How I Planned the Tarsar Marsar Trek Without Any Confusion

I’ll get straight to the point—Tarsar Marsar wasn’t just another trek on my list. It was the one I’d been dreaming about for over a year. But like most treks in Kashmir, it comes with its fair share of planning puzzles. I didn’t want to waste days figuring things out when I could be up there walking through those pristine valleys and looking at alpine lakes. So, I mapped out every little detail and stuck to it.

I was immediately captivated by images of Tarsar and Marsar Lakes, which are mirror-like reflections encircled by unspoiled nature. The problem is that if you don’t plan beforehand, trekking in Kashmir might be challenging. Delays, confusion, and the wrong trekking agency can mess up the whole vibe. So I took no chances.

2. Choosing the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to this trail. I didn’t want snow blocking the passes or rains washing out the trail. So after talking to a few experienced trekkers and going through a bunch of blogs, I locked in mid-July. And that was the sweet spot, I assure you.

The trail is completely open from July to September. Meadows are in full bloom, the skies stay mostly clear, and the lakes? Unreal. I avoided early June because of leftover snow and skipped post-September to dodge the cold. This one decision made all the difference.

It also helped me dodge the peak rush. Mid-July had just the right mix—great views and manageable crowd. If you’re someone like me who wants the best of both worlds—serenity and access—then keep your calendar flexible and aim for that window.

3. Picking the Route

The trek starts from Aru village, about 12 km from Pahalgam. I kept reading mixed details online, but once I laid everything out on a map, it became clearer. It’s a 7-day trek (including travel), covering places like Aru – Lidderwat – Shekwas – Tarsar – Marsar – Sundarsar – and Homwas. The terrain changes every day—forests, rivers, meadows, alpine lakes—you name it.

Each day is about 8–10 km, which sounds doable until you realize you’re trekking at over 12,000 ft. So I kept my expectations real. In order to prevent overdoing it, I researched the elevation gains. The biggest climb was from Shekwas to Tarsar Lake, which turned out to be as steep as they said. But worth it.

Having this mapped out day by day removed all guesswork. I even maintained a basic route plan in my backpack after printing it out.

4. Finding a Reliable Trek Partner

Let’s talk logistics—this is where most people get stuck. I didn’t want to rely on random guides or over-promising operators. I wanted a team that had done the Tarsar Marsar trek often and knew the trail, terrain, weather, and the tricky river crossings. That’s when I found The Searching Souls (TSS).

Now, I’m not here to promote anyone. I just genuinely had a smooth experience with them. From permits and transport to food and camp setup—it was tight. The guides knew the terrain like the back of their hand. And more importantly, they didn’t babysit me. They let me explore, ask questions, and enjoy the trek the way I wanted.

They even sorted out my confusion around what gear I actually needed. If you’re planning your trek and want to cut through the clutter, just go with someone who’s done this route enough times. It saves you days of research, trust me.

5. Booking and Budget Planning

Kashmir treks aren’t exactly cheap, especially if you want comfort and safety. But they’re not luxury trips either. I kept my budget tight and realistic. The entire trip—from travel to food, gear, permits, and guides—cost me around ₹18,000 to ₹20,000 (excluding my flights to Srinagar). The tarsar marsar trek package itself covered most of the essentials.

Here’s what was included:

• Tent and sleeping gear

• All meals during the trek

• Local transit between Srinagar and Aru

• Permits and forest charges

• Trek leader and guides

What wasn’t included:

• Personal gear (rentals were available though)

• Tips and mules for personal luggage

• Hotel stay in Srinagar before and after the trek

I also kept some cash handy in case I wanted to hire a mule or buy snacks from locals. Setting a clear budget helped me enjoy the trek without stressing over extra expenses.

6. Gearing Up Right

Packing for a high-altitude trek like Tarsar Marsar is no joke. I knew I couldn’t afford to overpack and burden myself, but I also couldn’t risk missing anything essential. I thus took a seat, compiled a list, double-checked it with a few seasoned hikers, and then reduced it to just the essentials.

Here’s what I packed:

• Backpack (50-60L) – Just enough space without being bulky

• Daypack (20L) – For water, snacks, rain gear during daily hikes

• Clothing: 3 quick-dry tees, 2 trek pants, 1 fleece, 1 down jacket, thermals, and a poncho

• Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes + floaters for river crossings

• Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toilet paper, sunscreen, lip balm, and hand sanitizer

• Accessories: Sunglasses, cap, gloves, headlamp, trekking pole

• Medical Kit: Diamox, ORS, paracetamol, band-aids, and a few prescribed meds

A lot of sites will tell you to pack layers—and they’re right. The mornings and nights were freezing, even in July. But what they don’t always mention is how quickly the weather can flip. I got caught in a sudden hailstorm on Day 3. Having my rain poncho easily accessible saved my gear and sanity.

I rented my sleeping bag and down jacket from the trek operator. It cut down on luggage and was budget-friendly. Don’t cheap out on this stuff—the right gear is the difference between enjoying the trek and enduring it.

7. Preparing Physically

Look, you don’t need to be an athlete to complete Tarsar Marsar—but you do need to be fit. This trek isn’t a walk in the park. You’ll be walking 8 to 10 km daily with steep ascents and altitude gains. So, three weeks before the trek, I got serious.

Here’s my simple prep plan:

• Cardio: 30–45 minutes of brisk walking or jogging 5 times a week

• Strength training: Bodyweight squats, lunges, and core workouts

• Stair climbing: Using a full backpack to replicate the circumstances of trekking

• Yoga and stretching: To stay flexible and avoid cramps

I also practiced hiking with a loaded daypack to get used to the weight. By the time I reached Aru, I felt confident—not invincible—but prepared. And I’m glad I trained, because by Day 4, the trail tested me. My body didn’t break down, thanks to that prep.

One tip? Don’t skip leg day. Your knees and calves are going to take a beating, especially on descents.

8. Travel Plans to Aru Base Camp

Getting to the base camp at Aru was another thing I wanted sorted before landing in Srinagar. Here’s what I did:

• Flight to Srinagar: Booked a morning flight so I’d have the day to settle in

• Overnight stay in Srinagar: slept at a little guesthouse close to Dal Lake.

• Srinagar to Aru: Took the shared cab arranged by the trek company

Depending on traffic, Aru takes roughly four to five hours to get from Srinagar. The drive via Pahalgam is insanely scenic, and it sets the tone for what’s coming. I reached Aru in the evening, just in time to watch the sun dip behind the hills.

If you’re going on your own, you can book a cab from Srinagar to Pahalgam and take a local taxi to Aru. But having it pre-arranged just makes life easier. Aru is a tiny village—think green roofs, friendly dogs, and the hum of the river nearby. No shops, no ATMs. So carry cash, snacks, and all essentials before heading there.

9. Acclimatization and Staying Safe

Acclimatization isn’t a buzzword—it’s a lifeline on treks like this. I took it seriously. I didn’t rush, stayed hydrated, and climbed slow but steady. That made all the difference.

I spent my first evening at Aru just walking around, letting my lungs adjust. No heavy movements, no excitement-induced hikes. My guide reminded me: “Climb high, sleep low.” We followed that to the dot.

Here are a few things I did for safety:

• Drank 4-5 liters of water daily

• Popped Diamox from Day 2 (consult your doctor)

• Avoided alcohol and caffeine

• Ate full meals even if I wasn’t hungry

Altitude sickness can sneak up on anyone. I saw one trekker in another group struggle by Day 3 because they ignored the signs. Don’t be that person. Listen to your body.

Also, the guides carried oxygen cylinders and a pulse oximeter. It was reassuring to know help was nearby if anything went south. I also carried an energy bar stash and dry fruits in my daypack—lifesavers when energy dipped mid-hike.

10. Day-Wise Trek Experience

Let me break this down by day because each one was like a new chapter:

Day 1: Aru to Lidderwat (9 km)
The trail started easy, with meadows and forests. The walk along the Lidder River was soothing. Lidderwat was green, vast, and full of grazing horses. I felt like I was in a postcard.

Day 2: Lidderwat to Shekwas (6 km)
The trail turned rocky, with mild climbs. Shekwas opened up into wide meadows surrounded by sharp ridges. The silence here was unreal. I remember just sitting there, soaking it in.

Day 3: Shekwas to Tarsar Lake (5 km)
This was the day! We reached Tarsar Lake after a brief but challenging ascent. Nothing prepared me for the view. Blue, still, perfect. I remained silent for an hour as I sat there. We camped on the lakeside, under a sky full of stars.

Day 4: Tarsar to Sundarsar via Marsar Viewpoint (10 km)
We crossed a high pass, saw Marsar from above (no camping allowed there), then descended to Sundarsar. This stretch was long and tiring, but walking through snow patches made it unforgettable.

Day 5: Sundarsar to Homwas (8 km)
The return began. We crossed boulders, streams, and endless meadows. Homwas had the best sunset of the trek.

Day 6: Homwas to Aru (13 km)
The trail back was a walk through memory lane. I was already nostalgic. By the time we reached Aru, I felt like I’d lived an entire life in those 6 days.

11. The Lakes – Tarsar and Marsar

Now let’s talk about the real stars of the show—Tarsar and Marsar Lakes. All that effort, every ounce of planning, and those long kilometers—everything paid off the moment I saw these alpine beauties.

Tarsar Lake was the first one I reached, and believe me, it was surreal. The lake sat there like a mirror, perfectly still, reflecting the surrounding peaks. Early in the afternoon, as the sun was about to set, I came. The light hitting the water gave it a bluish tint that no camera can do justice to.

We pitched tents right beside the lake. I spent the evening just walking along the shore, taking in the quiet. No crowds, no noise—just me and a lake that looked like it belonged in a fantasy novel.

Marsar Lake was a bit trickier. You can’t camp there—it’s hidden behind a ridge, and the weather changes quickly. But the viewpoint above Marsar made me forget all about the effort to get there. The clouds rolled over the water, playing hide and seek with the peaks. It had a mystical vibe to it, like something sacred you weren’t supposed to disturb.

If you’re wondering whether these lakes live up to the hype, they absolutely do. You don’t just see them—you feel them. The isolation, the silence, the crisp air—it all hits differently.

12. Food and Stay

Before the trek, I was honestly a bit skeptical about the food. I thought I’d be eating cup noodles for a week. But to my surprise, the meals on this trek were solid. Every day we had hot, freshly prepared vegetarian food, made right in the wild.

Here’s what the typical meal plan looked like:

• Breakfast: Porridge, boiled eggs, aloo paratha, tea

• Lunch (packed): Roti with sabzi or pulao

• Snacks: Biscuits, soup, and sometimes Maggi after the trek

• Dinner: Rice, dal, sabzi, and sometimes a sweet

It wasn’t five-star cuisine, but it was warm, hearty, and exactly what I needed. The kitchen team was a bunch of champs, cooking in high altitudes with limited resources and still managing to keep us satisfied and energized.

As for accommodation—tents all the way. I shared a tent with another trekker. They were clean, zipped tight, and came with decent sleeping bags and mats (I rented both from the trek team). Nights were cold—really cold—but the layers helped. I slipped a hot water bottle into my sleeping bag and slept like a rock.

I also carried wet wipes and some dry shampoo because, let’s be real, showers were not happening. If you’re mentally ready for roughing it out a bit, you’ll be just fine.

13. Photography Tips

If you’re anything like me, capturing the trek was almost as important as experiencing it. I’m not a professional photographer by any means, but I did manage to take some of the best pictures I’ve ever clicked on this trek—and I learned a few things along the way.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Golden hour shots (early morning and late evening) made the lakes glow.

• Wide-angle lens helped capture the vast meadows and massive skies.

• I used burst mode for action shots while crossing streams or walking.

• Keep your gear minimal—I just had a smartphone and a GoPro.

• Battery saving: Kept my phone on airplane mode and carried a power bank. Cold drains batteries fast, so I kept my electronics in my sleeping bag at night.

The best photo spots?

• Tarsar Lake in the morning when the water is calm

• Marsar Viewpoint when the mist begins to roll in

• Sunset at Homwas—unreal lighting with river reflections

Remember to enjoy the moment too. Some of the most beautiful sights are better stored in your head than on a memory card.

14. Dealing with Permits and Locals

I’d read enough horror stories about trekkers getting turned back because of missing permits. So I made sure this part was airtight. Luckily, the trek company I went with handled all the necessary permits and ID verifications. But here’s what you should know:

• Indian trekkers need to carry a valid government ID (Aadhar, passport, etc.)

• Foreign nationals need to register in Srinagar and get special permits

• Forest permits and local panchayat fees are mandatory

If you’re doing this solo, make sure you talk to someone in advance or hire a local guide. The forest officers are strict, and rightly so. They’re preserving one of the last few pristine trekking regions in India.

As for the locals—they’re amazing. From helping with directions to offering kahwa, the warmth I felt in Kashmir was genuine. Our mule guy even invited us to his house post-trek. It made the journey feel personal and real, beyond just a checklist of views.

15. Final Thoughts

If you’re still reading, here’s the one thing I want to leave you with: planning the Tarsar Marsar trek doesn’t have to be confusing. I kept it simple—right season, right team, right gear—and everything fell into place.

This trek gave me more than just pictures or stories. It gave me a pause, a breather from the chaos of everyday life. The lakes, the people, the silence—it’s all still with me. And that’s why I’d do it all over again. Maybe even solo next time.

My only advice? Don’t overthink it. Just go.