Overview

Ultimate Tarsar Marsar & Great Lakes Traverse

Duration: 15 Days | Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult | Max Altitude: ~4,200m
Start Point: Aru | End Point: Naranag

Total Trekking Distance

📌 Tarsar Marsar Trek: 51 km
📌 Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: 73 km
👉 Overall Total Distance: ~124 km

This makes it one of the longest and most rewarding trekking circuits in Kashmir! 🚶‍♂️🏔️

Embark on the Ultimate Tarsar Marsar & Great Lakes Traverse, an extraordinary 15 day expedition that combines Kashmir’s two most iconic high-altitude treks—the Tarsar Marsar Trek and the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek—into one seamless adventure. This grand traverse takes you through pristine alpine lakes, vast meadows, and rugged mountain passes, offering an unparalleled experience of Kashmir’s Himalayan wilderness.

Trek Overview

Starting from Srinagar, the journey begins with a scenic drive to Aru, the gateway to the Tarsar Marsar Trek. Over the next several days, trek through dense pine forests, Gujjar settlements, and rolling grasslands, reaching the enchanting twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar, along with the lesser-explored Sundarsar Lake. The route concludes at Surfraw in Sumbal, completing the first half of the traverse.

From Sumbal, drive to Sonamarg, where the second leg of the journey begins—the legendary Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. This section takes you across majestic mountain passes, high-altitude ridges, and seven stunning glacial lakes, including Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangbal Lakes. The trek ends at Naranag, marking the completion of this ultimate trans-Himalayan adventure.

Trek Highlights:

✅ 15 days of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure
✅ Traverse 11+ high-altitude lakes
✅ Cross multiple mountain passes (Tarsar Pass, Nichnai Pass, Gadsar Pass, Zajibal Pass)
✅ Blend of alpine forests, meadows, rivers, and glacial lakes
✅ Experience nomadic settlements & pristine wilderness

This is the most extensive and immersive trek in Kashmir, covering both Tarsar Marsar & Great Lakes in one epic traverse. Perfect for trekkers seeking an ultimate Himalayan experience.

Book your Ultimate Tarsar Marsar & Great Lakes Traverse now and explore Kashmir’s raw beauty!

📍 Kashmir Treks – Your trusted adventure partner.

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar – Stay at Hotel Ash Vale, Nishat

✈️ Arrival: Pickup from Srinagar Airport and transfer to Hotel Ash Vale, Nishat.
📌 Activities: Briefing, gear check, and optional sightseeing (Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens).
🍽️ Meals: Dinner at the hotel.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Hotel Ash Vale, Nishat, Srinagar.

Day 2: Srinagar to Aru (2,400m) – Drive 5 hrs | Trek to Lidderwat (2,780m) – 10km, 5-6 hrs

🚙 Drive: Scenic journey via Pahalgam to Aru Village.
🥾 Trek: Follow the Lidder River through pine forests and meadows.
📌 Highlights: Clear river streams, lush valleys, and mountain ridges.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast (Srinagar), Lunch (packed), Tea & Dinner (Lidderwat Camp).
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Lidderwat.

Day 3: Lidderwat to Tarsar Lake (3,800m) – Trek 12km, 7 hrs

🥾 Trek: Gradual ascent via Shekwas, passing Gujjar settlements.
📌 Highlights: Stunning alpine meadows and the turquoise Tarsar Lake.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Tarsar Lake.

Day 4: Tarsar to Sundarsar via Tarsar Pass (4,000m) – Trek 6km, 5-6 hrs

🥾 Trek: Steep climb over Tarsar Pass with panoramic mountain views.
📌 Highlights: Frozen streams, wildflowers, and Sundarsar Lake’s serene beauty.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Sundarsar Lake.

Day 5: Sundarsar to Marsar Lake & Return to Sundarsar (4,100m) – Trek 9km, 7 hrs

🥾 Trek: Early morning ascent to Marsar Lake, covered in mist.
📌 Highlights: Mirror-like reflections, dramatic landscapes, and remote silence.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Sundarsar Lake.

Day 6: Sundarsar to Sonmasti (3,600m) – Trek 9km, 6-7 hrs

🥾 Trek: Moderate descent through rocky patches and alpine meadows.
📌 Highlights: Grazing pastures, stunning river crossings, and nomadic settlements.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Sonmasti.

Day 7: Sonmasti to Surfraw, Sumbal – Trek 6km, 4 hrs | Drive to Sonamarg (3 hrs)

🥾 Trek: Final descent to Surfraw, Sumbal, concluding the Tarsar Marsar section.
🚙 Drive: Transfer to Sonamarg for the Great Lakes Trek.
📌 Highlights: Lush valleys, glacial streams, and resting Gujjar herds.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Tea & Dinner (Sonamarg).
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Guesthouse/Hotel in Sonamarg.

Day 8: Sonamarg to Nichnai (3,500m) – Trek 10km, 6-7 hrs

🥾 Trek: Gradual ascent through pine forests and flower-filled meadows.
📌 Highlights: Nichnai Valley’s lush green carpet.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Nichnai.

Day 9: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Pass (4,050m) – Trek 14km, 7 hrs

🥾 Trek: Steep ascent to Nichnai Pass, followed by a gentle descent.
📌 Highlights: Vishansar’s emerald-green lake, reflections of the Himalayan peaks.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Vishansar Lake.

Day 10: Vishansar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (4,200m) – Trek 16km, 8 hrs

🥾 Trek: A challenging ascent to Gadsar Pass, the trek’s highest point.
📌 Highlights: Gadsar Lake’s deep blue water, wildflowers, and snow patches.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Gadsar Lake.

Day 11: Gadsar to Satsar Lakes (3,600m) – Trek 12km, 6 hrs

🥾 Trek: Walk through rolling meadows and rocky moraine sections.
📌 Highlights: The Satsar Lakes, a group of seven interconnected glacial lakes.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Satsar Lakes.

Day 12: Satsar to Gangbal via Zajibal Pass (4,000m) – Trek 9km, 6 hrs

🥾 Trek: Final steep climb to Zajibal Pass, revealing Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes.
📌 Highlights: Kashmir’s largest alpine lake, stunning sunset reflections.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Gangbal Lake.

Day 13: Rest & Exploration at Gangbal Lake

📌 Activities: Short hikes, fishing, photography, and acclimatization.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner at camp.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Camping at Gangbal Lake.

Day 14: Gangbal to Naranag – Trek 12km, 6 hrs | Drive to Srinagar (2 hrs)

🥾 Trek: Steep descent through pine forests to Naranag.
🚙 Drive: Transfer to Srinagar, check-in at Houseboat Monalisa, Dal Lake.
📌 Highlights: Heritage ruins at Naranag, Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast (camp), Lunch (packed), Tea & Dinner (Houseboat).
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Houseboat Monalisa, Dal Lake, Srinagar.

Day 15: Departure – Drop at Srinagar Airport

✈️ Transfer: After breakfast, drop at Srinagar Airport.
📌 End of the Ultimate Tarsar Marsar & Great Lakes Traverse.

What to Carry

The Ultimate Tarsar Marsar & Great Lakes Traverse Trek is a fully supported trek with horses carrying most of the gear. You’ll only need to carry a light daypack (4-6 kg) with essentials like your passport, money, camera gear, and personal items.

If you have extra belongings that are not needed for the trek, you can safely store them at our houseboat or office and collect them upon your return.

Important Notes:

📶 Mobile Connectivity – Only postpaid Indian SIM cards (Jio, Airtel, BSNL) work in Kashmir. No network coverage is available from Day 2 to Day 6 of the trek.
📜 Trek Permits – Ensure that your passport or Aadhaar number is correctly entered in the booking form, as it is required for trek permits.

Essential Packing List:

✔ Valid ID (Passport/Aadhaar)
✔ 60L Duffel Bag
✔ Trekking Shoes (Sturdy, Waterproof)
✔ Trail Approach Shoes
✔ Trekking Pants
✔ Hooded Rain Jacket
✔ Shade Hat & Sunglasses
✔ Liner Gloves
✔ Small Daypack (for daily essentials)
✔ 2 Pairs of Trekking Socks
✔ Sandals (for campsite use)
✔ Warm Clothing & Insulated Jacket
✔ Sunscreen & Lip Balm
✔ Personal Medication

Be well-prepared and travel light to make the most of your trekking experience in Kashmir!

Fitness

Fitness Requirements

The Ultimate Tarsar Marsar & Great Lakes Traverse Trek is suitable for anyone with a healthy lifestyle and a good level of general fitness. While no prior trekking experience is required, participants should be physically prepared for multiple days of hiking through challenging alpine terrain at altitudes above 3,000m. A team spirit and an adventurous mindset are essential to fully enjoy the experience.

Minimum Fitness Requirements:

🏔 Trekking Distance – Average 7 km per day
⏳ Daily Activity – 4-5 hours of trekking per day
🎒 Pack Weight – Carrying up to 5 kg in a daypack
⛰ Terrain – Remote, uneven, snowy, icy, rocky, and sometimes exposed sections at elevations reaching 4,200m (Sonmasti Pass)
🌡 Climate – Varies by altitude:

Valleys: Mild to warm temperatures
High Altitudes: Cold & windy conditions
Temperature Range: 1°C to 20°C (cooler in June & September, warmer in July & August)
🌊 Water Crossings – No swimming required, but expect stream crossings

Proper physical conditioning will enhance your trekking experience and help you fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir.

Pricing

Customized Itinerary Price Request

To receive a price quote for a customized itinerary, please complete the form below with the required details.

Base Price: INR 49,900 per person | Private Groups Only

Inclusions & Exclusions – What’s Covered in Your Trek

We believe in providing a hassle-free trekking experience, ensuring that you focus entirely on the beauty of Kashmir’s landscapes. Here’s what’s included and what’s not in your trek package:

What’s Included

✅ Transportation – All necessary transfers from the trek’s starting point to the endpoint.

✅ Accommodation –

Camping: High-quality tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats provided for a comfortable stay in the mountains.
Srinagar Stay: A deluxe hotel/ houseboat stay before and after the trek.

✅ Meals – Nutritious and hygienic breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trek.

✅ Trekking Gear & Equipment – Group camping gear, including tents, kitchen equipment, and cooking essentials.

✅ Permits & Entry Fees – All necessary trek permits and restricted area entry fees.

✅ Experienced Trekking Team –

Professional Guides: Knowledgeable and experienced trekking guides.
Support Crew: Cooks, helpers, and porters to assist throughout the journey.

✅ Safety Measures – A basic first aid kit and essential safety equipment.

What’s Not Included

❌ Personal Expenses – Laundry, phone calls, snacks, and personal shopping.

❌ Airfare – Flights to and from Srinagar are not included.

❌ Personal Trekking Gear – Items like personal clothing, and backpacks should be brought by the trekker.

❌ Tips & Gratuities – Tips for guides, porters, and support staff are at your discretion.

❌ Additional Services – Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions is excluded.

For any queries or customized trek options, feel free to contact us. We’re here to make your Kashmir trekking adventure smooth and unforgettable! 🌿🏔