The trek has gained significant popularity in recent years, with its reputation rivalling that of the renowned Kashmir Great Lakes trek. To help you prepare for the adventure, I’ll provide an overview of the challenging aspects of the trek, including high altitudes and long distances. This way, you’ll better understand what to expect and can adequately prepare yourself for the journey.
The difficulty level of Tarsar Marsar is relatively low compared to other Himalayan treks.
1. Daily Trekking Distance
The distance you traverse daily on this Himalayan trek is relatively short, averaging 5 km daily. However, the first and last days of the trek require longer distances to be covered, making them exceptions to the otherwise moderate daily distances.
The initial day of the Tarsar Marsar trek involves a 10 km hike from Aru to Lidderwat, a relatively easy stretch with a minimal elevation gain of 1,000 feet. The trail follows the picturesque Lidder River and offers a pleasant walking experience.
In contrast, the final day’s descent from Homwas to Aru is more challenging, covering 13 km and a significant drop of 4,000 feet. This steep descent can be strenuous on the knees, so it’s essential to be physically prepared and use two trekking poles to assist with the descent.
2. Slow Increase in Elevation
The climb is slow and steady, starting gently from the beginning and continuing in the same manner until the end. You will ascend about 1,000 to 1,500 feet daily, which is a moderate gain in altitude. The ascent is smooth, not putting too much strain on your legs and allowing for a relaxed pace. Despite reaching a total altitude of 13,000 feet, there is no need for concern regarding the elevation.
Apart from these, the rest of the trek is manageable, with a few tricky sections requiring attention.
