TARSAR MARSAR TREK

Drive Distance: 100 km | Drive Duration: 4-5 hours approx | Pick up point: Dal lake, Sringar | Pick up Time: 12 PM |   Altitude: Aru- 2400m. 

Your journey begins from the heart of Srinagar, near the iconic Dal Lake, where you are picked up around noon. The drive to Aru takes you through picturesque Kashmiri villages, saffron fields, and apple orchards, with stunning views of the Lidder River flowing alongside. Aru, a charming meadow framed by pine forests and alpine landscapes, is the base camp for the trek. You’ll spend the evening acclimatizing in this idyllic village, soaking in the fresh mountain air and preparing for the trek ahead.

Trek Distance: 10 km approx. | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours approx. | Altitude: Lidderwat – 2800m | GPS DATA

The first trekking day begins with a gradual ascent through thick pine and fir forests. The trail follows the Lidder River with its crystal-clear waters rushing down from the glaciers. Along the way, you’ll pass Gujjar settlements, where nomadic herders graze their sheep and horses, offering a glimpse into Kashmiri pastoral life. After several gentle climbs and open meadows, you reach the lush valley of Lidderwat, surrounded by towering mountains. The campsite here is a dreamscape: grassy pastures, scattered wildflowers, and the soothing music of the river nearby.

Trek Distance: 6 km approx.  | Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs approx. | Altitude: Shekwas– 3345 m. | GPS DATA 

Today’s trail gently climbs deeper into wilderness. The meadows grow more expansive, broken by streams and ridges, offering panoramic views of the valley. The grandeur of Kashmir really sinks in here — green carpets of grass stretching endlessly, backed by snow-capped ridges. As you move closer to Shekwas, the landscape gradually transforms into more alpine terrain, preparing you for the higher altitudes ahead. The Shekwas campsite, located amidst rolling meadows, gives trekkers a perfect stargazing experience on clear nights.

Trek Distance: 5 km approx. | Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs approx | Altitude: Tarsar Lake– 3800m. | GPS DATA 

This day is undoubtedly one of the most scenic of the trek. Beginning with a steady climb past flower-laden valleys, the route soon reveals breathtaking sights of alpine ridges. A final ridge-top ascent opens up the first view of Tarsar Lake — a turquoise jewel nestled amidst snow-clad peaks. Camping beside the lake at 3,800 m is an unforgettable experience: the reflections of the peaks in the clear waters, the alpine silence, and the evening light dancing on the lake’s surface create picture-perfect scenery.

Trek Distance: 6  km approx.  | Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs approx. | Altitude: Sundarsar – 4000 m. | GPS DATA 

Leaving behind Tarsar, the trail climbs across the Tarsar Pass. The ascent is steep but rewarding, with sweeping views of both valleys. On descending the other side, you approach Sundarsar Lake, another pristine alpine water body encircled by green meadows and rugged peaks. The name ‘Sundarsar’ literally translates to “beautiful lake” and rightly so — the campsite here is like a painter’s masterpiece, filled with wildflowers and overarched by jagged summits.

Trek Distance: 10 km approx.  | Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs approx. | Altitude: Homwas– 3500 m. | GPS DATA 

This day takes you to one of the most mystical lakes of Kashmir — Marsar. Often shrouded in mist, Marsar exudes a mysterious charm compared to its sibling Tarsar. Standing on a high ridge that overlooks the lake is an unforgettable moment — the dark blue waters contrast against the rugged cliffs and cloud-filled skies. After spending time at Marsar, the trail gradually descends through meadows of wildflowers and pastures, finally reaching Homwas, where you set camp for the night.

Trek Distance: 13 km approx. | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours approx. | Drive Distance: 100 km | Drive Duration: 4-5 hours approx | Drop point: Dal Lake, Srinagar. |  Altitude: Aru– 2400 m. |  GPS DATA 

The final day is a long but gentle descent, retracing your steps through meadows, forests, and Gujjar huts, back to Aru village. After completing the trek, vehicles will take you back to Srinagar by evening. The journey ends where it began — near Dal Lake — but with your heart full of alpine memories, lake reflections, and the untouched elegance of Kashmir’s mountains.