Kashmir Great Lakes
Step up to seven lakes and three passes.
Explore
Tarsar Marsar Trek
Twin almond-shaped lakes split by a single ridge — Tarsar bright and welcoming, Marsar moody and cloud-veiled. The gentler, dreamier sibling of the Great Lakes.
6 Days / 5 NightsDuration
~48 kmDistance
4,000 mMax Altitude
Jun–SepBest Season
The Trek
Camp on the shore of a mountain lake
Starting from the meadows of Aru near Pahalgam, Tarsar Marsar is a trek of water and grass — riverside trails, wildflower pastures, and a night camped right on Tarsar's shore where the peaks turn pink at dawn.
Fewer crossings and mellower gradients make this our most-recommended first Himalayan trek, yet the beauty asks no apology to any route in India.
₹16,900 / person · fixed departures Jun–Sep
Book This TripDay by Day
The full itinerary
D0
Srinagar → Aru
Scenic transfer via Pahalgam to Aru (2,400 m). Evening briefing and gear check beside the Lidder river.
D1
Aru → Lidderwat
An easy, gorgeous opening day through pine forest and riverside meadows to the shepherd grazing grounds of Lidderwat.
D2
Lidderwat → Shekwas
Climb steadily past Gujjar huts into higher meadows, camping at Shekwas with the ridgelines drawing close.
D3
Shekwas → Tarsar Lake
A short, spectacular walk to camp right on the almond-shaped shore of Tarsar — sunrise here is unforgettable.
D4
Tarsar → Sundersar via Tarsar Pass
Cross the 4,000 m pass for the classic top-down view of both lakes, then descend to camp at hidden Sundersar.
D5
Marsar viewpoint → Homeward meadows
A dawn walk to peer down at moody, cloud-veiled Marsar, then a long descent back toward the meadows.
D6
Aru → Srinagar
Final forest descent to Aru and transfer back to Srinagar.
Why You'll Love It
Trip highlights
Twin Alpine Lakes
Tarsar and Marsar — two moods of blue, divided by one dramatic ridge.
Lakeside Camping
A night pitched on Tarsar's shore, with reflections and silence you'll never forget.
Beginner-Friendly
Gentle gradients and a supportive crew make this an ideal first high-Himalaya trek.
The Fine Print
What's included
Included
- Certified trek leader & local crew
- Tents, sleeping bags & mats
- All trek meals + kahwa
- Pack ponies for group kit
- Permits & camping fees
- Srinagar ↔ Aru transfers
- First-aid & oxygen backup
Not Included
- Flights & Srinagar hotels
- Personal gear & shoes
- Backpack offloading
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed
The Route
Trek route map
Distances and positions are illustrative. Your trek leader carries GPS tracks, and a detailed day-by-day map pack is shared with every confirmed booking.
Fitness & Preparation
Is the Tarsar Marsar Trek right for you?
This is a moderate trek. With gentler gradients and fewer high crossings than the Great Lakes, this is a superb first Himalayan trek. Basic fitness — the ability to walk 10–12 km with a daypack — is enough.
Start preparing three to four weeks out: brisk walks or jogs, stair climbing and a few hikes with a loaded daypack build the stamina that turns a hard day into a happy one. Our guides set a steady, sustainable pace and never leave anyone behind.
Weather & Best Season
When to go, and what to expect
The season runs mid-June to mid-September. Early season is lush and green with snowmelt streams; late season brings golden meadows and settled, clear skies.
Days are mild at 14–20°C, nights cold near the lakes. The lakeside camp at Tarsar can be breezy — a warm layer for sunrise photography is well worth carrying.
Pack Smart
What to pack
Ponies carry the group kit — you carry a daypack with the essentials. Here's the short list.
Wear & carry
- Trekking shoes with grip & ankle support
- 35–45 L daypack + rain cover
- Quick-dry tees & trek pants
- Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen
In your kit bag
- Warm down/synthetic jacket
- Fleece + thermals for camp
- Light rain jacket
- Headlamp, water bottles, personal meds
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Slightly gentler. Fewer high pass crossings and softer gradients make it a superb first Himalayan trek, though the scenery rivals its more famous sibling.
Tarsar Pass / the Marsar viewpoint, around 4,000 m.
From Aru, a postcard meadow village near Pahalgam, roughly a 3-hour drive from Srinagar.
Mid-June to mid-September. Early season brings snowmelt streams and lush green; late season brings clear skies and golden meadows.
Your first mountain lake awaits.
Small groups, gentle trails, unforgettable camps — book your Tarsar Marsar dates.