Tarsar marsar Trek

5 Days

Overview

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir’s Tarsar Marsar Trek, where snow-capped vistas await in the stunning valley. The trek reaches its pinnacle at 13,450 ft with a total distance of approximately 47.8 km. Nestled between Tarsar and Marsar Lakes, this trek offers serene landscapes accessible to both seasoned trekkers and beginners alike. Traverse through Srinagar’s picturesque scenery in Jammu & Kashmir, enchanted by the azure hues of alpine lakes. Nearby lies the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, a potential sighting spot for Himalayan brown bears. Tarsar Marsar Trek unfolds a spectacle of blue lagoons, snow-fed rivers, alpine trees, wildflowers, snow-crowned peaks, and cascading waterfalls. Tarsar Lake resembles an almond, while Sundersar Lake mirrors a crescent moon, adding to the trek’s enchanting allure.

Day 1 :

Journey from Srinagar to Aru Base Camp

Stay: Overnight in a homestay
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Trek Distance: 103 km, Time Taken: approx. 3 Hrs.
Altitude: Srinagar (5200 Ft / 1585 Mtr.), Aru Valley (7920 Ft / 2414 Mtr.)
Altitude Gain: 2720 Ft / 829 Mtr.
Trail Grade: Road
Embark on a scenic drive from Srinagar, soaking in the beauty of Kashmir. Arrive at Aru, nestled by a riverside, where wooden huts blend seamlessly with the trees.

Day 2 :

Aru Camp to Lidderwat Trek

Stay: Overnight at the camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek Distance: 10 km, Time Taken: approx. 6 Hrs.
Altitude: Aru Valley (7920 Ft / 2414 Mtr.), Lidderwat (9150 Ft / 2789 Mtr.)
Altitude Gain: 1230 Ft / 375 Mtr.
Trail Grade: Moderate
After breakfast, commence trekking from Aru. Follow the gradual ascent along Lidder River, leaving Aru village behind. Pass through Dalla with its fir-lined huts, and reach Lidderwat campsite.

Day 3 :

Lidderwat to Shekwas Trek

Stay: Overnight at the camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek Distance: 6 km, Time Taken: approx. 5 Hrs.
Altitude: Lidderwat (9150 Ft / 2789 Mtr.), Shekwas (11,000 Ft / 3353 Mtr.)
Altitude Gain: 1850 Ft / 564 Mtr.
Trail Grade: Moderate
Enjoy morning tea amidst the tranquility. Trek through pine forests, passing Bhakarwal and Gujjar huts at Homwas. Arrive at Shekwas campsite amidst vast grasslands and towering mountains.

Day 4 :

Shekwas to Tarsar Trek

Stay: Overnight at the camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek Distance: 4 km, Time Taken: approx. 4 Hrs.
Altitude: Shekwas (11,000 Ft / 3353 Mtr.), Tarsar (12,450 Ft / 3795 Mtr.)
Altitude Gain: 1450 Ft / 442 Mtr.
Trail Grade: Moderate
Short trek through twisting grasslands and ridges leads to breathtaking Tarsar Lake.

Day 5 :

Tarsar to Sundersar Trek

Stay: Overnight at the camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek Distance: 6 km, Time Taken: approx. 5 Hrs.
Altitude: Tarsar (12,450 Ft / 3795 Mtr.), Sundersar (12,950 Ft / 3947 Mtr.)
Altitude Gain: 500 Ft / 594 Mtr.
Trail Grade: Moderate
Wake up to mesmerizing views of Tarsar Lake. Trek through grassy valleys to Sundersar, surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

Day 6 :

Sundersar to Homwas via Marsar Trek

Stay: Overnight at the camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek Distance: 10 km, Time Taken: approx. 7 Hrs.
Altitude: Sundersar (12,950 Ft / 3947 Mtr.), Marsar (13,000 Ft / 3962 Mtr.), Homwas (11,400 Ft / 3475 Mtr.)
Altitude Gain: Sundersar to Marsar (150 Ft / 46 Mtr.), Marsar to Homwas (1600 Ft / 487 Mtr.)
Trail Grade: Moderate
Embark on a challenging trek from Sundersar along the banks, passing through Marsar to Homwas.

Day 7 :

Homwas to Aru Trek and Return to Srinagar

Stay: No overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast
Trek Distance: Homwas to Aru Trek 13 km, Aru to Srinagar 103 km by road, Time Taken: Homwas to Aru Trek approx. 6 Hrs, Aru to Srinagar by road approx. 3 Hrs.
Altitude: Homwas (11,400 Ft / 3475 Mtr.), Aru Valley (7920 Ft / 2414 Mtr.), Srinagar (5200 Ft / 829 Mtr.)
Altitude Change: Homwas to Aru (3480 Ft / 1061 Mtr.), Aru to Srinagar (2720 Ft )
Trail Grade: Road
Descend from Homwas, passing through meadows and Lidderwat before returning to Aru. Depart for Srinagar via road, concluding an unforgettable trekking adventure.

IN MANDATORY ITEMS –

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. ID cards of either Aadhar card or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.

Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek.

IN THE ESSENTIALS

Trekking Shoes
Backpack
Clothes

Base layer:

3 T-shirts: wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full-sleeved dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarefied air on the trek, especially at high altitudes.

3 insulation layers:The highest altitude you reach on this trek is 13,200 ft. At these altitudes, it can get cold even in the middle of summer. You will need at least 3 insulation layERs for this trek. Two trek pants

Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek

Suncap
Synthetic hand gloves
Sunglasses
Woollen cap
Socks (3 pairs)
Headlamp
Trekking pole
Rainwear
Rain cover for your backpack
A toilet kit
Cutlery
Two 1 litre bottles or a 2-litre hydration pack
Plastic covers

Tarsar marsar trek

Jogging is indeed a fantastic routine to prepare for a trek. It targets the muscles you’ll use during trekking—your calves, glutes, and hamstrings—while also boosting your stamina gradually. Plus, it’s convenient since you don’t need any equipment or tools.

To achieve fitness for the trek using jogging, follow these steps:

Start Jogging:
- Begin jogging at least 4 days a week.
- If you can’t run 5 km right away, start with 2 km and gradually increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
Increase Pace:
- Once you can comfortably run 5 km, focus on increasing your pace gradually.
- Aim to bring your time down to 5 km in less than 35 minutes.
Consistency:
- Maintain a consistent routine and ensure you can run 5 km in 35 minutes consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
Preparation Time:
- This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation, but longer preparation is even better.
- Plan your trek early and start preparing as soon as POSSIBLE