Tarsar Marsar Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek: The Meadow Trails of Pahalgam

The Tarsar Marsar trek covers a distance of 48 kilometers, starting and ending at Aru Valley near Pahalgam. The trail crosses the Tarsar Pass at 13,200 feet (4,020 meters) and accesses three alpine lakes: Tarsar, Sundarsar, and Marsar. The trek takes 6 days and runs through the upper reaches of the Lidder Valley.

Day-by-Day Route Breakdown

Day 1: Aru Valley to Lidderwat (10 km, 6 hours)
The trek begins at Aru village (elevation 7,920 ft), located 12 km from Pahalgam. The trail climbs gently through pine forests along the West Lidder River. You will cross several log bridges before arriving at the meadow campsite of Lidderwat (9,130 ft).

Day 2: Lidderwat to Shekiwas (8 km, 5 hours)
You will follow the stream out of the forest zone into open meadows. The trail climbs past shepherd settlements (kothas) to the clearing of Shekiwas (11,030 ft), where you will camp. Mount Kolahoi is visible during the climb.

Day 3: Shekiwas to Tarsar Lake (5 km, 4 hours)
A short, steep climb of 3 hours leads to the edge of Tarsar Lake (12,449 ft). The camp is set up on the flat ground near the lake outlet. You can walk the perimeter of the lake in the afternoon.

Day 4: Tarsar Lake to Sundarsar Lake via Tarsar Pass (5 km, 5 hours)
You will climb the ridge behind the camp to cross the Tarsar Pass (13,200 ft). The descent on the other side leads to a meadow valley, followed by a gradual climb to the camp at Sundarsar Lake (12,940 ft).

Day 5: Sundarsar Lake to Marsar Lake and back to Lidderwat (15 km, 7 hours)
You will hike past Sundarsar Lake to reach the Marsar ridge viewpoint (13,200 ft) to see Marsar Lake, which sits in a crater below. After visiting the viewpoint, return to Sundarsar and descend via the Homwas trail back to the Lidderwat campsite.

Day 6: Lidderwat to Aru Valley (10 km, 4 hours)
Trace your steps back along the West Lidder River through the pine forest to terminate the trek at Aru village.

Trek Difficulty & Fitness Reality

The Tarsar Marsar trek is classified as Moderate. It is less steep than the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, but it still requires climbing to 13,200 feet at the Tarsar Pass. You will walk on rocky paths and cross small streams. You must be able to walk 10 km daily with a light daypack.

Best Time for Tarsar Marsar Trek

The best season is from July to September. In June, the Tarsar Pass can have snow blocks, and the lakes remain partially frozen. By late September, night temperatures drop to 0°C, and early frost covers the meadows. July and August offer green meadows and blooming wildflowers.

How to Reach the Starting Point

Drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam (95 km), then continue for 12 km along the Aru road to reach Aru Valley. The drive takes 3 hours. Local taxis from Pahalgam charge approximately ₹800 to ₹1,000 for the drop to Aru.

Permits and Guide Requirements

You must obtain a forest department entry permit at the forest office in Aru village. Carry three photocopies of your Aadhaar card or passport. You must hire a registered guide from the Pahalgam Guides Association and use local mules for baggage transport.

What Makes Tarsar Marsar Different

This trek allows you to camp directly on the shores of Tarsar Lake, which is prohibited at most other alpine lakes in Kashmir. The twin lakes are situated in close proximity, and you can see both from the pass heights.

Practical Tips

• Mule Hire: Hire mules at the Aru motor stand. Rates are fixed by the J&K Tourism department.
• Mobile Signal: Signal ends 2 km past Aru village. BSNL postpaid has weak signal at Lidderwat but does not work at the lakes.
• Medical Access: The nearest dispensary is in Pahalgam town, 22 km from the Lidderwat camp.