Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Srinagar – Stay at Hotel Ash Vale, Nishat
Upon arrival at Srinagar Airport, you will be received and transferred to Hotel Ash Vale in Nishat.
After check-in, there will be a short briefing and gear check. The remainder of the day can be spent
at leisure or with optional sightseeing around Srinagar, including Dal Lake and the Mughal Gardens.
Accommodation: Hotel Ash Vale, Nishat
Meals: Dinner
Day 2. Srinagar – Aru (2,400m) – Lidderwat (2,780m) | Trek: 10 km, 5–6 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Aru village via Pahalgam, enjoying the scenic mountain roads and lush valleys.
From Aru, begin the trek following the Lidder River through pine forests and open meadows. The trail offers
beautiful views of river streams and green ridges before reaching the Lidderwat campsite.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (packed), tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 3. Lidderwat – Tarsar Lake (3,800m) | Trek: 12 km, 7 hrs
After breakfast, continue trekking towards Tarsar Lake with a gradual ascent via Shekwas. The trail passes
through Gujjar settlements and open alpine meadows before revealing the turquoise waters of Tarsar Lake.
Camp is set beside the lake.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 4. Tarsar – Sundarsar via Tarsar Pass (4,000m) | Trek: 6 km, 5–6 hrs
Today’s trail begins with a steep climb to Tarsar Pass, offering panoramic mountain views. Descend gradually
to the serene Sundarsar Lake, surrounded by wildflowers and snow patches.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 5. Sundarsar – Marsar Lake – Return to Sundarsar (4,100m) | Trek: 9 km, 7 hrs
After breakfast, an early morning trek leads to Marsar Lake, often shrouded in mist and surrounded by
dramatic landscapes. Spend time exploring the quiet lakeshore before returning to Sundarsar for an
overnight stay.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 6. Sundarsar – Sonmasti (3,600m) | Trek: 9 km, 6–7 hrs
The day begins with a moderate descent through alpine meadows and rocky patches. The trail passes grazing
pastures and small nomadic settlements before reaching Sonmasti.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 7. Sonmasti – Surfraw, Sumbal (6 km, 4 hrs) – Sonamarg (3 hrs drive)
After breakfast, descend steadily towards Surfraw, Sumbal, concluding the Tarsar Marsar section of the trek.
From here, drive to Sonamarg to begin the Great Lakes route.
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Hotel in Sonamarg
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (packed), tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 8. Sonamarg – Nichnai (3,500m) | Trek: 10 km, 6–7 hrs
Today’s trek begins with a gradual ascent through pine forests and flower-filled meadows leading into the
wide Nichnai Valley. The camp is set amidst lush greenery.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 9. Nichnai – Vishansar via Nichnai Pass (4,050m) | Trek: 14 km, 7 hrs
A steady climb leads to Nichnai Pass, followed by a long descent through open meadows to the Vishansar Valley.
The emerald-green Vishansar Lake awaits, reflecting the surrounding peaks.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 10. Vishansar – Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (4,200m) | Trek: 16 km, 8 hrs
This is one of the most challenging days, with a steep ascent to Gadsar Pass, the highest point of the trek.
The descent reveals the deep blue waters of Gadsar Lake surrounded by colorful wildflowers.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 11. Gadsar – Satsar Lakes (3,600m) | Trek: 12 km, 6 hrs
The trail continues through rolling meadows and rocky moraine sections, gradually revealing the cluster of
seven glacial lakes known as Satsar. The camp is set near one of the lakes.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 12. Satsar – Gangbal via Zajibal Pass (4,000m) | Trek: 9 km, 6 hrs
After breakfast, ascend to Zajibal Pass for breathtaking views of Gangbal and Nundkol Lakes below. The descent
to Gangbal brings you to Kashmir’s largest alpine lake, where the evening light creates mesmerizing reflections.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 13. Rest Day at Gangbal Lake
Spend a relaxed day at Gangbal Lake exploring the surroundings, taking short hikes, fishing, or photographing
the stunning landscapes.
Accommodation: 2 persons per tent (spacious)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 14. Gangbal – Naranag (12 km, 6 hrs) – Srinagar (2 hrs drive)
After breakfast, descend through dense pine forests to Naranag. Visit the ancient heritage ruins before driving
back to Srinagar. Check in at Houseboat Monalisa on Dal Lake and enjoy an evening Shikara ride.
Accommodation: Houseboat Monalisa, Dal Lake, Srinagar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (packed), tea/snacks, and dinner
Day 15. Departure from Srinagar
After breakfast, transfer to Srinagar Airport for your departure, marking the end of the Ultimate Tarsar Marsar
and Great Lakes Traverse.
Meals: Breakfast
