Tarsar Marsar Trek

Altitude: 2,800 m/ 9,150 ft.
We start our trek today after breakfast.We head out into the tree cover, visible at a distance from the campsite, leaving behind the green pen pastures. The trek starts with a gradual ascend for 2 to 3 hours through a beautiful pine forest trail.  The trail cuts across a couple of valley streams next as we go. We soon come across a crude log bridge over the second brook. The streams are very clear and it is safe to drink the water in the stream. The trail here curves into another wooded area of gorgeous firs before coming out into the meadows of Lidderwat, where the river flows clear watered. We can find quaint little Gujjar settlements that mark the very locale. Our camp would be at a quiet spot close to the stream which is nothing short of a dream. There should be enough time before sundown to walk around the peaceful fir tree-shaded Gujjar settlement and explore the meadows, and then lay out in the dying light on soft grass by the streamside to soak in the tranquillity.

Altitude: 3,350 m/ 11,000 ft.
The day’s trek starts with a moderate to steep ascent for 1 hour, followed by a level walk for another hour before we break for lunch, beside a gentle stream. We leave the tree line behind here, and ascend gradually for 1 more hour to reach the Shekwas campsite.  We will now be heading towards Homwas, which is a little clearing inhabited by a cluster of Gujjar huts and it falls on the other side of the river. After crossing a log bridge, we are ushered into a locality with a few homes and tea shops.  Crossing the village, you will walk parallel to the crystal river before you enter a different grassy landscape. The walk from Homwas to Shekwas is a delight as you mostly walk on the soft grass. Soon you will arrive at Shekwas. The trail now follows in a south-westerly direction and enters a narrow valley where a  beautiful river constantly keeps you company.
From here one can get a good view of the surrounding mountains and the path heading up to the Tarsar lake. A short 1 hour hike from the Sekhwas campsite will take you to the small yet charming Jadar Lake. Return to Sekhwas and rest for the night.

Altitude: 3,800 m/ 12,500 ft.
A trek to the first of the lakes, Tarsar, is on the agenda today. We trek uphill from the Shekwas campsite, keeping the stream flowing down to our right. The views of the mountains get grander and more snow-clad peaks become visible all around us as we approach the Tarsar Lake. 2 hours of trekking and the beautiful lake reveals itself amidst imposing mountain ridges on 3 sides.  The views of the snow-clad peaks become grander as we get closer to the lake.  You need to cross the stream, jumping from boulder to boulder adventurously before finally gliding into a verdant meadow around the lake where we will camp at night. Sink your feet deep into the soft grass and watch how the lake water reflects the passing hues of the sky as the day rolls on. Time seems to come to a standstill amid such beauty and silence. There are plenty of flat open spots by the lake where you can pitch your tent. Remember that the entire trek takes place along an eco-friendly zone so please do not litter around the lake or anywhere along your trek and encourage others to not do the same.

Altitude: 4,000 m/ 13,000 ft.
Today we will trek another 6 km to the adjoining Sundarsar Valley through Tarsar Pass. We delve into a connecting stretch first which joins the meadows of Shekwas and Sundersar Valley. The view of the valley leading to Zachmargi on the other side of the ridge is simply breathtaking. Upon descending into the valley, we walk along the stream which drains from Sundarsar. Set up camp at Sundarsar. Relax and admire the serene Sundersar Lake. Retire for the night.

Altitude: Marsar Ridge: 4,100 m/ 13,100 ft | Homwas: 3,500 m/ 11,500 ft.
Walking around Sundersar, we trek up and over a saddle on a ridge located on the far side of the lake. Marsar is an hour's trek away from here.  The trail takes you to a vantage point which gives you unparalleled views of the Marsar Lake, which is almost always engulfed under clouds and mist. The weather this height turns bad fast and is unpredictable.  After covering a partly grass-covered, partly snow-sheeted rock trail over the pass, we slightly descend to a flatland that’s cut through by occasional water flows. Keep to the trail on the left and you will spot a ridge that climbs from your left and to the front. They pass a beautiful stretch of green that leads to flatter grounds and after crossing the grassy stretch and hopping over some brooks, you will spot another ridge on your left. The top of the ridge view reveals the translucent blue Marsar Lake lying somewhere down below. The descent is full of nostalgia as you relive your experience on the trail once more. Homwas is reached before nightfall, slightly exhausted.

Altitude: 2,400 m/ 7,950 ft.
Drive: 100km
Today we depart the campsite of Homwas and take the same route we took at the beginning of the trek to reach Aru via Lidderwat. escending through this trail will give you some sights that you missed previously when climbing up. This includes the views of the shrinking Kolahoi glacier and the pine forests of Lidderwat from a whole new perspective. Passing through the pine forests of Lidderwat, we rest at Lidderwat for some time before resuming our trek to Aru which will take about 4 more hours to cover. Expect to reach Aru by 16:00 hours and our vehicles will be waiting at Aru to drive you to Srinagar. Expect to reach Srinagar by 19:00 hours.