10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Tarsar Marsar in this Monsoon

Located in the most beautiful confines of Kashmir, the Tarsar Marsar trek is a captivating adventure that unveils the pristine beauty of three alpine lakes: Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundarsar. This 7-day trek, starting from the picturesque village of Aru, offers an unparalleled experience of Kashmir's scenic landscapes, lush meadows, and serene lakes. At an altitude of 13,500 feet and spanning approximately 48 kilometres, this trek is graded as easy to moderate, making it accessible to both novice and seasoned trekkers. With its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural encounters, the Tarsar Marsar trek is a must-do for anyone seeking to explore the enchanting Kashmir Valley. Here are 10 reasons why you should visit this trek during monsoon season.

1. The Idyllic Meadows of Lidderwat & Shekwas

The Tarsar Marsar Trek boasts some of the most picture-perfect meadows you'll ever encounter. These breathtaking landscapes will leave you in awe and elevate your spirits. Right from the start, as you ascend from the base camp at Aru and approach the serene campsite of Lidderwat, the meadows will bring a smile to your face. On the second day, as you journey towards the campsite of Shekwas, the valley opens up to reveal its mesmerizing meadows, framed by stunning mountains. This view will take you by surprise and leave you yearning for more. The green meadows and colourful trails of Tarsar Marsar are incredibly captivating, making it a trek you won't want to miss.

2. The 3 Beautiful Lakes

The Tarsar Marsar trek is graced with three stunning lakes: Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundarsar. These lakes, with their dazzling bluish-green hues, are the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Among them, Tarsar Lake holds a special place in my heart with its serene beauty and tranquility. On this trek, you get to admire Tarsar from various angles and elevations, each view more breathtaking than the last as if someone has painted a magnificent lake on canvas. Marsar Lake, viewed from a ridge just above it, is equally magnificent. Its vast almond shape, surrounded by majestic mountains on all sides, leaves you in awe of its grandeur. Not far from Marsar lies Sundarsar Lake, a rare gem in its own right. This lake is framed by small snow-capped mountains on three sides and massive rugged peaks in the background. The sunrise and sunset over Sundarsar are so mesmerizing that their beauty lingers in your mind for days.

3. The Beautiful Base Camp Aru

The scenic beauty of Kashmir rivals that of the Swiss and Austrian Alps, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Aru Base Camp. This charming town, reminiscent of a quaint European village nestled in the Alps, is possibly our prettiest campsite. The cluster of cottages with their slanted tin roofs, interspersed with the occasional willow and poplar trees, creates a picturesque scene. A clear stream winds its way through the village, which is encircled by vast grasslands on three sides and a dense forest on the other. It’s almost too pretty to be true, a perfect blend of natural beauty and rustic charm.

4. The Soaring Mountains

The mountain views on this trail are straight out of a fantasy land, with vistas so stunning they seem tailor-made for this marvellous scenery. The Tarsar Marsar trek is graced with breathtaking mountains surrounding the blue lakes, creating natural separations that enhance the landscape's beauty. At the campsite, you are treated to a mesmerizing tableau: a crystal-clear blue lake on one side, sensuous green meadows in the centre, and rugged mountains on the other. This creates a captivating display of colours, each layer more beautiful than the last, leaving you spellbound by the sheer magnificence of nature.

5. The Deep Green Colours of the Lakes

The trek to Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundersar reveals three stunning lakes, each boasting a mesmerizing emerald blue hue. This unique color is due to their oligotrophic nature, meaning they have low nutrient levels, which results in clear, pristine waters. When sunlight dances on the surface, the lakes sparkle like diamonds. The vast expanses of Tarsar and Marsar are the trek's crown jewels, offering a new perspective and a spectrum of colors from every angle and elevation. This is the enchanting allure of Kashmir's lakes, a sight that leaves trekkers spellbound.

6. The Lush Greenery

During the monsoon season, the Tarsar Marsar Trek transforms into a vibrant green paradise. s the rains bless the Kashmir Valley, the meadows along the trek route burst into a kaleidoscope of lush green hues. The valleys are carpeted with soft grasses that sway gently in the mountain breeze, while the towering pine trees become even more verdant. The trails, flanked by dense forests and dotted with wildflowers in full bloom, offer a refreshing respite amidst the serene landscape. Even the lakes, such as Tarsar and Sundersar, glisten with a deeper, more reflective green under the overcast skies, blending seamlessly with the surrounding emerald vistas. The monsoon brings a sense of renewal and abundance to this already picturesque trek.

7. Camping by the Lakes

The Tarsar Marsar trek offers the rare and unforgettable experience of camping beside the enchanting Tarsar and Sundersar lakes. How often do you get the chance to set up camp next to a high-altitude glacial alpine lake? Here, you can, and it's more epic than you can imagine. Picture yourself nestled on soft meadows, with the blue sky reflecting in the crystal-clear lake beside you, and jagged mountains encircling the scene. It's an otherworldly, euphoric, and undeniably romantic adventure, creating memories that will stay with you forever.

8. Comfortable Temperatures

During the monsoon season, the Tarsar Marsar Trek offers a blissfully comfortable climate that enhances the hiking experience. Nestled in the Kashmir Valley, the trek enjoys moderate temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold, thanks to the frequent rain showers that cool the air. The days are pleasantly mild, perfect for trekking through the lush green meadows and dense forests without feeling overheated. In the evenings, as the sun sets behind the rugged peaks, the temperatures gently drop, creating a soothing atmosphere for camping next to the serene lakes of Tarsar and Sundersar. The monsoon rains often bring a refreshing mist that adds a mystical touch to the surrounding mountains and enhances the overall tranquility of the trekking experience. 

9. Beautiful Wildflower Cover

As you traverse the meadows of Tarsar Marsar Trek in monsoon, you are greeted by a riot of colors as wildflowers bloom in abundance. The meadows, already lush and green, become even more enchanting with these floral jewels scattered like confetti under the open sky. Each step along the trail reveals new species of flowers, some delicate and dainty, others bold and robust, thriving in the moist soil nourished by the seasonal rains. The air is filled with a sweet fragrance. Against the backdrop of towering mountains and the serene lakes of Tarsar and Sundersar, the wildflower cover adds an ethereal beauty to the trek.

Tarsar Marsar Trek is quite easier as compared to its counterpart the Kashmir Great Lakes everyone, from beginners and children over 12 to seasoned trekkers. The trekking trails are manageable, with a fair distance of 5-6 km between campsites. The route features only two steep sections, while the rest of the trail is a gentle walk through stunning landscapes. The altitude gain is minimal, reducing the risk of mountain sickness and making the journey enjoyable and accessible for all.

10. The Easy-to-Manage Gradient

Embrace the adventure and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the monsoon season at Tarsar Marsar. This is your call to witness nature in its most captivating form, where lush green meadows meet crystal-clear lakes and majestic mountains embrace the horizon. . Don't wait—plan your journey now!