Tarsar Marsar Trek

Reporting at Srinagar, Then Drive to Aru (2,400 m/7,875 ft)

The first day of the trek involves a drive from Srinagar to the village of Aru, which is located around 100 km away. The drive takes around 4-5 hours and passes through beautiful landscapes and small villages. Once you reach Aru, you'll check into your hotel or guesthouse and spend the rest of the day exploring the village and its surroundings.

Aru to Lidderwat (2,800 m/9,150 ft) 10km 6hours

After breakfast, we will start our trek towards Lidderwat from Aru. Start your trek through a village and follow the course of River Lidder. The trail is wide and from the trail whole Aru village is visible. Trekking ahead, we will reach Dalla; a clearing. From here, we will enter a pine forest and come across Nandkei; a group of Gujjar settlement. After crossing this forest section, go further and come across an open grasslands. There you can see Gujjar families. Half an hour walk from the grassland, you will have to negotiate multiple streams. After crossing the streams, you should reach Lidderwat in another half an hour. overnight stay in Camp.

Lidderwat to Shekwas (3,350 m/11,000ft) 6km 5hrs

Follow the course of River flowing along and take the trail through pine forest above. After a gradual climb, continue trekking through the pine forests and some small clearings for 30 minutes. Ahead, enter the Lidderwat valley, there are wide grasslands surrounded by mountains with some snow patches. The splendid valleys meet together and the trail goes upward. Towards the left are Bhakarwal shelters on the right of the river and en route come across small clear streams crossing the trail, you can also refill your water bottles from here. Now, trek down the river and cross it with the help of boulders and a bridge further. By following the river continue trekking on the trail and after 30 minutes you will reach a wide clearing “Homwas”.

At Homwas you can see some Gujjar huts, trek through a grassy area which is a relief to the feet. After crossing this section come across a narrow valley and trek along the river. Ascend for one hour and reach a point with a group of Silver Birch trees and amazing scenery.

Further, come across grassland beautiful and wide which leads to two soothing green valleys. Have a look at the meadows and pass through the trail with few Gujjar huts to reach your camping site Shekwas. It is an extraordinary ground with mesmerizing sights, spend your night here relaxing in tents.

Shekwas camp to Tarsar Lake (3,800m/12,500ft) 4km 5hour

The trail to Tarsar is through a ridge which has an overhanging stream and further it leads to the hill in front. Cross some short ridges opening to awe struck sceneries and after two hours of trekking, get first sight of Tarsar Lake. The sight will energize you to reach the alpine Lake, cross a stream by hopping on boulders and reach the grassy field of Tarsar. It is a perfect camping spot.

Pitch your tents anywhere on the ground. Camp along the snow fed clear bluish lake and get mesmerized by the idyllic setting. Overnight stay in camp

Tarsar Lake to Sundersar camp (4,000m/13,100ft)

This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you will have to cross Tarsar Pass, which is located at an altitude of 4,200 m.

Start descending through the shepherds’ trail which will take you to middle of the valley. Walk along the stream on the beautiful velvet like grass. En route see Bakkarval shelters lying on left, the trail lies behind these shelters through the boulder area. Further are lushest grasslands you will ever come across and amidst the meadows stream transforms into a large pond which is fed by the snow patches on the mountains. Cross this section in 30 minutes and come to the meadow’s end. Reach the base of ridge by crossing a stream with the help of boulders, ascend for 15 minutes through a narrow valley to reach the ridge top. Surprisingly a wide meadow pops in front with colorful bed of flowers. The views are enthralling from here and end route of this trek is also visible with a trail leading to mountains. Follow the trail and reach beautiful grassy land of Sundersar Lake, here you can pitch your tents anywhere on the flat ground, camping here is a delight. Enjoy in the serene beauty of Kashmir and comfortably stay in tents.

Visit Marsar then trek to Homwas (3,500m/11,500m)

Pass along the shores of Sundersar Lake to get far side and through two passes you can reach Marsar. Take the shorter trail and ascend through the boulder zone, be careful while ascending because there is snow over the boulders which make this section tough. In 30 minutes pass can be reached which is an amazing grassland with gentle trails leading to the flat grounds below.

Reach the flat grounds and cross the small streams along the trail. Climbing to the ridge starts from here which offers heart racing view of Marsar. It is twin of Tarsar but remains hidden under the mist and clouds. Descend to Sundersar and reach there in 40 minutes. Spend some time at Sundersar valley and get back to Jagmargi valley, witness the grasslands again and admire the natural beauty. Do not cross the Tarsar pass but go through the different trail to Shekwas, from here you can reach Homwas in 30 minutes. Reach there, setup your tents, have delicious food after today’s long trek, retire for the night

Trek from Homwas to Aru Village (13km) same day drive to Srinagar by taxi (112 km) (4/5 Hours)

Descend from Homwas to Lidderwat. The sights of today’s trek are beguiling and you can spot Kolahoi glacier on the way. Come across the Lidderwat pine forest, take a break at Lidderwat and then head to Aru. Now, Aru is 13 km away and you can reach there in another 4 hours. Vehicles will be arranged for you till Srinagar. Reach late evening 8 Pm