The short version
- 18 days, about 48km on foot, topping out at 4,023m (Marsar Pass). Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in Jul – Aug.
- 3Starts from Aru, reached via Srinagar.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹16,000 to ₹18,000 per person; 3 listed, 2 verified.
The trek
Overview
The Tarsar Marsar trek takes you to two of Kashmir's most beautiful alpine lakes, through meadows and passes above the Aru and Pahalgam valleys. From the green Aru Valley it reaches the glacially carved bowl of Tarsar at 3,720m, crosses the pass above it and descends to the wild, remote Marsar lake — less visited and arguably more dramatic — with the Kolahoi glacier glinting in the distance. The margs and shepherd encampments along the way give an authentic slice of Kashmiri high-altitude life: Kashmir trekking at its finest.
Right for you if
- You've done a multi-day trek before
- You can manage two pass days around 4,000m back to back
- 6–7 nights of tent camping beside alpine lakes is what you want
- You can go in Jul–Aug, the only reliable window
Think twice if
- You need phone signal: prepaid SIMs from outside J&K don't work there (postpaid does)
- You can only go outside Jul–Aug: snow or closures make the route unreliable
- You'd skip registering: the forest checkpost at Aru needs your details and ID
Season
When to go
July and August: the best time for this region, which sits largely beyond the monsoon's reach. Expect sunny days, cold nights and the odd shower.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Srinagar
Nearest airport
Srinagar
Nearest railway
Srinagar or Jammu
By road
Srinagar to Aru via Pahalgam, about 3 to 4 hours
Most operators run a shared pickup from Srinagar early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 32 km with about 1,860 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 3, climbing 550 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Aru → Lidderwat
Up the Lidder river from Aru through pine and meadows
10.9 km480 m30 msleep at 2,859 m
- Day2
Lidderwat → Shekwas
Into a side valley to a camp ringed by peaks
≈6.5 km470 m100 msleep at 3,253 m
- Day3
Shekwas → Tarsar Lake
A short climb to the almond-shaped lake, the trek's showpiece
6.4 km550 m0 msleep at 3,825 m
- Day4
Tarsar Lake → Sundersar
Over the Tarsar pass to a quiet lake camp
5.9 km290 m160 msleep at 3,934 m
- Day5
Sundersar → Sundersar
via Marsar Lake
Up to the ridge above Marsar, often under cloud, and back
5.2 km260 m250 msleep at 3,934 m
- Day6
Sundersar → Lidderwat
Back down the valley
18.8 km250 m1,320 msleep at 2,859 m
- Day7
Lidderwat → Aru
Back along the Lidder to the road
10.9 km20 m470 msleep at 2,413 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,413 m
Highest night
3,934 m
Highest point
4,016 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Trekkers register with the local police and forest department at the start, and the Army at checkposts on some routes. Carry original photo ID and several photocopies.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Tarsar Marsar Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A proper rain jacket and trousers or a poncho, a pack cover and liner, and quick-dry layers
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Streams rise in the afternoon and after rain. Cross early, and turn back if it looks too fast.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
3 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹16,000 to ₹18,000 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Indiahikes4.9₹16,000
- Trek The Himalayas4.8₹17,000
- Trekmunk4.3₹18,000
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Tarsar Marsar Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 4,023m (Marsar Pass), so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Tarsar Marsar Trek?
Jul – Aug. July and August: the best time for this region, which sits largely beyond the monsoon's reach. Expect sunny days, cold nights and the odd shower.
How many days does the Tarsar Marsar Trek take?
8 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 7 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Tarsar Marsar Trek?
Most groups meet in Srinagar. Nearest airport: Srinagar. Nearest railway: Srinagar or Jammu. Srinagar to Aru via Pahalgam, about 3 to 4 hours.
How much does the Tarsar Marsar Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹16,000 to ₹18,000 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Tarsar Marsar Trek?
Trekkers register with the local police and forest department at the start, and the Army at checkposts on some routes. Carry original photo ID and several photocopies.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.