the day rolls on. Time seems to come to a standstill midst of such beauty and silence.
Another 5 km trek commences today to the adjoining Sundersar Valley through the Tarsar Pass. We delve into a connecting stretch first which apparently joins the meadows of Shekwas and Sundersar Valley. Trekking through the Tarsar Pass is actually a time saving but comparatively more hectic plan than descending to Shekwas first and heading to Sundarsar from there.
You can actually test your stamina on this day’s trek after so many days of walking on gentle undulations. On the ascent to the Pass, the trail gets steeper but then mellows down to a gentler slope to Sundarsar. The highlight of this stretch comes with a view of Tarsar Lake from the other side of the Pass.
Next, we go down to a valley bed to be greeted by a nomadic shepherd clan settlement, that of the Bakkerwals. Proceeding, we follow a brook that gets collected at the feet of snow-melting elevations in the form of a beautiful lake. The entire way is wrapped in a green fold of luminescent softness. You will find an unearthly photo frame capturing sheep and horses bobbing along the green-scape as they graze lazily along the banks of this anonymous loch. Our trail takes us through a high pass exit from this grassland to the next vale, another vast patch of extensive pampas but this one sprayed bright with wildflowers. Later, a bouldered trail over the stream ushers us into the Sundarsar Lake side, a flatland where we can camp at the end of this remarkable day.
Today, we will ascent higher up through Marsar Ridge. Kilting our way around Sundarsar shores, we will be directed to a boulder smitten path. You can expect slippery snow patched in these rock crevasses, just like the partially white covered mountains at the end of the valley which we witnessed through our trek in the last few days. At midday, the snow will melt and it’s going to be tricky walk.
After covering a partly grass covered, partly snow sheeted rock trail over on the Pass, we slightly descend to a flatland that’s cut through by occasional water flows. The top of the ridge view reveals the translucent blue Marsar Lake lying somewhere down below. It has the same kind of almond shaped outline as Tarsar and almost as big. Snow shaded elevations happen to rise just along one fringe of the Lake, offsetting its blueness. The Lake happens to overflow on one side and go down in a sweeping glacial stream down to a valley below. The snowmelts from the white cliffs feed its waters on one side and on another, the Dachigam forests starts.
Now we descend back to Sundarsar camps and then to Homwas, trialing almost along the same way that we came by. The descent is full of nostalgia. Homwas is reached before nigh fall, slightly exhausted.
* Please note that prepaid sim cards do not work in Kashmir.
Don't forget your ID proof in original and 2 photo copies.
Starting off early morning today, we descend from Homwas to Aru, sweeping over the same enchanting meadow lands we had experienced on the first days, and the same Lidder River, now to be followed downstream.
We will stop at Lidderwat to rest and lunch and then set off again, now Aru-wards, 10 km from Lidderwat to be covered over 4 hour approx.
Srinagar-bound vehicles shall be waiting for us at Aru. We can expect to reach station within 8 in the night.
Everyone needs to reach Srinagar
Pick-up location: Toursit Reception Center in Srinagar, once you reach at pick up location TTH will take care of your further travel arrangements. We advise you to come by air and avoid journey by bus. Do reach Srinagar one day before your trek date for safer side.
Pick- up Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Options to Reach Srinagar:
1. If you are planning to take a bus, you can reach bus stand in Srinagar from any major city. It will take approx. 30 minutes to reach TRC from bus stand.
2. If you are planning to fly to Srinagar which is well connected to all major airports in India, you can reach TRC by 35 minutes via taxi.
3. If you’re coming by train, there are two railway stations.
- Jammu railway station is about 260 km away and takes around 8 hours by bus.
- Udhampur is 200 km away and from there it is 6 hours bus journey to Srinagar.
Trekkers will be dropped at Srinagar Nishant Garden by 06:00 PM, for onward journey from Srinagar it is advised to make arrangements for next day.
1.Transport Srinagar to Aru Base and Back
2.Accommodation. (Camping) (2 person in one tent)
3. Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg)
4. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils
5. All necessary permits and entry fees
6. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder
7. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff 8. Services from Srinagar to srinagar 9. TTH Staff insurance 10. Mules to carry the central luggage
1. Any kind of personal expenses
2. Hotel Stay in Srinagar.
3. Food during the transit.
4. Insurance.
5. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
Srinagar Accommodation: The stay at Srinagar on the last day is not included in the trek fee. However we can assist you in booking a hotel or a houseboat for the same, please let us know at least 15 days in advance to the start of the trek. Intimation is by email only at [email protected]
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)
1- Satellite phone/setphone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.
3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1800/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 2000/- if you inform us after reaching Aru base camp
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.
Special Offers
Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.
If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.
Terms and conditions
The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for
payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please
e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
Cancellation terms:
For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at [email protected] At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek
Refund options
If by a rare consequence TTH calls off/cancels a trek:
At TTH, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event that we do call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen circumstances or natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that prevents us from carrying out a trek in a safe manner, unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that prevents a safe trekking experience, TTH will issue a voucher summing up to the same amount as your trek fee. The voucher can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.
Note
In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:
As we mention always, weather conditions at high altitudes are extremely unpredictable and can change at any time of any day. Also, situations like natural calamities or political unrest, pandemics and lockdowns, etc are out of our control and if an event cannot run under any such circumstances that we do not directly have control over then we will try to give you an alternative trek, which means your trek will be shifted from one trek to another, which will be safer and more favourable.
In these cases, a voucher is issued to mitigate the difference in cost between the two treks. You can redeem the voucher at any time over a period of one year from the date of issue. A refund fee or refund of the difference is not applicable.
Note:
Cash Voucher Terms:
Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cove | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
T-shirts | 4 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woolen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 3 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Sunscreen cream | Moisturiser |
Hand sanitizer | Antibacterial powder |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Lip balm / Chapstick |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Quick dry towel |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. (Optional) |
Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woolen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH will Provide) |
Fitness regime for:
Easy To Moderate |
Calculate Your BMI :
Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!
BMI Range | Category |
---|---|
Less than 16.5 | Serverely Underweight |
16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 25 | Normal |
25 - 30 | Overweight |
Customise Trek
Date | Status |
---|---|
08 Jul - 14 Jul 2023 | Open |
09 Jul - 15 Jul 2023 | Open |
13 Jul - 19 Jul 2023 | Full |
15 Jul - 21 Jul 2023 | Open |
16 Jul - 22 Jul 2023 | Open |
20 Jul - 26 Jul 2023 | Full |
22 Jul - 28 Jul 2023 | Open |
23 Jul - 29 Jul 2023 | Open |
29 Jul - 04 Aug 2023 | Open |
30 Jul - 05 Aug 2023 | Open |
05 Aug - 11 Aug 2023 | Open |
06 Aug - 12 Aug 2023 | Open |
10 Aug - 16 Aug 2023 | Full |
12 Aug - 18 Aug 2023 | Open |
13 Aug - 19 Aug 2023 | Open |
17 Aug - 23 Aug 2023 | Full |
19 Aug - 25 Aug 2023 | Open |
20 Aug - 26 Aug 2023 | Open |
26 Aug - 01 Sep 2023 | Open |
27 Aug - 02 Sep 2023 | Open |
02 Sep - 08 Sep 2023 | Open |
03 Sep - 09 Sep 2023 | Open |
Date | Status |
---|---|
8 Jul - 14 Jul 2023 | Open |
9 Jul - 15 Jul 2023 | Open |
13 Jul - 19 Jul 2023 | Full |
15 Jul - 21 Jul 2023 | Open |
16 Jul - 22 Jul 2023 | Open |
20 Jul - 26 Jul 2023 | Full |
22 Jul - 28 Jul 2023 | Open |
23 Jul - 29 Jul 2023 | Open |
29 Jul - 4 Aug 2023 | Open |
30 Jul - 5 Aug 2023 | Open |
5 Aug - 11 Aug 2023 | Open |
6 Aug - 12 Aug 2023 | Open |
10 Aug - 16 Aug 2023 | Full |
12 Aug - 18 Aug 2023 | Open |
13 Aug - 19 Aug 2023 | Open |
17 Aug - 23 Aug 2023 | Full |
19 Aug - 25 Aug 2023 | Open |
20 Aug - 26 Aug 2023 | Open |
26 Aug - 1 Sep 2023 | Open |
27 Aug - 2 Sep 2023 | Open |
2 Sep - 8 Sep 2023 | Open |
3 Sep - 9 Sep 2023 | Open |
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