Picture a clear lake that seems to carry enchanting stories of ancient civilizations from thousands of years ago. Tarsar Lake is not just an alpine lake but a marvel with an almost mythical appeal. It is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the local legends, Yusuf Shah Chak, the 16th-century Kashmiri king, was so captivated by the twin lakes that he likened them to the flowing tresses of his beloved in his poetic verses. This is an oval-shaped gem in the Anantnag district, surrounded by the Kolahoi mountains in the Himalayas. Tarsar Lake is a beautiful lake in Jammu and Kashmir. It has crystal clear water and is surrounded by alpine vegetation, making it look like a fairy tale.
Tarsar Lake Trek
Image Credit: Savitri Kore for Wikimedia Commons
The Tarsar Lake trek is about 40 km long and is among the most beautiful in the Himalayas. From Aru in Pahalgam, it rises to approximately 4,000 metres (13,000 feet). The winding path passes through meadows, rocky trails, and forests.
Trekkers will cross highlands painted with blue poppies, potentillas, and other beautiful flowers. The trek also provides a scenic view of Tarsar Lake and the mountains. The area is also endowed with vegetation, and different high-altitude trees contribute to its beauty.
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Tourist Attractions Near Tarsar Lake
From scenic trails to picturesque villages, the region offers diverse experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Discover the captivating beauty and unique experiences that await you just a short journey from Tarsar Lake.
1. Marsar Lake
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Marsar Lake, the second lake of Tarsar, is comparatively less famous but also a beautiful lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This immaculate water body gives a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains through the water’s surface, making it a very serene place. It is less crowded than other parks because it is located far from the city, giving a better view of nature. Boating and camping near the lake is one of the best things to do since it provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and escape the busy world. The surrounding environment of this place is equally stunning, with steep slopes and alpine meadows, which makes this place a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Days Needed: 1-2 days
Entry Fee: Varies based on trekking permits and local regulations
2. Sheshnag Lake
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Sheshnag Lake is another lake located at a higher altitude. It is famous for its calm and scenic beauty and is considered sacred. This lake is an important stopping point for the trekkers on their way to the Amarnath Cave, set amidst the grasslands and snow-clad mountains. It is in a relatively serene area ideal for contemplation and other recreational activities in the natural environment. The water in the lake is crystal clear, the environment is serene after the hike, and it feels good to be close to nature. The surrounding environment is also attractive and calm, making the trekking even more enjoyable.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Depends on the trekking permits and the local laws and regulations of the country.
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3. Aru Valley
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Aru Valley is a small valley situated at the base of the Himalayas and famous for its greenery, apple trees, and Lidder River. This beautiful valley is often used as a base camp for many treks. It’s a relatively calm patch of area after the harshness of the mountains. The valley is beautiful, with charming villages and calm scenery. Aru Valley is a beautiful place with lush green meadows and a calm atmosphere, which makes it a perfect place to start exploring the Kashmir area.
Days Needed: 1-2 days
Entry Fee: Varies based on local regulations and permits
4. Betaab Valley
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Betaab Valley, derived from the title of the first film produced by the famous Bollywood actor Sunny Deol titled ‘Betaab’, is a picturesque natural beauty with thick forests and winding streams. The valley is characterised by vegetation and a calm environment that makes it ideal for those who want to escape the busy world. Located in the Pahalgam area, Betaab Valley is famous for its scenic beauty and calm environment, and tourists often visit this place for picnicking, trekking, and photography. The area boasts clear water streams that make the place very attractive and serene, especially in the Himalayan ranges.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Depends on the state laws and licences
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5. Vishansar Lake
Image Credit: Mehrajmir13 for Wikipedia
Vishansar Lake, a part of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, is famous for its scenic beauty and the lake’s clear water. It is located at a higher altitude and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range and lush green pastures. The journey to Vishansar is quite strenuous, but the view and the feeling of being one with nature are worth the climb. It is one of the most popular spots for trekkers and photographers due to the clear water of the lake and the surrounding cliffs. The surroundings of Vishansar Lake are perfect for taking beautiful shots of the rising and setting sun, which makes the trekking even more attractive with its scenery.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Depends on the trekking permits and the country’s laws.
Best Time To Visit Tarsar Lake
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The best time to visit Tarsar Lake is from June to mid-September. This time of the year is favourable because the climate is mild, the snow has melted, and the lake is available to be viewed. The Tarsar Lake temperature is also slightly above freezing.
Winter is characterised by heavy snow and freezing temperatures, which makes the journey difficult and less feasible.
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How To Reach Tarsar Lake
Image Credit: Owais Khursheed for Wikimedia Commons
By Road: Start from Srinagar to Pahalgam and then to Aru. This is the most popular route to get to the lake, which is 102 km in length.
By Air: Srinagar airport is the nearest airport, and one must take road transport to Pahalgam and Aru.
By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railway station. A road trip from Jammu takes you to Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Aru.
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Tarsar Lake is one of the most beautiful treks in the region with snow-clad mountains and calm lake water. If you are an adventure lover or a nature lover, then this place in Jammu and Kashmir is a perfect destination for you to explore. Tarsar Lake is beautiful, and you should plan your trip to Kashmir today to visit this place.
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Cover Image Source: Irfanaru for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Tarsar Lake
What is the altitude of Tarsar Lake?
Tarsar Lake is located at an altitude of about 4,000 metres or 13,000 feet above the sea level.
Is it possible to trek to Tarsar Lake in winter?
No, trekking to Tarsar Lake during winters is not wise. Instead, visit during the summer months from June to mid-September.
Do you really need a guide for the Tarsar Lake trek?
It is recommended to hire a local guide even though it is not compulsory for safety reasons and to make the trekking experience even more enjoyable. They are aware of the area and can help with practicalities.
Which animals can be observed in the surroundings of Tarsar Lake?
The fauna of the Tarsar Lake area includes the Kashmir stag, ibex, musk deer, snow leopard, and Himalayan brown bear. Different species of birds are also found during summer, including migratory birds.
Is there any place to stay around Tarsar Lake?
There are facilities for accommodation in the Aru Valley and the Pahalgam nearby. Trekking is normally done around the lake or in the established base camps along the trekking trail.
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