Tarsar Lake

Tarsar Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake in the Kashmir region, noted for its clear water and scenic setting among steep mountain slopes. It forms one of a pair of closely associated lakes commonly visited together.

Hikers reach Tarsar via multi-day trails that traverse alpine meadows and passes; the lake and its immediate basin offer camping spots and panoramic mountain views. The pair of lakes are a focal point for trekking in the Lidder Valley area.

Tarsar is a natural glacial lake whose surroundings have long been used by local shepherds and, more recently, by organised trekking groups. The route linking the twin lakes has grown in popularity with domestic and international walkers.

The lake lies in the Lidder Valley area of Jammu and Kashmir, in the Pahalgam/Aru region of southern Kashmir, and is accessed from valley trailheads several hours’ walk from the nearest roadheads.

• Access and season: Trekking access is normally by multi-day trails from Aru or Lidderwat and the area is only reliably accessible in the summer months when the passes are clear.
• Trek connections: The lake is part of a high-altitude watershed in the Lidder Valley and is visited primarily by hikers on the Tarsar-Marsar circuit.

What to See #

• Marsar (twin lake): A neighbouring alpine lake often paired with the main Tarsar visit; treks commonly visit both lakes in a single circuit.