Tarsar Marsar Lake in Kashmir – Travel Guide by Cliffhangers India

Tarsar Marsar Lake is the name given to the twin alpine lakes of Kashmir. The lakes are Tarsar and Marsar Lakes.

This is the blog that gives you a detailed overview of the two most famous and beautiful lakes of Kahsmri called Tarsar Marsar Lakes. In this blog, we will explain the features of these lakes, their location and how to reach these lakes. And the trek associated with these twin lakes.

Tarsar Marsar is the most famous twin lake in Kashmir. These are the alpine lakes to which hordes of tourists visit and trek. The lakes have been famous for centuries now, first in the local population and now across India.

Tarsar Marsar Lakes are situated adjacent to each other and separated by a ridge called Tarsar Ride. The lakes are huge. They are mostly visited during summers and in winters they are frozen and covered in snow. Hence the trekking to these lakes is shut for winter. Both of these lakes are situated at an altitude of around 3600m and have the best clean water.

Tarsar Marsar Lakes are glacier-fed and hence are recommended for drinking. The lakes have been preserved by the local authorities and population which makes them the cleanest lakes in Kashmir.

Tarsar lake is an almond-shaped lake and is the fourth largest alpine lake in Kashmir. Marsar Lake is similar to Tarsar lake and is spread over a large area. It is the water of Tarsar Lake that forms the famous Lidder river which flows through the Pahalgam area and then merges with the Jhelum river. Marsar lake drains to Srinagar via Dachigam national park. This then further becomes part of the famous lake in Kashmir called Dal Lake.

These twin lakes can be approached from many sides. It can be approached from Srinagar's Dachigam Park. They can be approached from the Sonamarg side. But the most followed and easiest route is from Aru village which falls in the Pahalgam area. The trail from here is easy and mostly followed. Tarsar Lake is around 20km from Aru village and the trail goes through the jungle, meadows, boulder section, and via some river crossing. The first campsite on this trail is the beautiful Lidderwath campsite. This campsite is famous for going to Tarsar Marsar Lake and the Kolahoi glacier trek.

These twin lakes are covered in the famous trek called Tarsar Marsar Trek in Kashmir. Here is a brief introduction and some details about Tarsar Marsar Trek.

Tarsar Marsar Trek is the famous summer trek here in Kashmir. This is an easy to moderate trek which is very much recommended for beginners. The trek has beautiful vast meadows with lush grass and shimmering river streams. The river streams dance beside the trail of this trek. The trek has a patch of the jungle which starts from Aru village. It is for around 5km before the meadows of Lidderwath open. The trek has Lidderwath as the first campsite, the second campsite is at Shekiwas. From Shekiwas one goes to visit Tarsar Lake. In this trek, apart from the twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar, one sees the gorgeous Sundersar Lake which is situated just below Marsar Lake.

Trek Distance: This trek is not long. The total distance is around 48km. The trek is easy to moderate and has mostly the meadow walk. The first day has around 5 km of jungle walk through the thick trees of pine and deodar. The distance of the trek is easily covered in the generally followed itinerary of 7 days.

Trek Duration: The trek is finished in 7 days. However, depending upon the personal fitness and preference one can finish this trek in less than or more than 7 days duration. The ideal duration remains 7 days with one day spent in Aru for acclimatization.

Trek Gradient: This is one of the few easy treks in Kashmir. The gradient of the trek is easy owing to the fact that this is mostly a meadow walk that has no sharp steepness.

Highest Altitude of the Trek: The altitude gain of the trek is gradual and the maximum altitude this trek takes is around 3980m. This highest altitude one reaches on the day one ascends to Marsar Lake. The altitude gain is gradual which makes the altitude sickness less likely. Also, the highest altitude of the campsite is around 3600m.

Trek Safety: The trek is safe and secure for all. It is easy as mentioned before and is in no way dangerous in its terrain. There are no threatening wild animals. This trek has no overhanging cliffs.

Starting Point: The trek starts from a quaint village of Kashmir called Aru. This village is 12 km from Pahalgam. This village is the best village in the entire Kashmir.

End Point: This trek like most of the treks here in Pahalgam is not a circuit trek. It begins and terminates in Aru.

How to reach Aru: Take a cab from Srinagar airport that will drop you at this village. The duration of the drive is around 3.5 hours and the distance of the drive from Srinagar airport is around 112km.

Mobile and Internet connectivity: There will be no mobile network during this trek. In Aru, the mobile network is erratic and can’t be relied upon. At times there is no network because of a shortage of electricity.

Best Time: Summer is the most favourable season for this trek. The best months for this trek are June, July, August, September, and October.

Best Attractions: Tarsar Lake, Marsar Lake, Sundersar Lake, Lidderwat, Silent valley, Shekiwas, and Aru village.

To sum up, Tarsar Marsar Lake is the best alpine lake in Kashmir. It is quite a must for any trekker to visit these lakes. The lakes never disappoint a trekker. They delight the trekkers with their sheer calmness and beauty. To see these lakes one has to do Tarsar Marsar Trek. Cliffhangers India has regular fixed departures for this trek. So pack your backpack and hop on to this beautiful trek in India.

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