Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: The Complete Guide
Route, best season, fitness, gear, permits and costs for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, plus life at camp and shorter alternatives.
If the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is the valley’s most famous hike, Tarsar Marsar is its best-kept rival. Starting from Aru Valley near Pahalgam, this trek leads through wide meadows grazed by shepherds’ flocks to two stunning alpine lakes: almond-shaped, turquoise Tarsar and the mysterious, cloud-wrapped Marsar. It is shorter and slightly gentler than the Great Lakes, with campsites that many trekkers rank among the most beautiful in the Himalaya.
This guide covers the route day by day, difficulty and fitness, the best season, what to pack, permits and safety, how it compares with the Great Lakes, and how to plan your trip.
The trek at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Aru Valley, near Pahalgam (about 2,400 m) |
| Distance | About 45 to 50 km round trip |
| Trekking days | 5 to 6 (7 to 8 days including travel) |
| Highest point | About 4,000 m, on the ridge near Sundersar and the Marsar viewpoint |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Season | July to mid-September |
| Lakes | Tarsar, Sundersar, Marsar |
Why choose Tarsar Marsar?
- Spectacular lakes: Tarsar is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in India, ringed by snowy peaks.
- Gentler gradients: fewer high passes than the Great Lakes trek, making it a good first Himalayan trek for fit beginners.
- Meadow campsites: camps at Lidderwat and Shekwas sit in vast green meadows by streams.
- Shorter: fits into a week, including travel from Srinagar.
- Easy access: Aru is just 12 kilometres from Pahalgam.
The route, day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar
Meet your trek leader for a briefing and gear check. Overnight in Srinagar.
Day 2: Srinagar to Aru
Drive about three and a half hours via Pahalgam to Aru Valley. Short acclimatisation walk in the meadows; overnight in a guesthouse or camp.
Day 3: Aru to Lidderwat (about 10 km)
The trail follows the Lidder through pine forest and open meadows, crossing small streams and passing Gujjar and Bakarwal shepherd settlements. Lidderwat (about 2,800 m) is a wide meadow at the confluence of two streams, one flowing from Kolahoi Glacier and the other from Tarsar.
Day 4: Lidderwat to Shekwas (about 6 km)
A gentle climb into a broad, flower-filled valley. Shekwas is a vast grazing meadow ringed by peaks. The short day helps acclimatisation.
Day 5: Shekwas to Tarsar (about 5 km)
A short climb brings you to Tarsar Lake (about 3,800 m). Its turquoise water, framed by snowfields and rocky peaks, is the trek’s highlight. Spend the afternoon by the shore; campsites are a little below the lake.
Day 6: Tarsar to Sundersar, Marsar viewpoint
Cross the ridge above Tarsar to reach Sundersar Lake, then climb to the viewpoint overlooking Marsar Lake (around 4,000 m), which lies deep in a bowl and is often hidden by swirling clouds. Return to camp. Some routes continue over the ridge to exit towards Sonamarg or Dachigam, but the standard route returns to Aru.
Day 7: Return to Aru, drive to Pahalgam
Descend via Shekwas and Lidderwat to Aru (a long but downhill day), then drive to Pahalgam for a hot shower and a hotel night.
Day 8: Departure
Drive about three hours to Srinagar airport.
Our Tarsar Marsar Lakes Trek package follows this 7-night plan.
Difficulty and fitness
Tarsar Marsar is rated moderate. Daily walking is usually five to seven hours, with steady climbs rather than very steep ones, apart from the ridge to Sundersar and Marsar. It suits fit beginners who prepare well and experienced trekkers looking for a beautiful, less demanding route.
Start training six weeks before the trek:
- Brisk walking, jogging or cycling four to five times a week.
- Stair climbing or hill walking with a 5 to 7 kg daypack.
- Squats, lunges and core exercises for strength and balance.
- At least one long day hike before the trek.
Altitude
Most campsites are between 2,800 and 3,800 metres. Ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and tell your trek leader about any persistent headache, nausea or breathlessness. Descending is the best treatment for altitude sickness.
When to go
- July: snow patches remain near the lakes, streams run high and flowers begin to bloom.
- August: peak flower season and the most stable weather.
- Early to mid-September: clear skies, fewer trekkers, colder nights, autumn tints starting.
What to pack
- Broken-in trekking boots and camp sandals.
- A 40 to 50 litre rucksack with rain cover and a daypack.
- Quick-dry trekking clothes, fleece, down jacket and thermals.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Woollen hat, sun hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Trekking poles, headlamp, two water bottles and purification tablets.
- Personal medicines, blister kit and toiletries.
- Original photo ID and copies.
Operators usually provide tents, sleeping bags, mats, meals and support staff. Mules can carry main rucksacks for an extra fee.
Permits and rules
- Carry original government photo ID; forest and other permits are usually arranged by operators.
- The trail passes through Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary; respect wildlife and stay on the trail.
- Leave no trace: carry out all waste and don’t use soap in lakes or streams.
- Drones are not permitted.
Tarsar Marsar vs Kashmir Great Lakes
| Tarsar Marsar | Great Lakes | |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Aru (Pahalgam) | Shitkadi (Sonamarg) |
| Trekking days | 5 to 6 | 6 to 7 |
| Distance | About 45 to 50 km | About 70 km |
| Highest point | About 4,000 m | About 4,200 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate to difficult |
| Lakes | 3 | 7 |
| Best for | First Himalayan trek, shorter holidays | Experienced trekkers wanting more lakes and passes |
Wildlife and flowers
Look out for marmots on the meadows, griffon vultures and lammergeiers overhead, and, with luck, Himalayan ibex on rocky slopes. In July and August the meadows bloom with wildflowers, including primulas, potentillas, gentians and edelweiss in places.
A day on the trail
Trek days follow a gentle rhythm. Tea arrives at your tent around 6 am. After a hot breakfast, you pack your daypack (water, snacks, rain jacket, warm layer, sunscreen) and set off by 8. The trail climbs steadily through meadows and forest, with plenty of stops for photos and rest. A packed lunch is eaten beside a stream. By early afternoon you reach camp, where tents are already up and hot drinks are waiting. Afternoons are free for resting, washing in warm water or exploring the lake shore. Dinner is early, and most trekkers are asleep by 9 under an astonishing sky full of stars.
Food and water on the trek
Organised treks provide simple, filling meals: porridge, eggs and parathas for breakfast; packed lunches; soup, dal, rice, vegetables and rotis for dinner, sometimes with a dessert. Let your operator know about dietary needs in advance. Water comes from streams and is boiled or filtered at camp. Carry two water bottles and purification tablets as a backup.
Weather and what can go wrong
Mountain weather can change quickly. Clear mornings often give way to clouds and showers in the afternoon. Cold rain at Tarsar can feel wintry even in August. Snow on the ridge to Sundersar early in the season can make the crossing harder. Good operators watch the forecast, keep a buffer day if needed, and will turn back or change the route if conditions are unsafe. Trust their judgment; the lakes will still be there next year.
Combining the trek with a holiday
Many trekkers add a few relaxed days before or after the trek. Arriving a day early in Srinagar lets you rest after travel and enjoy a houseboat night. After the trek, a couple of nights in Pahalgam or Gulmarg, or a final houseboat night on Nigeen Lake, feels like a well-earned reward. Our team can arrange the whole trip, from airport pick-up to the trek and back.
A simple 6-week training plan
You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy Tarsar Marsar, but steady training makes every day on the trail more enjoyable. Here’s a plan that works for most people:
| Weeks | Focus | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Build a base | Brisk walking or easy jogging 30–40 minutes, 4 days a week |
| 3–4 | Add climbing | Stair climbing or hill walks with a 5 kg pack, 3 days a week; squats and lunges twice a week |
| 5 | Go longer | One long walk of 3–4 hours with a pack; keep up shorter sessions |
| 6 | Taper | Lighter sessions; rest well before travel |
If you have any health conditions, check with your doctor before starting.
Breaking in your boots
New boots are the number one cause of blisters on treks. Wear your trekking boots on every training walk for at least three weeks before you travel, and on at least one long walk with a full daypack. Pair them with good trekking socks, not cotton. Pack a small blister kit, and treat hot spots as soon as you feel them rather than waiting for them to become blisters.
Lakes of the trek, explained
- Tarsar: an almond-shaped lake of deep turquoise, ringed by snowy ridges. The campsite below it is one of the most beautiful in Kashmir.
- Sundersar: a smaller lake in a high bowl, reached by crossing the ridge from Tarsar. Wildflowers fringe its shores in summer.
- Marsar: lying deep in a steep-sided basin, Marsar is usually seen from the viewpoint above. Clouds often drift across it, giving it a mysterious feel. Its waters flow towards Dachigam and on to Srinagar.
After the trek: easy add-ons
Since the trek starts and ends near Pahalgam, it’s easy to add a relaxed day or two there afterwards: a riverside hotel, a hot meal and perhaps rafting on the Lidder. Or return to Srinagar for a houseboat night, a long shikara ride and a celebratory Wazwan dinner. Your legs will thank you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tarsar Marsar good for beginners?
Yes, for fit beginners who train well. It is one of the best introductory Himalayan treks.
Can I camp at Marsar Lake?
Marsar lies deep in a bowl and is usually viewed from the ridge above. Camps are at Tarsar and Sundersar.
Is there mobile signal on the trek?
Signal ends shortly after Aru. Expect to be offline for most of the trek.
Can I combine the trek with a Kashmir holiday?
Yes. Add a few days in Srinagar and Gulmarg before or after the trek.
How many people are in a group?
Fixed departures usually have small to medium groups. Private treks can be arranged for families and friends.
Can I hire a mule or porter?
Yes, for your main rucksack, usually at extra cost. You’ll still carry a daypack.
Is there a toilet at camp?
Organised treks set up toilet tents at each campsite.
Trek Tarsar Marsar with us
We run fixed-departure Tarsar Marsar treks in July and August with certified trek leaders, local guides and full camping support, and private departures for groups. Tell us your dates and experience, and we’ll help you prepare.