Introduction
If you are a serious hiker and have a lot of experience hiking, you must not miss this journey in India. You know what to expect from the adventure because Kashmir is the location of this stroll and the area is frequently described as “heaven on earth.” It takes you through a number of villages before crossing Kashmir straight. You will be camping next to lakes, gardens, orchards, riversides, and many more breathtaking natural settings. Nothing else compares to this Tarsar Marsar trek.
LOCATION
This hike’s starting point is located right in Kashmir. It is specifically a part of the Pulwama district. The Tarsar and Marsar lakes, which are 3 and 5 kilometres from Nagberan, the last town before the trip begins, respectively, served as the basis for the route’s names. These lakes have a strong connection to Kashmiri mythology.
DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE
The journey is around 48 kilometres long and begins at a dizzying 13,500 feet above mean sea level.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best times to visit the site could be in the months of August and September. Even though these are the rainy months, Kashmir has very little rain during these two months, with the weather often being clear and welcoming to tourists. By that point, the weather hasn’t changed significantly, and the air is often pleasant throughout this season. Since the weather is constantly pleasant with just the right amount of coolness, you may normally visit anytime between July and September. When it is sunny, the daily temperature ranges between 15 and 18 degrees. However, when it’s windy and rainy, the temperature drops to 4 or 5. Keep in mind that the nighttime low is between 1-3 degrees.
HIGHLIGHTS
The walk is around 47 kilometres long and is completed in 7 days.
Even if you are an amateur, you shouldn’t be scared because the walk is easy to moderately tough.
The state’s capital, Srinagar, is often where the trip begins. Srinagar is frequently the destination at the conclusion of the hike. People frequently depart from this location for Aru’s base camp. A must-see while in Srinagar is the town.
Despite being close to Jammu Tawi railway station, it could take some time to go there by train. Take a bus or drive yourself if possible. Because the state prioritises tourism, there are also a lot of rental automobiles there.
Sheikh-Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is the closest airport if you intend to go by air. Jammu is the railroad station that is the nearest to Srinagar. The main intersections in India are also well connected to the Jammu station.
ITINERARY
n essence, the journey starts in Srinagar, and to reach the base camp of Aru, you’ll probably go through Pahalgam. The journey takes three to four hours on a road. On both sides of the road, beautiful apple orchards and alpine tree meadows can be observed. There are surely some distinctive views at this position. On the bank of the Lidder River, there lies a village called Aru that is stunningly beautiful.
The next day, when you go 10 kilometres higher from this village, the Lidder river will be at your side.
You will travel for another six hours or more on the second day, through two freshwater streams and a few Gujjar settlements.
The Lidderwat valley will be at your arrival shortly. The next day, go on a trek through a pine forest and some meadows. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Homwas Cave. Arrive at the Shekwas and unwind for the day. Within a few days, it should be possible to travel from here to the Tarsar, Sundersar, and Marsar lakes.
Things to keep in mind
The trek is not too arduous, but there are some difficult parts that newcomers can find difficult. Some spots have a steep slope or drop and are covered in large boulders. Though if you start training yourself for a few months, both physically and mentally, things will work out for you, even if you are just starting out.
If you really want to embark on this trip, do not be timid and have faith in yourself. You are able to accomplish it.
