Tushar
I have a background in engineering, but I have chosen to pursue blogging. I have a great passion for portrait and nature photography, and I always make sure to bring my DSLR camera whenever I go out or have special occasions with loved ones. During my spare time, I enjoy reading and writing blogs, or spending time with my child.
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Kashmir has been given the name “Paradise on Earth” due to its incredibly beautiful and untouched natural scenery. With its abundant greenery and majestic snow-covered mountains, the Kashmir valley never fails to capture the hearts of travelers. The region is adorned with picturesque meadows, breathtaking rivers, impressive waterfalls, dense forests filled with pine and oak trees, and pristine glaciers with crystal-clear water. Over time, Kashmir has become renowned for its trekking paths and destinations, with the Tarsar Marsar Trek being a particularly popular choice.
According to local accounts, the person credited with the discovery of these two beautiful lakes is Yusuf Shah Chak, the ruler of Kashmir. Tarsar Lake connects with the River Lidder in Lidderwat, while Marsar combines with a river in the Aru district.
Kashmir is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful trekking spots and scenic landscapes. It is especially attractive to adventure enthusiasts, as it allows them to experience a slice of heaven on Earth. Sonamarg and Pahalgam, two well-known hill stations in Kashmir, act as starting points for various treks. The Tarsar Marsar trek is particularly sought after, fulfilling the dreams of adventure seekers. During their hike, trekkers will have the opportunity to observe the rural lifestyle and encounter the Gujjar community, a pastoral and agricultural ethnic group. Dachigam National Park is located near Marsar Lake in this region.
Surrounded by the peaks of the Kolahi Mountain, the Tarsar Marsar trek takes you to a height of 4,100 m. It involves a beautiful journey to the Tarsar and Marsar are the most impressive pair of twin lakes., which are known for their almond like shape. And surprisingly, they flow in opposite directions too. The one thing that makes this trek special is its awe-inspiring exquisiteness and tranquillity.
Duration: 7 days
Max Altitude: 4,100 m
Distance Covered: 33 km
Level: Moderate
Maximum Age: 8 years
Base Camp: Srinagar
Start Point: Pahalgam
End Point: Sumbal
Best Time: Whether it’s summer, monsoon or winter, the beauty of Kashmir remains constant and unchallenged. Ardent trekkers undertake this trek all round the year. However, the suggested time to head for the Tarsar Marsar trek is from April to October as trekkers can enjoy magnificent mountains the most. Also, trekkers get to witness colorful birds and mountain animals like golden eagles, musk deer, bar-headed geese and brown bear. TThe daytime temperature generally falls between 17°C and 20°C, while at night it stays around 3°C to 4°C.
Walking On The Velvet Grassland
Every day during the trek, you will be pleasantly surprised by the striking contrast between the vibrant green meadows, the towering mountains, and the clear blue sky.The grassy area also includes unique plants such as gentian and poppy, which provide a view reminiscent of Delhi’s Mughal Garden. The thick forest and huts belonging to herders enhance the beauty of the grassland.
Take pleasure in your stay at breathtaking camping grounds.
The campgrounds are situated among the lush surroundings and impressive mountains. The trek gives you an opportunity to spend nights at the most picturesque campsites of Shekiwas and Lidderwat that offer enchanting views of the snow-clad peaks and glittery sky.
The Base Camp: TThe Aru village has several lovely wooden cottages nestled among tall fir trees. It is the starting point for the Tarsar Marsar trek, and upon arrival in Aru, you can witness its beauty while also enjoying the nearby river. Interacting with the locals will give you insights into their way of life, and if you’re fortunate, you may even get to listen to some enchanting folk songs.
Climbing On The Grassy Ridge
Can you imagine hiking the trail without wearing trekking shoes? Absolutely not! When you embark on the Tarsar Marsar trekking expedition and reach Shekiwas, there is a grassy ridge where you have the option to walk barefoot. Standing atop this magnificent ridge, you can witness a breathtaking sunrise. Not only is this view a delight for your eyes, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning photographs.
Stroll Around The Striking Tarsar Lake
If you have an appreciation for nature or enjoy photography, it is highly recommended to take a stroll around Tarsar Lake. This beautiful lake offers unique perspectives from both ends, allowing you to fully appreciate its beauty. It is particularly breathtaking during sunrise, as the sun’s rays transform the tranquil blue water into a vibrant shade of orange.
Does trekking require physical fitness?The Tarsar Marsar trek is ideal for beginners as it mainly passes through beautiful green meadows. It is a moderate trek, so it does not demand high levels of physical fitness. Individuals as young as 8 years old can enjoy this trek and discover the stunning scenery of Kashmir and its twin lakes.
Day 01: Srinagar to Aru Base Camp
Upon our arrival at the Srinagar airport, we encountered a cab driver who informed us that he was there to pick us up and would transport us to the base camp. We entered the cab and completed the 100 km journey to Pahalgam in a span of 3 hours. The driver then halted at a roadside restaurant where we enjoyed our lunch. Subsequently, we arrived at Aru, which is situated 12 km away from Pahalgam, after an hour and a half. From the Aru road, we embarked on a hike towards the base camp.
The Bijbhera trail was dotted with scenic orchards of walnuts, apples and apricots. Our eyes glazed over with the astounding view of the base camp and Aru village. For that one moment, I felt like somebody has erased the memories that I have lived so far in my life and I have entered a world where I wanted everything to just halt right there.
Afterwards, we encountered our guide and were introduced to the other members of our trekking group. The guide provided us with information about the surrounding area, the local people, and the various routes for trekking. We also saw herders returning from the hilltop with their livestock, while children played games in the vibrant green surroundings. In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious cup of Kashmiri tea known as kahwah, along with a locally made bread called khambir. Following dinner, we spent the night beneath the clear sky, accompanied by the soothing sounds of a flowing stream.
Day 02: Aru to Lidderwat
We woke up with the sunrise and to the melodious chirping of birds, echoing in the valley and quickly got ready with our packed luggage.After having breakfast, we began our trekking adventure. To make our climb easier, we entrusted our luggage to the porters. As we hiked through the picturesque landscape, adorned with lush pastures and inhabited by mountain animals such as sheep and goats, we understood why Kashmir is known as the Earth’s paradise. Although the ascent was steep, it proved to be both manageable and enjoyable. Following the course of the Lidder River, we completed a 9 km distance in approximately 4 hours.
After arriving at Lidderwat, we went for a leisurely walk in the valley and stayed overnight at a campsite by the river.
Day 03: Lidderwat to Shekiwas
After taking some amazing photos with my camera, I went to Shekiwas with my friends and fellow hikers. During the journey, we sang songs and shared our hiking stories. At first, the path was not very rough, which allowed us to climb quickly. However, there came a point where we were exposed to strong, chilly winds that were hitting us harshly.
Fortunately, the path led us into a thick pine forest which provided shelter from the strong winds. We were also able to spot a deer and numerous unique birds in the forest. Afterward, we crossed a river and a suspension bridge, eventually arriving at a valley where several Gujjar huts were located. We took a break there, enjoying a cup of tea and some snacks. This refreshment gave us the necessary energy to continue our ascent to higher altitudes. Continuing on, we reached Shekiwas in four hours. This beautiful meadow was perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Later, we had a delightful evening around a bonfire under the moonlit sky.
Day 04: Shekiwas to Tarsar
The following day, we continued on the trail which passed through the vibrant green meadows, cascading waterfalls, and a flowing river. Eventually, the path led us to a ridge beside the stream that led to Tarsar. We hiked up to a breathtakingly beautiful conical hill that provided stunning panoramic views of Tarsar Lake. Exploring the surroundings of the lake filled me with excitement and a sense of adventure. The remarkable beauty of the location was so captivating that it kept us awake throughout the night, with many of us mesmerized by the glistening water of the lake as it reflected the changing colors of the sky.
Day 05: Tarsar to Sundaresar
The journey became very difficult when we had to cross Tarsar Pass. We only managed to travel 5 km in 6 hours, and the climb became even harder due to a few hours of rain. We followed a trail through a dense forest and finally reached Sundaresar. The beautiful shores of Sundaresar Lake provided a perfect camping spot after the enjoyable trek from Tarsar.
Day 06: Sundaresar to Marsar and Back to Sonmasti
After having breakfast, we began our gradual climb towards Marsar from Sundaresar. Our guide informed us that we would need to return to the base camp once we had visited Marsar Lake. As we continued, we came across a valley adorned with colorful flowers. Along the way, we spotted mountain sheep and goats peacefully grazing on the lush green meadows. Three hours later, we finally arrived at Marsar Lake. After taking numerous group photos and selfies, we made our way back to the base camp through Sonmasti.
It took us approximately 7 hours to arrive at Sonmasti, a small village inhabited by the Gujjars. This village was situated amidst beautiful surroundings, including a waterfall. We had a great time with the Gujjars as they had a small gathering and kindly invited us to join them. That day, we danced to the melodies of Kashmiri folk songs. As for the food, it’s difficult for me to put into words the delicious taste of those traditional delicacies.
On the seventh day, we journeyed from Sonmasti to Sumbal and then proceeded to drive to Srinagar.
Yesterday, we traveled from Sonmasti to Sumbal in a total of 3 hours. After saying farewell to our fellow trekkers, we returned to Srinagar by car.
It is more than just a trek, it is an unforgettable experience…
Trekking is not only a mere journey; it is also about discovering the different culture and natural beauty that the place offers. With smooth trails, alpine lakes and magnificent mountains, trekking in Kashmir always offers 5a unique pleasure and thrill that cannot be described in mere words.
Experience the captivating Tarsar Marsar trek, where you can discover your true self and create cherished memories amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature. Don’t let this opportunity slip away, seize the chance to embark on this marvelous adventure in the enchanting ‘Paradise on Earth’.
