Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek 2026 - A Detailed Guide.

The Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek is undoubtedly a serene escape into nature, as it brings a different experience than other hikes, as trekkers get the opportunity to camp beside the stunning crystal blue lakes covered in a snow blanket. An amazing experience in itself, this trek is different from even KGL (we will tell you why). The secluded campsites here are a rare blessing—one of the best highlights of visiting Tarsar Marsar. Regarded as the most picturesque in India, this trek is often compared to its impressive counterpart, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek.

Tarsar Marsar is famously known as “sister trek” to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek; the only thing that makes it unique is that it has fewer crowds, if compared, and offers a more private and peaceful experience with nature.

Introduction to Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Well-known for its twin alpine lakes, Tarsar and Marsar, bordered by green meadows, tranquil valleys, and snow-capped mountains, these lakes are the highlights of this trek. Located in Lidder Valley, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, India, the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek offers a spectacular high-altitude hiking experience to the nature lovers who are also seeking solitude.

Highlights of the Tarsar Marsar Lake

Breathtaking reflection in crystal-clear alpine lakes
Wildflowers filling the verdant meadows make it a wonderland from the fairytale.
Open valleys and peaceful trails in a remote place offer a desired break from city life.
Covered in mist, Marsar Lake adds a mystical vibe to the place.
Explore the traditional Kashmiri culture closely.

Trek Overview

This trek, in Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Kashmir region, is at an altitude of 13,000 feet and takes 7 to 8 days to complete. The best time to do this trek is from July to September, and its difficulty level is moderate. You will find the base camp in Aru village, which is near Pahalgam.

The Tarsar Marsar trek is rated as moderate to moderately challenging, making it accessible to those with some trekking experience or good fitness levels. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Difficulty Rating

The trek is considered moderate to challenging, suitable for experienced trekkers or those with a good level of fitness and hiking experience . It's a level 4 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale, making it mandatory to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 .

The trek is good for beginners because it has a decent increase in gradient and covers around 47 km, which makes it less strenuous . However, first-timers are welcome, though prior trekking experience is preferred and good fitness is a must.

What Makes It Challenging

Terrain Variety: The trek involves traversing through various terrains such as meadows, forests, rocky trails, steep ascents, and descents with uneven and challenging terrain at times .

Longer Trekking Days: The moderate difficulty rating is mainly due to the longer trekking days involved, with daily distances averaging around 5-6 kilometres, except for the final day which covers 13 kilometres .

Steep Sections: The most difficult ascent in the entire trek is the Tarsar Ridge, which is around 150m in height and is sharp, with an equally sharp descent on the other side. The day to Sundarsar involves a steep ascent in the beginning to the pass, followed by a descent and then a gentle ascent, covering 9 km in 7 hours.

Altitude: The trek reaches a maximum altitude of around 13,500 feet (4,115 meters) at the Tarsar Pass, and altitude sickness can be a concern.

Trek Details

Distance: 47-50 km total
Duration: 6-8 days typically
Maximum Altitude: 13,165-13,500 feet (4,000-4,115 meters)
Daily Trekking: 4-7 hours per day
Terrain: Mix of pine forests, meadows, rocky paths, ridges, river crossings

Fitness Requirements

Trekkers should have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km distance by jogging in 33 minutes without stress or 10 km distance in 75 minutes without stress. It's recommended to be able to jog 4.5 kilometers in less than 40 minutes to be well-prepared .

Overall, the Tarsar Marsar trek is more challenging than easier treks like Kedarkantha but remains accessible to moderately fit beginners with some preparation. It doesn't charge a great deal of physical challenge, acclimatization prerequisites, or exhaustion , making it an excellent choice for those looking to progress to moderate-level Himalayan treks.

Day 2: Trek from Aru to Lidderwat

Trek distance: 10 km, around 6 hours

Altitude covered: 9,120 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack, and dinner.

How does your day 2 look?

It is your trek day 1. From Aru to Lidderwat, cover a distance of 10 km while climbing the gentle but lengthy trail.
The trail is followed by the Lidder River, which makes it the highlight of the day. Also, experience the agricultural department’s fence on your way.
As you cover a decent distance, turn around and witness the beauty of the entire Aru region.
A dense forest of fir trees welcomes you as you continue to climb for another half an hour until the trail gets open and clear, called Della. View the attractive Gujjar huts there.
There is no climbing anymore as you reach Della—just a moderate, sinuous walk through thick pines.
A wide divide in the trail under a big fir tree hints at the deviation to Nandkei after 20 minutes.
As you progress, the forest keeps getting thinner.
Welcome to the open grassland and half an hour walk. This is where you will meet the families of Gujjars traversing the green fields on horseback. You will hardly notice this trail, as it is gentle.
The trail crosses two rivers (drinkable water) after another half-hour climb. The second river can be seen over a wooden bridge. From the bridge, there is a walk for another hour to Lidderwat. As the trail from the bridge to Lidderwat ends, a small woodland of pine trees awaits.
If you are coming to Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek during peak season, then on the right you will find a tea stall serving a good cup of tea.
Another highlight of the day is springs spreading out at the valley bottom as soon as the pine tree forest ends.
The grassy dells next to the river as you continue to climb, and beyond that, the Lidder swiftly meets with lovely fir forests.
This gorgeous-looking section will take another half an hour of trail walking before you yet again enter the forest of firs.
Reach the picturesque meadows of Lidderwat after ten minutes, where you will see a few more Gujjar huts.
After a tiring but worthy day, camp anywhere on the other side of the meadows. Also, accommodate yourself in Pahalgam District Authority huts if you want.

Inclusion

Transport Pickup : Srinagar.
From the scheduled pick-up point to the base camp, we arrange transportation in vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dzire, or Tempo Traveller (12-seater). This is shared by trekkers at a pre-decided cost. All vehicles are non-AC for mountain travel safety.
Accommodation Base Camp Stay: 1-night accommodation in a local homestay or guesthouse, offering a glimpse of authentic Himalayan lifestyle. (Single-sharing available at INR 5,000 extra per person for the entire trek)
On-Trek Stay: Twin-sharing tents (Vango Halo Pro / A-Shape) built to handle extreme weather while keeping you comfortable after a long day’s trek.
Camping Equipment High-quality sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Foam mattresses for added comfort.
Safety gear including microspikes, gaiters, helmets, and ice axe (where required).
Medical Support Our team carries an extensive medical kit and is trained in high-altitude first aid.
Oxygen cylinders (checked before every trek) are available at campsites and with the team at all times.
Permissions & FeesAll forest entry permits and camping fees for Indian nationals are included. (Additional charges apply for foreign nationals)
Meals Nutritious veg meals (with eggs) — Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner.
Jain and vegan meals available on prior request.
Dedicated kitchen tent and dining tent with tables and seating.
Our Team Certified Trek Leader (AMC/BMC/NIM-trained) for safety and smooth execution.
Local Guides with deep knowledge of the trail, culture, and biodiversity.
Support Crew including cook, helpers, porters, and mules for common equipment.
Cloakroom Facility You can leave extra luggage safely at our base camp free of charge.

Exclusion-During The Trek

Personal expenses like tips, medicines, and phone calls.
Travel from your hometown to the pick-up point.
Personal trekking gear (jackets, shoes, backpacks, cutlery) — available for rent at affordable rates on prior request.
Backpack offloading (optional) – INR 400 per bag/day (up to 12 kg).
Trek insurance (mandatory) — to be arranged separately.
Buffer day cost (if used) — to be paid directly to the trek leader.
Any items not mentioned in the inclusions list.