The Hidden Lakes of Heaven: My Tarsar Marsar Trek Experience

There are treks that impress you—and then there are treks that change you. The Tarsar Marsar trek in Kashmir did both. I had always heard Kashmir was paradise, but it wasn’t until I stood beside those turquoise alpine lakes, surrounded by towering mountains and absolute silence, that I truly understood what that meant.This isn’t just a trek. It’s a journey into untouched beauty, into a world where time slows down, and where every step feels like a prayer.

Arrival in Aru: The Start of Something Sacred

My journey began in Srinagar, a city that feels like poetry—Dal Lake, wooden houseboats, and the scent of fresh kahwa in the air. From there, we drove to Aru Valley, the base camp for the Tarsar Marsar trek. Aru was like something out of a painting—lush green meadows, horses grazing lazily, and a cool breeze that carried the sound of distant streams.

The night before the trek, our group sat around a small bonfire, sharing stories with strangers who would soon become friends. I remember looking up at the stars and thinking, This is exactly where I need to be.

Through Forests and Rivers: The Path to Lidderwat

The next morning, we set off. The trail to Lidderwat was a gentle ascent through dense pine forests and open meadows. We walked along the Lidder River, its icy-blue waters tumbling over smooth rocks. Birds called from the trees, and every so often, the trail opened up to reveal snow-capped peaks peeking through the canopy.

When we reached Lidderwat, we were welcomed by vast grasslands and a dreamy river bend that looked too perfect to be real. We camped there for the night, the cold creeping in as the sun dipped behind the mountains.

Wrapped in my sleeping bag under a canvas of stars, I realized—this trek wasn’t just about the destination. It was about feeling the land, one heartbeat at a time.

Tarsar Lake: A Glimpse of Heaven

On the third day, we hiked to the crown jewel—Tarsar Lake. The trail started to get steeper, winding through rocky ridges and grassy slopes. As we climbed higher, the silence grew deeper. And then suddenly, there it was—Tarsar, shimmering in shades of blue and green, cradled in a bowl of snow-dusted peaks.

No photo could do justice to what I saw. We pitched our tents on the banks of the lake, and I spent the evening sitting on a rock, just watching the light change across the water. At sunset, the lake turned golden. At night, it mirrored the stars.

I couldn’t help but whisper, Is this what peace looks like?

Marsar: The Lake That Hides Behind the Clouds

The next part of the trek took us to the lesser-seen Marsar Lake. This stretch is often wrapped in mist, and Marsar is known to play hide and seek behind clouds. The path to Marsar was a ridge walk—narrow trails along steep cliffs, with valleys plunging on either side.

And then came the moment. We stood at the Marsar Viewpoint, and through a break in the clouds, the lake slowly revealed itself—dark, mysterious, and vast. Unlike Tarsar, which feels welcoming, Marsar Lake carries an air of quiet majesty. It’s hauntingly beautiful, like a secret the mountains keep.

We didn’t camp at Marsar, as it's a protected lake, but the glimpse was enough. Some moments don’t need to last long to be unforgettable.

The Journey Back: Footprints and Reflections

As we retraced our steps back to Aru, I felt something shift inside me. The body was tired, but the heart was full. The meadows, the icy streams, the ever-changing skies—they had all left their mark.

I walked slower than before, taking in each detail: the way the flowers leaned toward the sun, the way the wind whistled through the valleys, the way every turn revealed a new piece of this dreamland.

When we reached Aru again, the goodbye was quiet. No one spoke much—we were still carrying the silence of the lakes within us.

Why the Tarsar Marsar Trek Should Be on Your Bucket List

The Tarsar Marsar trek isn’t just about trekking in Kashmir—it’s about discovering one of the most pristine parts of the Himalayas. Here’s why you should absolutely do it:

• Stunning alpine lakes: Crystal-clear Tarsar and the mystical Marsar are among the most beautiful lakes in India.
• Offbeat trail: Unlike other crowded treks, this one offers solitude and untouched beauty.
• Moderate difficulty: Perfect for trekkers with some experience—challenging but very doable.
• Camping beside lakes: Imagine waking up to reflections of mountains on still water.
• Kashmir’s warm hospitality: Local guides, shepherds, and villagers make the journey even more heartwarming.

Final Thoughts: Lakes, Lessons, and Letting Go

The Tarsar Marsar trek taught me that nature doesn’t need to shout to leave you speechless. It reminded me to be present—to breathe deeply, to listen closely, and to simply be.

In those high-altitude meadows, where the wind carries the scent of pine and the lakes hold the sky, I found something I didn’t know I was looking for.

If you’ve ever longed to walk through landscapes that feel sacred… if you’ve ever wanted to disappear from the noise and reappear in stillness—go to Tarsar. Let the mountains quiet your mind. Let the lakes reflect your soul.