The Twin Almond Lakes
Trek to the pristine almond-shaped lakes of Tarsar and Marsar, nestled in the heart of the Kashmir Himalayas, surrounded by blooming meadows and jagged peaks.
Drive: 112 km | 4 hr approx.
Altitude: 2,400 m / 7,950 ft.
Your journey begins with a 4-hour drive from Srinagar to Aru, covering 112 km. Aru is a small yet beautiful village near Pahalgam, serving as our base camp at an altitude of 7,950 ft. Spend the evening exploring the village and preparing for the trek ahead.
Trek: 10 km | 6-7 hr.
Altitude: 2,800 m / 9,150 ft.
The trek officially begins with a 10 km walk to Lidderwat. The trail passes through pine forests and follows the Lidder river upstream. Lidderwat is a vast meadow where two branches of the Lidder river meet. We camp here at 9,150 ft.
Trek: 6 km | 5 hr approx.
Altitude: 3,350 m / 11,000 ft.
Today is a shorter trek of 6 km to Shekwas. The trail climbs steadily out of the forest into the open alpine meadows. We camp at Shekwas, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys at 11,000 ft.
Trek: 4 km | 3-4 hr.
Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,500 ft.
A short but beautiful 4 km trek takes us to the legendary Tarsar Lake. The almond-shaped lake with its crystal-clear turquoise waters is a sight to behold. We spend the afternoon exploring the shores of Tarsar and camping right next to the lake.
Trek: 6 km | 5 hr approx.
Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,000 ft.
We cross a small ridge today to move towards Sundarsar Lake. The 6 km trek takes us through high-altitude passages with stunning views of the Tarsar valley behind us. Sundarsar is a smaller, equally beautiful lake where we camp at 13,000 ft.
Trek: 11 km | 7 hr approx.
Altitude Ridge: 4,100 m | Homwas: 3,500 m
Today we trek to the Marsar Ridge to see the twin lake, Marsar, hidden below. The view from the ridge is spectacular. After spending time at the ridge, we begin our descent towards Homwas, our final camping spot at 11,500 ft.
Trek: 13 km | 6-7 hr.
Drive: 112 km back to Srinagar
On the final day, we trek 13 km back to Aru. The trail retraces some of our initial path through the beautiful forests of Pahalgam. From Aru, we take a 4-hour drive back to Srinagar, where the journey concludes by evening.
- Connectivity: Please note that prepaid SIM cards do not work in Kashmir. Only postpaid connections work.
- Documentation: Don’t forget your ID proof (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID) in original and 2 photocopies as they are required for mountain permits.
- Jun 10 – Jun 16 Open
- Jun 20 – Jun 26 12 Seats Left
- July 5 – July 11 Open
- July 15 – July 21 Filling Fast
- Aug 5 – Aug 11 Open
End Of Trip
Note that prepaid SIM cards do not work in J&K. Ensure you have a postpaid connection for your trek.
- Age Requirement: Minimum 14 years.
- Experience: First-timers are welcome, though prior trekking experience is preferred. Good fitness is a must.
- Fitness Criteria:
- Ability to cover 5 km in 30 mins or 10 km in 70 mins without stress.
- For cycling enthusiasts: Ability to cycle 18 km in 50 minutes.
- Backpack Load: 10-12 kg (Self-carry) or 3-5 kg (Off-load option).
- Ideal BMI Range: 18.5 - 27.
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- Pulse rate at rest must be between 60 to 100 bpm.
- BP Reading: 75-85 (DIA) / 100-130 (SYS) mm Hg.
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
- No history of chronic liver or kidney issues.
- No severe Diabetes, Asthma, Heart problems, or Hypertension.
- No pacemaker implants or similar devices.
- Consult our coordinator for Sinus issues or Epilepsy.
Complete packing list for your upcoming adventure. Ensure you have everything for a safe and comfortable journey.
| Item Name | Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Backpack with rain cover
|
(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
|
Day pack with rain cover
|
20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
|
Walking stick
|
Advisable (At least one) |
|
Water Bottle / Hydration pack
|
2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
|
Small size tiffin/lunch box
|
1 Nos |
|
Snacks
|
Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
|
Personal Medical Kit
|
Consult your doctor |
|
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)
|
2 Full & 2 Half sleeves |
|
Fleece T-shirt
|
2 Nos |
|
Fleece jacket
|
1 Nos |
|
Windproof Jacket
|
1 Nos. |
|
Down feather / Hollow jacket
|
1 Nos. |
|
Thermal inner (Upper & Lower)
|
1 Pair |
|
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)
|
3 Nos. |
|
Fleece Pant
|
1 Nos. |
|
Waterproof gloves
|
1 Pair |
|
Fleece / woollen gloves
|
1 Pair |
|
Poncho / Waterproof Jacket & Pant
|
1 Nos. |
|
Head torch
|
1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
|
Sun Cap
|
1 Nos. |
|
Woolen cap
|
1 Nos. |
|
Balaclava
|
1 Nos. |
|
Buff / Neck-gaiters
|
1 Synthetic & 1 Woollen |
|
Sunglasses
|
UV with dark side cover. (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses for spectacle wearers. |
|
Trekking shoes
|
1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle, good grip) |
|
Floaters / flip-flops
|
1 Pair |
|
Cotton socks
|
8 pairs |
|
Woollen socks
|
3 pairs |
|
Gaiters
|
1 Pair (Next Peak provides when required) |
|
Micro spikes
|
1 Pair (Next Peak provides when required) |
|
Sunscreen
|
1 Nos. |
|
Moisturiser
|
1 Nos. |
|
Chap-stick / Lip balm
|
1 Nos. |
|
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
|
1 Nos. |
|
Toilet paper & Wipes
|
1 Nos. |
|
Soap / Hand Sanitizers
|
1 Nos. |
|
Antibacterial Powder
|
1 Nos. |
|
Quick Dry Towel
|
1 Nos. |
