Tarsar Marsar
Two teardrop-shaped alpine lakes separated by a single ridge, through some of Kashmir's greenest meadows.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Tarsar Marsar Trek Overview
Two teardrop-shaped alpine lakes separated by a single ridge, through some of Kashmir's greenest meadows.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Aru · Estimated trip duration: 7 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation by published trail milestone
Aru → Lidderwat → Shekwas → Tarsar → Tarsar Pass → Sundersar
These are elevations reported for named stages on one particular route. Connecting lines show milestone order only; the horizontal spacing is not walking distance and changes between stages are not a measured terrain profile.
See altitude for each trail stage
| Milestone | Elevation |
|---|---|
| 1Aru | 7,960 ft |
| 2Lidderwat | 9,120 ft |
| 3Shekwas | 11,035 ft |
| 4Tarsar camp | 12,435 ft |
| 5Tarsar Pass | 13,140 ft |
| 6Sundersar | 12,945 ft |
Different heights in Panth: the older catalogue lists 13,500 ft as its maximum, while this published Aru → Lidderwat → Shekwas → Tarsar → Tarsar Pass → Sundersar sequence reaches 13,140 ft. These may describe different trail variants or an older estimate; we are retaining both transparently until reconciled.
Route variant: Aru → Lidderwat → Shekwas → Tarsar → Tarsar Pass → Sundersar. This waypoint sequence does not cover the separate Marsar Lake visit.
A measured GPS distance/elevation profile is not yet available for this route. This graphic is for comparing stage heights, not navigation.
Tarsar Marsar Trek Planning Guide
Tarsar Marsar is a moderate trek in Aru, Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir. Panth records the route as approximately 48 km over 7 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 13,500 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Tarsar Marsar
The Panth catalogue currently lists Jul, Aug, Sep as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 5 planned days, including Aru to Lidderwat and Lidderwat to Shekwas. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
A permit or ILP is listed in the catalogue, but current rules must be confirmed. The recorded base location is Aru, and the nearest listed rail connection is Srinagar (Sheikh ul-Alam Airport), then a road journey to Aru via Pahalgam. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A moderate rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Tarsar Marsar. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Weather in the valley shifts quickly above Shekwas — carry a rain shell even on clear mornings and Register ID details at the Aru checkpost; carry photocopies for the trail. The current packing notes include Waterproof tent and rain cover — this is a genuinely wet trek in July, Trekking poles for the ridge crossing between the two lakes. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Jammu & Kashmir
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Tarsar Marsar with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Gentle riverside walk along the Lidder river into pine forest.
Climb into high meadows with the first views of the Kolahoi massif.
Short, steep climb to camp beside the turquoise Tarsar Lake.
Cross the connecting ridge for views of both lakes on the same day.
Visit the darker, moodier Marsar Lake before descending.
Safety notes
- Weather in the valley shifts quickly above Shekwas — carry a rain shell even on clear mornings
- Register ID details at the Aru checkpost; carry photocopies for the trail
What to pack
- Waterproof tent and rain cover — this is a genuinely wet trek in July
- Trekking poles for the ridge crossing between the two lakes
Frequently asked questions about Tarsar Marsar
Where is Tarsar Marsar located?
Tarsar Marsar is listed in Aru, Kashmir, within the Jammu & Kashmir trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Tarsar Marsar trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Moderate. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Tarsar Marsar?
Panth currently lists Jul, Aug, Sep. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Tarsar Marsar?
A permit or ILP is currently recorded as required.
How long is the Tarsar Marsar trek?
The catalogue records 7 days and approximately 48 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.