Trekking in Kashmir has its own charm - after all its known as the Paradise on Earth !
The landscape of Kashmir is so unique in India with its wide open meadows, lush green meadows and forest of conifers and birch. Wandering around the vast twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar goes beyond adjectives. The shepherd and their flock of sheep grazing on the green grass in the background of mystical mountains are just a perfect frame and experience for any nature lover. Kashmir is called a paradise, not just for its landscape and beautiful mountains, but also for the lovely Kashmiris. The local cultural density of this fairyland will definitely change your perspective.
Right from the drive to reach Aru - the starting point of the Tarsar Marsar trek, this trek wins your heart with the easily swirling road drive to one of the popular places to visit in Kashmir - Pahelgam. From Pahelgam, Aru is just few minutes drive where the beautiful meadow greets you with its full aura. Its here the beautiful scenes of the Bollywood movie Highway was filmed.
Aru Valley is a favourite destination amongst nature lovers and from here, multiple treks start. The trek to Kolahoi Glacier, Trek to Sonamarg, and offcourse, the pristine twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar.
The trek is fairly moderate with occasional steep and tricky sections. Starting from Arru, it follows the Lidder river, which originates from the Kolahoi Glacier. The route climbs up the Lidder rivewr until Lidderwat which is at the confluence of two rivers - Lidder and another stream which originates from the Tarsar lake. Further from Lidderwat, the trail follows the Tarsar Stream to take us to its source - The Tarsar Lake, a huge lake in a picturesque settings of the green meadow which are further beautified by the blooming of various colourful flowers - namely Blue Poppy and Potentilla. The valley is dominated by the mighty pyramid of the Kolahoi peak - a black mountain. Birds love this valley and this is one of the favourite breeding ground for the migratory birds. The valley falls in the vicinity of the Dachigam National Park and is also home to the elusive Snow Leopard, brown bear and ibex.
The lake of Marsar almost forms a geographical mirror of the Tarsar lake but is smaller in size. The trek follows through the meadows and rocky terrain passing by Sundarsar, a small circular lake in a rocky setting separating it from the Marsar Lake. From Sundarsar, the trek descends to the beautiful meadow of Sonmasti and exits through Sumbhal on the Srinagar Leh highway.
The Tarsar Marsar lakes very serene and trekking is smaller groups adds to the peacefulness and beauty, thus making it the best ever experiences of your life.
Tarsar Lake (photo by Vivian Sebastian)