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Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek Ex Pahalgam

 Pahalgam    5 Nights/6 Days 94 people interested today
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5 Nights/6 Days
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2 to 20 people
English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Kashmiri
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Trip Overview

A 6-day trek to the famous Tarsar and Marsar lake starting from Pahalgam, taking a circuit route to end the trek in Srinagar or Sonmarg by crossing over Sanamasti and Sumbal.

Highlights

  • Trek to the serene high alpine lakes Tarsar and Marsar.
  • Pitch tents amidst the beautiful environs of Shekwas and Lidderwat.
  • Conquer heights of 4140 metres.
  • Company of experienced local guides during the trek. 

 

Detailed Overview

It has a terrific similarity with the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, superb meadows, wide open plains, impressive lakes, grand mountain views. There are valleys that are flower-decked with such density that it takes careful stepping not to trample on flowers. There are streams that fall on ledges, creating shallow swimming pools that are surrounded by grassy knolls. The campsites are in terrific settings.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Pahalgam, drive to Aru and trek to Lidderwat | Drive 8 KM | Trek 10 KM / 6 hours

  • After your arrival in Pahalgam at around 9:00 am you will begin your day with a meet and greet, you will be driven to Aru which is about 8 KM
  • You will make a gentle but a long climb from Aru to Lidderwat covering a distance of 10 KM in 6 hours.
  • The trail to Lidderwat starts to climb straight out of the village, following the course of the Lidder River. Follow the wide trail past the agricultural department’s fence.
  • The trail gets into a cluster of fir trees and continues to climb. Half an hour later, the trail pops out at a clearing called Dalla near Gujjar huts.
  • Out of the pine trees, the trail gently climbs a mound, from the top of which is one of the most fascinating sceneries of the day.
  • It takes about half an hour to cross this lovely section of the trail and enter the cluster of firs once again. Across the forest and ten minutes later, are the beautiful meadows of Lidderwat.
  • There are a few Gujjar huts that signal Lidderwat. A sensible option is to drop down to the wooden bridge, climb out of the meadows on the other side and camp anywhere.
  • On the other side are lovely clear streams running across the meadows - this is vitally important if you are camping for the night. The Lidderwat camping site is a dream, clear streams run across the meadows. Spare time to take long walks that stretch to either end of the meadows.

Day 2: Trek from Lidderwat to Shekwas | Trek 5.6 KM / 5 hours

  • The trail to Tarsar Lake starts to climb right behind the PDA (Pahalgam District Authority) huts - following the course of the river flowing alongside.
  • It leaves the river below and climbs very quickly into the pine forest above you. The trail is straightforward and does not pose any challenge.
  • Continue to climb past clusters of pines and clearings for an hour and a half, until a stunning view opens up before you.
  • The narrow valley of Lidderwat opens up to tracks of wide sweeping grasslands. The grasslands merge with the towering mountains, with snow patches in their folds. It is no longer a single valley but many valleys that converge together.
  • The trail ahead converges upwards and to the left past the Bhakarwal shelters, sticking to the right of the river. Clear streams run down and cut through the trail many times. There are good spots to fill water. Avoid taking the upward trail.
  • Drop down to the river and cross it, first hopping over a few boulders and then crossing a make-shift long bridge. Follow the river and continue to climb the trail. Half an hour later, the trail around a bend opens up to a wide clearing of Homwas.
  • It is a delight treading on the trail after Homwas. It is mostly on grass and feels lovely under your feet. The trail, now in a southwesterly direction, enters a narrow valley with blue waters of the river as a constant company.
  • The climb continues to gain altitude. An hour later, you will pass a very old cluster of Silver Birch (Bhoj) trees, and the view opens up to another stunning scenery.
  • This time, a possibly wider grassland leads to two wide green valleys. It stretches out vastly in front of you. Undulating meadows on your left reach out for the sky. The trail climbs swiftly past a few Gujjar huts to the camping grounds of Shekwas.
  • For those on the Tarsar trail, Shekwas is a logical and extremely pretty camping ground. It is a good break after the hard climb.

Day 3: Trek from Shekwas toTarsar | Trek 5 KM / 4 hours

  • Past Shekwas, the trail again snakes its way through the grass for a long while. The trail to Tarsar, meanwhile, climbs into a ridge that overhangs the stream.
  • In a general westerly direction, the trail climbs rapidly towards a conical hill in front.
  • Two hours later, the trail finally gives you a narrow glimpse of Tarsar. Even the slight glimpse is a delight and it is a rush to reach the shores of the lake.
  • Cross the stream over boulders and set your foot on the grassy glades of Tarsar. There are plenty of flat camping spots along the lake and pitching tents is not an issue.
  • The lake is a stunning display of nature’s capabilities. The waters are turquoise blue and in a cauldron surrounded by snow patches feeding the waters of the lake. If ever there was a place that could come close to paradise, then the camping shores of Tarsar are it.

Day 4: Trek from Tarsar to Sundersar | Trek 5 KM / 5-6 hours

  • The view from the other side of the Tarsar pass is another terrific attraction. The grassy valley stretches out from your left to right in a never-ending stretch of beauty that boggles the imagination.
  • On the fourth day, most trekkers descend down from Tarsar, until Shekwas, turn left and get into the Sundarsar valley. By climbing to the pass you’ve saved 3-4 hours of the trek.
  • Descend from the pass on the shepherds’ trail that leads to the bottom of the valley. Move up the valley, to your left and continue on the trail. Ten minutes later, spot a few Bakkarval shelters on your left. Behind the shelter, the trail climbs over a short stretch of boulders to tap a knoll.
  • What lies behind the knoll is something that poets reserve their best for. In a vast expanse of meadows, with a widening valley on your left, are the lushest grasslands you’ll ever see. In the middle of the meadows, the stream turns into a large pond, fed by brooks from snow-melt of the surrounding mountains. Snow patches on the mountains offset the greenery of the meadows.
  • This delight of nature takes about half an hour to cross. Walk down the trails that lead to the end of the meadow, towards the end, superbly laid boulders cover the stream, hop along the boulders, climbing rapidly for another 15 minutes, until you reach the base of a ridge that separates the meadow from the valley above it. To get to the top of the ridge, the trail climbs through a narrow boulder-lined valley for another 15 minutes.
  • Topping the ridge is another meadow larger than the one you left behind sprawls out in front. The settings are similar, almost identical. The valley floor is a vast bed of flowers. Far beyond is another ridge top - the exit route of the Tarsar trek.
  • Follow the trail that climbs past the stream running down the slope. Briefly, the trail hangs over similar well-laid boulders over the stream. Ten minutes later, the trail magically hops over landscaped grassy mounds to land on the lovely shores of the lake of Sundarsar.
  • To your right and behind, are big flat stretches for camping, Sundarsar is the perfect camping spot after the lovely trek from Tarsar.

Day 5: Trek from Sundersar to Marsar and descend to Sonamasti | Trek 8 KM / 6 hours

  • The trail initially is a climb to Marsar, which is at an altitude of 13,170 feet.
  • Explore the surrounding meadows, and finally descend to 11,000 feet. The trek covers a distance of approximately 8 KM in 6 hours.
  • The Sonamasti valley is a sharp drop of over 2,000 feet, over a series of grassy ledges. Each of these ledges has a little stream that runs down from snow melts and falls down to the ledge below forming a clear pond, before sliding off the cliff like a waterfall.
  • The Sonamasti valley floor, again, is a breathtaking piece of nature’s art with small streams, brooks and green pastures.
  • You will be camping for the night at Sonamasti.

Day 6: Trek from Sonamasti to  Sonamarg via Sumbal | Trek 11 KM / 8 hours

  • On the last leg of the trek descend 4500 feet, and 11 KM from Sonamasti to Sumbal.
  • An early start will get you to Sumbal is about 5 hours. From Sumbal again you will trek down to Sonmarg where your trek will come to an end.

Basic Details

Start Point
Pahalgam
Finish Point
Srinagar
Activity Level
Moderate
Start time
9:00 am
Category
Trekking and HikingMulti-day Tours
Trip Code
O1033A2777

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in tents (twin/triple/quadruple sharing basis)
  • Camping charges and sleeping bags.
  • Meals during the trek (6 breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 5 Dinners).
  • Barbeque.
  • Transportation from Pahalgam to Aru.
  • Pony for luggage.
  • Services of a professional guide.
  • Permits, fees and other charges imposed by local authorities, national parks, etc.

Exclusions

  • Pony rides for trekkers.
  • Transportation charges for pick-up and drop-off from Srinagar to Pahalgam.
  • Accommodation in Pahalgam.
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Important Information

  • The camps during the trek will have toilet tents as well.
  • The meals during the trek will be available in both veg and non-veg.
  • Kids below 15 years of age are not recommended for this trek.
  • Your guide can speak English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Kashmiri
  • Accommodation in tents is on double, triple, or quadruple occupancy. Other groups are given as per their group size.
  • Change room and locker facilities are available in Pahalgam.

Things to carry:

  • T-shirts, comfortable trekking pants (avoid cotton), jackets - windproof with hood preferable to keep you warm from the cold wind.
  • Sweaters must be full sleeves and woollen plus, dry socks 3 or 4 pairs. A muffler is optional.
  • Trekking shoes with thick soles and most importantly, it should be comfortable.
  • Flip-flops must be lightweight.
  • A weightless towel, a water bottle.
  • Lip balm, sunblock, mosquito repellent.
  • Cap is a must under the sun which also includes the sunglasses.
  • At night, a torch is a must.
  • General medicines, personal toiletries.
  • Book lovers can carry books.
  • Do not make your backpack too heavy.
  • Avoid bringing expensive watches or jewellery for the trek. Note that we are not responsible if it is misplaced.

Cancellation Policy

  • Full refund if cancelled before* 7 days
  • 50% refund if cancelled before 3 days
  • No refund after that

*Advance payment is non-refundable

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Meet-up Information/Reporting Point

  • Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The contact number and other details of the tour operator are shared in the booking voucher, sent to you via email after booking.
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