Marsar Lake- The Misty Twin Of Tarsar
Marsar Lake Photos
Everything About Marsar Lake
Located in the Aru Valley of Kashmir, deeply surrounded by mountains, and gently swaying into the arms of mist, lies one of nature’s most fascinating creations – Marsar Lake. Because of its high elevation, exceptional location, surrounding peaks, alpine meadows, and the clouds that seem to always shy away from lighting, Marsar Lake is often referred to as the “Misty Twin of Tarsar Lake.” These two lakes together are the heart and soul of the famed Tarsar-Marsar Trek, a trip that every trekking and nature enthusiast longs to do at least once in their life.
Whereas Tarsar Lake is gentle, exposed, and blanketed by lush pastures, Marsar Lake carries an aura of mystique. Hidden in the clouds and mist, it often only reveals itself in blue when one is patient enough to wait it out and let the mist clear. This mystique of Marsar gives it a certain charm that’s epic, raw, wild, and gothic.
In this blog, we will cover absolutely everything about Marsar Lake with regards to location, trek routes, myths, the best time to visit, photography tips, and why it is one of the best trekkable destinations in Kashmir. If you’re looking for both adventure and spiritual tranquillity in raw wilderness, look no further than Marsar.
The Significance of Marsar Lake
- Twin connection with Tarsar: Marsar is located only a few kilometers from Tarsar Lake, and while Tarsar is well-known and easily accessed, Marsar is usually not found simply because of mist.
- Hidden beauty: Often referred to as the “Lake of Mystery,” it is often shrouded in heavy fog, while also giving a shocking excitement factor to trekkers as they catch sudden glimpses of a hidden lake emerge through the mist and rain.
- Cultural importance: In local folklore, the locals regard Marsar as a sacred waterbody, associated with purity and blessings from God.
- A photographers paradise: Known for its reflections of the superabundant surroundings.
Location & Geography
- Altitude: About 13,500 ft above sea level.
- Location: Aru Valley, Anantnag district, Kashmir.
- Access: Part of the popular Tarsar-Marsar Trek accessed from the first day of the trek in Aru village.
- Surroundings: Snow-fed streams, alpine flowers, rich meadows, and rising peaks.
- Marsar is glacial-fed. The outflow from it feeds (and gives rise to) the Lidder River, which then feeds the valley below.
Best Time to Visit Marsar Lake
- Summer (June to September): Perfect for hiking. Meadows burst to life with blooming alpine flowers and the lake is open.
- Monsoon (July – August): Mist is thickest during this time of year giving the lake its mythical character.
- Autumn (Late September): Clear skies, golden meadows – few trekkers.
- Winter (October – May): Not accessible due to heavy snow!
Trekking to Marsar Lake – The Adventure
Starting point – Aru Valley:
The trek starts from Aru, a quaint meadow close to Pahalgam that sits at the centre of beautiful pine forests and fast flowing rivers.
Route Overview:
The route is Aru → Lidderwat → Shekwas → Tarsar → Marsar,
Trek distance: Approx. 47-50 km round trip.
Duration: 5-7 days depending on your speed.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
What is worth seeing on this trek?
1. Aru to Lidderwat: Meadows, shepherd huts, crossing rivers.
2. Lidderwat to Shekwas: Slight ascend to Shekwas with various peaks and snow capped mountains overlooking the trek.
3. Shekwas to Tarsar Lake: Beautiful alpine lake with lush valleys.
Tarsar to Marsar Lake: A relatively short but steep climb to a ridge, at this location Marsar will be obscured by mist; you may have to wait a while to clearly see Marsar waiting below the ridge.
Pro Tip: Camp at Tarsar Lake and make the hike to Marsar for a day trip.
The Mystical Charm of Marsar
Marsar Lake is not only beautiful it is also mysterious. Opposed to Tarsar, where campers put up tents on the banks, you cannot camp in close proximity to Marsar. Due to steep ridges and unpredictable weather, you camp at a distance, which adds to the mystery.
In many cases a trekker will reach the ridge and find all they can see is a fog bank. Slowly the mist will part and all of a sudden Marsar appears like a hidden jewel, which has now been revealed. The unpredictability of Marsar makes each visit an experience that is not reproducible.
Flora & Fauna Around Marsar
Flora: Meadows filled with wildflowers such as blue poppies, daisies, buttercups, and primulas.
Fauna: Himalayan marmots, snow leopards (rare sightings), golden eagles, and grazing sheep belonging to Gujjar shepherds.
Adventure Activities Around Marsar
- Hiking & Camping: While camping is prohibited right at the Marsar site nearby meadows such as Tarsar or Shekwas provide perfect camping spots.
- Photography: Misty reflections, alpine flowers and snow ridges provide dramatic frames for striking photographs.
- Stargazig: Clear nights around Tarsar will reward you with skies beyond your imagination filled with stars.
- Nature Walks: Walk around meadows abound with wild herbs and glacial streams.
Travel Tips for Visiting Marsar
1.Hire A Local Guide: Trails can be confusing and guides enhance cultural education.
2. Pack Warm Clothes: Summer nights can get below freezing.
3.Stay Hydrated & Acclimatize: High altitude can tire you out.
4.Respect Nature: Pack out all your waste and do not disturb wildlife.
5.Photography Gear: A wide-angle lens will help capture the vastness of Marsar.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary for Tarsar-Marsar Trek
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar → Drive to Aru.
Day 2: Trek from Aru to Lidderwat → Camp along river.
Day 3: Trek from Lidderwat to Shekwas → Meadows and many, many streams.
Day 4: Trek from Shekwas to Tarsar Lake → Camp overnight by lake.
Day 5: Trek from Tarsar Lake to Marsar ridge → Back to Tarsar camp.
Day 6: Trek from Tarsar camp to Lidderwat → Descend through forests.
Day 7: Trek from Lidderwat to Aru → Drive back to Srinagar.
Why Choose Marsar Over Other Alpine Lakes
- Enchantment fog: Marsar’s fog sets it apart from other lakes in the world; there’s a pronounced element of surrealism or magic.
- Twin Lake Experience: Exploring Tarsar and Marsar together creates a unique and special trek.
- Less commercialized: Marsar’s setting is far quieter than some of its more popular neighbouring lakes of Gangbal or Vishansar.
- Adventure and solitude: The lake will appeal to trekkers seeking offbeat haunts.
Conclusion
Marsar Lake is not a destination, it’s a feeling. The misty lake, steeped in alpine surroundings and untouched beauty makes it one of the most enchanting places in Kashmir. The Misty Twin of Tarsar, complements the tranquility of its twin with its own mystery.
For trekkers, photographers, and peaceful pursuers alike, Marsar offers something different—a reminder that some of the most beautiful treasures nature has to offer are often the hardest to attain.
So if you’re planning your next adventure in the Himalaya, let not just any trek be at the top of your bucket list, but let Marsar Lake! It’s not just a trek, it is a journey into the hidden soul of Kashmir.