Short Itinerary
Day 1:-Arrive at Srinagar. Depart Srinagar by 2 pm and drive to Aru base camp (4 hrs)
Day 2:– Aru to Lidderwat (9.5 km, 6 hours)
Day 3:-Lidderwat to Shekwas (5.6 km, 5 hours)
Day 4:- Shekwas to Tarsar and explore Tarsar (5 km, 4 hours)
Day 5:– Tarsar to Sundarsar (5 km, 5 hours)
Day 6:- Sundarsar to Marsar and back and then Sonmasti ( 7.5 km, 6 hours)
Day 7:– Sonmasti to Sumbal. Drive to Srinagar and reach by 5 pm.
Brief itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Aru (8,038 ft) – 103 km Drive
Upon arrival at the Srinagar airport, you will board a vehicle that takes you on a 2-hour drive to Aru, winding roads that take you through one of Kashmir’s famed tourist destinations of Pahalgam. Aru, our base camp for the Tarsar – Marsar trek, is another 12 km ahead of Pahalgam. Stay overnight in tents at the open grassy campsite at Aru.
Day 2
Aru to Lidderwat (9.022 ft) – 8 km
We head out into the tree cover, visible at a distance from the campsite, leaving behind the green pen pastures. The trek starts with a gradual ascend for 2 to 3 hours through a beautiful pine forest trail. A short level walk along the Lidder river thereafter brings you to a tea stall. Another gradual ascend for 1 hour and you can see the Lidder forest rest house insight. Cross a bridge and get to the Lidder campsite on the other side of the ladder river.
Day 3
Lidderwat to Sekhwas (11,154 ft) – 6 km
The day’s trek starts with a moderate to steep ascent for 1 hour, followed by a level walk for another hour before we break for lunch, beside a gentle stream. We leave the tree line behind here and ascend gradually for 1 more hour to reach the Shekwas campsite. From here one can get a good view of the surrounding mountains and the path leading up to the Tarsar green lake.
Day 4
Sekhwas to Tarsar Lake (12,467 ft) – 4 km
A trek to the first of the lakes, Tarsar, is on the agenda today. We trek uphill from the Shekwas campsite, keeping the stream flowing down to our right. The views of the mountains get grander and more snow-clad peaks to become visible all around us as we approach the Tarsar Lake. 2 hours of trekking and the beautiful lake reveals itself amidst imposing mountain ridges on 3 sides.
Day 5
Tarsar to Sundersar (12,960 ft) via Sonamous Pass (12,960 ft) – 6 km
Today, we have to cross the ridge which surrounds the Tarsar lake. An hour’s climb to the top of the ridge and then we descend into the valley on the other side. The view of the valley leading to Zachmargi on the other side of the ridge is simply breathtaking. Upon descending into the valley, we walk along the stream which drains from Sundarsar. Camp at Sundarsar.
Day 6
Sundersar to Sonamast (10,826 ft) via Marsar Lake (12,631 ft) – 8 km
Walking around Sundersar, we trek up and over a saddle on a ridge located on the far side of the lake. Marsar is an hour’s trek away from here. After relaxing at the lakes and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, we turn back towards Zachmargi and then trek down for another 2 to 3 hours to the Sonemasti campsite. We are now headed towards the other end of the valley leaving behind the Kolahoi mountain massif.
Day 7
Sonamasti to Sumbal (6,560 ft) – 8 km. Drive 24 km to Srinagar
From Sonemasti, we will start our descent towards Sumbal, where our trek ends. The trek is entirely downhill, crisscrossing water streams along the way. We also pass a number of shepherd huts as we get near Sumbal. Be careful though – a number of shepherd dogs to be encountered along the way. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the upper Sumbal settlement, where the trek ends. From here, board vehicles for a 1-hour road journey to Srinagar.
Inclusions:-
1. Accommodation. (Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg) Bed tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.
3. Trek equipment’s like Sleeping bag, liner, mattress, tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent
4. Trekking Permits
5. First aid medical kits
6. Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide Support staff, and Mules.
Exclusions:-
1. Transport
2. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
3. Hotel Stay in Srinagar.
4. Food during the transit
Important things to carry for this trek
GEAR:
1 backpack (50-60 liters) with rain cover
1 rain cover for you 1 pair Floaters or slippers
1 water bottles
1 Lunch Box
A pair of trekking shoes or waterproof sports shoes
ESSENTIALS:
Cap
Sunglasses
Cold cream
Lip balm
Extra cotton bags
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CARRY FOR THIS TREK:
CLOTHING:
2 pairs of pants
3-4 T-shirt with long sleeves
2 Shirts with long sleeves
1 Jacket
1 waterproof, wind-proof jacket (Please make sure this is a warm jacket and not just a windcheater.)
2 pairs thermals (uppers and lowers)
3 pairs of sock
1-2 pairs woolen socks
Woolen cap
Woolen gloves
1 woolen scarf
FOR TOILET AND BATHROOM
We use hygienic dry toilet tents during the trek because of minimum water availability. Carry additional things by yourself like hand sanitizers, wet wipes, tissues, etc.