Overview

The Tarsar lake, also known as Tar Sar, is an almond-shaped alpine lake in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, in the region of Aru in the district of Anantnag. People often refer to Tarsar and Marsar Lake as twin sisters as both the lakes share the same characteristics. These water bodies are separated by a 13,000-foot mountain. Both lakes move in the opposite direction. The stream from Tarsar Marsar Trek is joined by another stream from Mount Mahadev known as Telbal Nallah which is thought to be the main source of Dal Lake. The outlet stream from Tarsar empties into the Lidder River at the seasonal settlement of Lidderwat.

The colors of Tarsar Lake's waters are known to fluctuate throughout the course of the day and range from turquoise green to several shades of blue. Numerous meadows with conifer trees, mountains, and snow-capped summits are scattered throughout. Marsar Lake when viewed from the top is considered to have an aesthetic look with clouds covering the lake surrounded by the rocky terrain which makes it look picturesque and extraordinary. They are the two most important and well-known lakes in the Pulwama district, with Tarsar and Marsar being around 3 and 5 kilometers, respectively, from Nagberan.

In recent years, Trekking has become a fascinating adventure activity in this region. Some of the most well-known trek routes are in India's northern Himalayan area, and they draw a lot of thrill-seekers every season. The Himalayan mountain range's trekking zone includes Leh Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Kulu-Manali.

About Tarsar Marsar Trek

Among other breathtaking trekking trails, Kashmir is home to the iconic Tarsar Marsar trek. The trek leads to three incredible alpine lakes: Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundarsar. The trail winds its way through Kashmir's famous meadows, breathtaking high-altitude pastures, woods, and meadows. The campsites on this trek sit right beside the surreal beauty of these lakes, and a sprawling sky studded with a million stars watches over you.

Other Attractions along the Trek

Aru Valley – The trek starts from Aru Valley and it is located about 12 km from the town of Pahalgam.

Lidderwat – Lidderwat is a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering mountains. On crossing the Lidder River, the track leads to Lidderwat.

Sheeshnag - Sheeshnag is a mountainside glacial lake. This lake is named after the seven peaks that surround it. This lake is said to resemble the heads of a mythical creature.

Homwas – The Trek ends at Homwas which is a small village on the banks of the Wangnath River.

The Tarsar Marsar Trek is a challenging but rewarding journey that provides breathtaking vistas of some of the Kashmir Valley region's most beautiful landscapes.

Best Time for a Tarsar Marsar Trek

The best time for the trek is between June to September when snow is found in abundance and it totally makes the trek memorable. During the day, the temperature is around 5 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius and during the night the temperature is around 3 degree Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius.

A few Factors to Consider Before the Tarsar Marsar Trek

For experienced hikers or those with a high level of fitness and prior trekking expertise, the Tarsar Marsar walk is suited to be a moderate to tough hike. The difficulty level can vary depending on weather conditions, personal fitness, and previous trekking experience.

Terrain – The trek traverses through a lot of terrains such as meadows, forests, rocky rails, steep ascents and descents. At times, it can be uneven and challenging requiring a certain level of fitness and stamina.

Altitude – The trek is at an altitude of around 13500 feet. Altitude sickness can be a concern.

Distance and Duration – The trek is at a distance of approximately 45-50 kilometers.

Weather and Temperature – The weather can be unpredictable. Hence it is important to be prepared for the changing weather conditions and pack accordingly.

Conclusion

From the Aru valley to the serene Tarsar Marsar lakes, this trek takes you through a memorable journey. Also, remember that the trek requires proper planning, preparation, and caution when it comes to altitude sickness, water and food safety, and emergency evacuation. Nevertheless, with the right mindset and guidance, this trek can be an experience of a lifetime.