Kashmir · India
Tarsar Marsar
Twin almond lakes in a sea of flowers
The trek
Two almond-shaped alpine lakes and the hidden Sundersar, strung through some of the gentlest, most flower-rich meadows in Kashmir.
Tarsar and Marsar are sister lakes — two long, almond-shaped sheets of water lying in adjacent valleys, separated by a single high ridge yet rarely seen together. Tarsar shows itself early and generously, a broad blue lake you can camp beside and watch change colour through the evening. Marsar keeps its distance: it reveals itself only from a ridge above, often half-wrapped in cloud, a glimpse rather than a destination. Between them lies the quieter Sundersar, the 'beautiful lake', cradled in its own bowl of meadow.
If the Kashmir Great Lakes is a trek of high passes, Tarsar Marsar is a trek of meadows. The route begins from the pine-shaded hamlet of Aru above Pahalgam and climbs through some of the softest, most flower-laden grasslands in the valley — Lidderwat, Shekwas, the rolling pastures where shepherds summer their flocks. The walking is moderate and the camps are idyllic, which makes this one of the finest first alpine-lake treks anyone can choose.
It is shorter and gentler than its famous neighbour, but no less beautiful. For trekkers who want lakes, wildflowers and easy, open country without the relentless pass-crossing, Tarsar Marsar is close to perfect.
Highlights
- The twin almond-shaped lakes of Tarsar and Marsar
- The hidden, mirror-calm Sundersar lake
- Rolling flower meadows from Aru through Lidderwat and Shekwas
- A gentler, shorter alternative to the Kashmir Great Lakes
From
₹15,499
per person
- Free reschedule up to 21 days out
- Small groups, certified mountain leaders
- Oximeter, oxygen & evacuation plan on every route
Day by day
The itinerary
7 days from Aru (Pahalgam). Tap any day to read the detail — distances and altitudes are planning figures and may shift with conditions.
A scenic drive leaves Srinagar and climbs along the Lidder river through the resort town of Pahalgam to the pine-shaded hamlet of Aru, the trek's roadhead. The road threads orchards, saffron fields and steepening valley walls as it gains height, the last stretch a narrow mountain road above the river. The afternoon is given to settling in and acclimatising at the village beneath the surrounding peaks. There is no trekking today, just a gentle stroll to loosen the legs before the walk begins.
What's included
- All camping equipment and freshly cooked meals
- Certified trek leader and support crew
- Permits and entry fees
- Safety equipment, oximeter and emergency oxygen
- Mule support for common loads
Not included
- Transport to and from Aru / Srinagar
- Personal gear, insurance and offloading of personal bags
- Anything not listed under inclusions
In the field
The country you'll walk
Ready when you are
Walk Tarsar Marsar with us
Small groups, honest briefings and a crew that has done this route many times over. From ₹15,499 per person.
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