Day 1: Srinagar to Aru Valley

2414 metres – 104 km, 4 hours

To reach Aru Valley will take around 4-5 hours if you take a direct shared taxi from Srinagar to Aru. We crossed some beautiful landscapes and apple lanes. We also crossed Pahalgam which was really breathtaking. The Lidder River has a lighter shade of blue colour which is really soothing to see.

Aru Valley is at the outskirt of Pahalgam and starting here you would not get any network. We were glad that we were finally out of the network zone because the calm was very welcoming. All of us were soaking the view around us and me, well, I was busy recording time lapses of the dancing clouds.

Accommodation – We stayed at Friend’s Guest House and the hospitality of the people was amazing. It had everything, from hot water to home cooked food. We snuggled inside the comfort of our warm blankets as the temperature falls while coming from Srinagar.

Day 2: Aru Valley to Lidderwat 2,700 metres – 9.5 km, 6 hours

The next day after having breakfast, we left for Lidderwat. The trail was right next to our guest house. The hike at the beginning was a little difficult as the pathway is really steep, however, after about 45 minutes we entered a forest area of pines where the walk became smooth. We came out the forest area after a while to witness the beautiful meadows. Only the initial hike was a little difficult and after that the walk is smooth.

In between, we also sat down in between to have our lunch when it suddenly started to rain. This is when we realised the importance of our ponchos/raincoat! We also crossed a bridge and were greeted by many locals on our way. After a trek of about 6 hours, we reached the campsite by 2 PM.

Do note,

– To keep at least 2 litres of water with you on Day 1 as the water sources are really far off

– Stay away from mountain dogs at least in Kashmir

All You Need to Know About Tarsar Marsar Trek 2

Day 3: Lidderwatt to Shekwas 3,365 metres – 6 km, 5 hours

The next day we got up to witness a glorious sunrise and a chilly weather. Honestly, the early mornings are so difficult always during the treks since you have to get outside your sleeping bags and then your camp to be welcomed by fresh mist and extreme cold. Brushing the teeth in ice-cold water and refreshing yourself is a whole new different story. All you could do is hope for the sun to touch your bare skin soon enough. But this time is also when you get the most glorious views of all time.

We took our cup of tea to sit on the edge of the valley and saw the blue calm river of Lidder and the snow peaked mountains at a distance. Ravens were flying beside us and enjoying the freshness as much as we were.

After this, we again started to trek to our other camp called Shekwas. The trek is not difficult today except for the part when you have to cross the boulders. There are so many boulders and all you could do is concentrate and jump from one rock to another.

Shekwas to Jadar Lake

We reached Shekwas at 2 PM and after having lunch we quickly moved to our exploration – Jadar Lake. This is a small lake and not many tourists go here, but I honestly consider myself lucky to witness one of the glorious views of my life. This small emerald coloured lake lies deep hidden amidst the mountains and if you are lucky you will also be able to witness marmots playing around the lake. (Tip: approach the lake silently, else the marmots run away).

Day 4: Shekwas to Tarsar Lake to Marsar Lake

Tarsar Lake : 3,800 metres – 5 km, 4 hours

Marsar Lake : 4,024 metres – 1 hour

Day 4 was a fairly simple trek to Tarsar Lake. The ascent was not a difficult one, however, the weather was challenging. We faced hailstorm and rain on the trail. Upon reaching, we started to pitch our tents and that is when the snow started to fall as well. This was not only a challenging experience for us but thrilling one as well. We danced and fought in snow and also made a snowman. The Lake was all the more gorgeous as it was surrounded with white all around making the lake all the more pretty. It was heaven on Earth literally.

The next day, we had to leave for Sundarsar Lake and the trek to this place is really challenging. The ascend is really steep and since it snowed it made the path all the more difficult to climb. So we changed the plans and trekked to another point to see both Marsar Lake and Tarsar Lake together. However, could only get the partial view of the beautiful Marsar Lake.

Day 5: Tarsar Lake to Sundarsar Lake

Trekkers usually hike to Sunder Sar Lake and then trek further to see Marsar Lake. In the initially half there is a steep ascend and during snow, it becomes all the more challenging. This is followed by a gradual descent and then a gradual hike to Sundar Sar Lake. After resting in the camp, trekkers usually go to Marsar Lake which takes about 40 minutes to reach. From Marsar Lake you again would have to return to Sundarser Lake.

Day 6: Tarsar Lake to Lidderwat to Aru Valley

The next day is the most challenging one. We walked 22.5 km straight from Tarsar Lake to Aru Valley. Coming down from such a height and walking the entire day took a toll on our legs. After reaching, all we could think was of a hot shower and a warm bed. However, if covering 22.5 km in a single day is challenging you can also camp in Lidderwat and then hike back down on Day 7.

If you are in Sundarsar Lake, then you would have to cover 17 km stretch to camp at Lidderwat.

Day 7: Aru Valley to Srinagar

Depending on the choice you made for the camp, you can either return from Lidderwat to Aru Valley first by following the same path that was taken on Day 1 (Aru Valley to Lidderwat). From Aru Valley, we took a shared taxi again to come back to Srinagar. You will reach Srinagar by evening. Do not forget to book the hotel for the night.

ATM and Mobile Connectivity

In Kashmir, you would be needing a postpaid sim or a prepaid Kashmiri sim. In fact, even Jio sims work here but again it should be a postpaid sim or a prepaid sim of Kashmir. The last signal in your mobile can only be received till Pahalgam, so make sure to call your loved ones before that.

The last ATM is in Pahalgam itself. Although withdraw your money in Srinagar itself as you will get many ATM options.