Date: August 11-16, 2023 (5 nights / 6 days)
Starting Location: Pahalgam, Kashmir
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Srinagar. Taxi to Pahalgam. Overnight in hotel
Day 2 - Drive from Pahalgam to Aru. Trek to Lidderwat
Day 3 - Trek from Lidderwat to Shekwas
Day 4 - Shekwas to Tarsar, Marsar lake
Day 5 - Tarsar to Lidderwat
Day 6 - Lidderwat to Aru. Departure
Introduction
Trekking in Kashmir is very different from trekking anywhere else in our country. Nowhere else do you get to trek next to such spectacular alpine lakes. On this trek, you get to camp beside two such beautiful lakes – Tarsar and Marsar. The beauty of this trek does not end with the lakes. The lush green meadows of Kashmir are something to look out for too. On this trek, you traverse through these exquisite meadows every day. The pine forests, clearings and woods surrounding these grasslands make them come alive. Sometimes, as trekkers you move from one meadow to another separated by just a patch of forest.
Detailed Itinerary
We will start our Trek from Pahalgam towards Aru. Guests are requested to make their own arrangements from Srinagar to Pahalgam.
Cost of Innova from Srinagar airport to Pahalgam is approximately INR 4000. Same rate from Pahalgam to Srinagar airport.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar. Take a cab/taxi to Pahalgam. Overnight in a cozy boutique hotel.
Day 2: Pahalgam to Aru to Lidderwat
Altitude: 7958 feet to 9131 feet
Trail type: It is a gentle but long climb from Aru to Lidderwat covering a distance of 10 km in 6 hours. The trail to Lidderwat starts to climb straight out of the village, following the course of the Lidder River. Follow the wide trail past the agricultural department’s fence. Look back to take a commanding view of the entire region of Aru. The trail gets into a cluster of fir trees and continues to climb. Half an hour later, the trail pops out at a clearing called Dalla near Gujjar huts. Out of the pine trees, the trail gently climbs a mound, from the top of which is one of the most fascinating views of the day. The Lidder River meets with the trail at the valley bottom, spreading out in springs. Next to the river are grassy glades where the trail runs. Beyond, the Lidder rushes out of a curve around more gorgeous fir forests. It takes about half hour to cross this lovely section of the trail and enter the cluster of firs once again. Across the forest and ten minutes later, are the superb meadows of Lidderwat. There are a few Gujjar huts that signal Lidderwat. A sensible option is to drop down to the wooden bridge, climb out of the meadows on the other side and camp anywhere. On the other side are lovely clear streams running across the meadows – this is vitally important if you are camping for the night. There are also plenty of places to pitch camp. The Lidderwat camping site is a dream. Clear streams run across the meadows. Spare time to take long walks that stretch to either end of the meadows.
Day 3: Lidderwat to Shekwas
The trail to Tarsar starts to climb right behind the Pahalgam District Authority huts – following the course of the river flowing alongside. It leaves the river below and climbs very quickly into the pine forest above you. The trail is straightforward and does not pose any challenge. Continue to climb past clusters of pines and clearings for an hour and a half, until a stunning view opens up before you. The narrow valley of Lidderwat opens up to tracks of wide sweeping grasslands. The grasslands merge with the towering mountains, with snow patches in their folds. It is no longer a single valley but many valleys that converge together. The trail ahead converges upwards and to the left past the Bhakarwal shelters, sticking to the right of the river. Clear streams run down and cut through the trail many times. There are good spots to fill water. Avoid taking the upward trail. Drop down to the river and cross it, first hopping over a few boulders and then crossing a make-shift long bridge. Follow the river and continue to climb the trail. Half an hour later, the trail around a bend opens up to a wide clearing of Homwas. There are a few friendly Gujjar huts where you can stop for tea. It is a delight treading on the trail after Homwas. It is mostly on grass and feels lovely under your feet. The trail, now in a south westerly direction, enters a narrow valley with blue waters of the river as constant company. The climb continues to gain altitude. An hour later, you will pass a very old cluster of Silver Birch (Bhoj) trees, and the view opens up to another stunning scenery. This time, a possibly wider grassland leads to two wide green valleys. It stretches out vastly in front of you. Undulating meadows on your left reach out for the sky. Beyond the meadows, tall, dark, snow-patched cliffs shadow the landscape. The trail climbs swiftly past a few Gujjar huts to the camping grounds of Shekwas. For those on the Tarsar trail, Shekwas is a logical and extremely pretty camping ground. It is a good break after the hard climb.
Day 4: Shekwas to Tarsar / Marsar lake and night at Tarsar
Past Shekwas, the trail again snakes its way through grass for a long while. The trail to Tarsar, meanwhile, climbs into a ridge that overhangs the stream. In a general westerly direction, the trail climbs rapidly towards a conical hill in front. The trail tops a few false ridges, each opening up to different wondrous sceneries. Two hours later, the trail finally gives you a narrow glimpse of Tarsar. Even the slight glimpse is a delight and it is a rush to reach the shores of the lake. Cross the stream over boulders and set your foot on the grassy glades of Tarsar. There are plenty of flat camping spots along the lake and pitching tents is not an issue. The lake is a stunning display of nature’s capabilities. The waters are turquoise blue and in a cauldron surrounded by snow patches feeding the waters of the lake. If ever there was a place that could come close to paradise, then the camping shores of Tarsar are. We will visit Marsar lake also from the top of the mountain which is the only barrier between the two lakes and if there is no snow on the mountain. Over night at Tarsar lake.
Day 5: Tarsar to Lidderwat and night at Lidderwat
Right after breakfast we will proceed to Lidderwat and will follow the same route to reach there by the afternoon. Over night at Lidderwat with a farewell campfire in the evening.
Day 6: Lidderwat to Aru
Today you take the same route that you had taken at the beginning of the trek. The trail goes downhill and is a quick descent. The beauty of this part of your trek is that you will get to see all of those views that you had initially missed. The shrinking Kolahoi glacier is one of these sights. You will see the pine forests of Lidderwat that you had seen on day one of your trek in a whole new light. After getting some rest on the banks of river Lidder you head for Aru. It is a 10 km walk from Lidderwat to Aru. This takes around 4 hours to cover. Stop for lunch en-route, and expect to reach Aru by 1pm.
Route Map
Inclusions:
First night stay in a beautiful boutique hotel (accommodation on twin sharing basis)
Round trip transportation from Pahalgam to Aru (and back)
Food during transit and nutritious / wholesome meals during the trek
All entry fees and guide charges
Accommodation during the trek
Permits and camping charges
All technical and common equipment (tents etc.)
First aid and medical kit
Services of an expert trek leader (qualified in advanced mountaineering)
Services of guides, cooks, helpers, porters/mules
Exclusions:
Flight/Train/Road transport to Srinagar
Transportation to Pahalgam
Personal expenses such as laundry, alcoholic drinks, etc.
Any kind of insurance
Any claims due to natural calamity such as landslide/road blockage
Anything apart from the inclusions
Package Cost: INR 38,750 per pax
GST 5% of package cost.
Early bird: 5k off on total package (until July 15)
Please Note: We are not a trekking company but an outdoor adventure company that collaborates with the most reputed vendors to create these experiences. Our curated efforts have resulted in meaningful relationships and has helped build a diverse community of like minded individuals. We encourage you to join us and see for yourselves. It will be nothing less than an adventure of a lifetime!
Payment Schedule:
100% of the tour cost to be given to confirm booking.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations made beyond 30 days will qualify for a full refund after deducting bank/credit card charges if applicable. Thereafter, refund shall be made as follows: • 50% of the total amount charged if cancelled 2 weeks prior the trip • 75% of the total amount charged if cancelled 1 week prior the trip • 100% Cancellation charge in if cancelled less than 1 week of travel/postponement of the trip/no show
Contact:
Nakul Bhagat
Whatsapp: +91 8375090772
Email: nakblaidback@gmail.com
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