Tarsar Marsar Trek Difficulty Level

Overview

The Tarsar Marsar trek is one of the most significant treks in India promising the beauty of varied landscapes of Kashmir valley. Along the trek, you will move forward seeing lush meadows with wildflowers, rivers, lakes, dense pine forest, rugged terrains and much more. Tarsar Marsar can be difficult for a novice trekker and sometimes for an experienced one if not prepared well.

Tarsar Marsar trek difficulty level is moderate, but it can go to some extent of hardship in some regions. While some places are well marked and trekking moves further gradually. Trekking in rugged terrains is difficult and it can really test your stamina and endurance. Some places have very steep inclines where trekkers need to be attentive. Weather in Kashmir is very unpredictable, and it can vary from sunny days to cold nights and sometimes light drizzling.

Also Checkout: Tarsar Marsar Trek Distance

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Factors contributing to Difficulty

1. Altitude Gain/Loss: Trekkers gain an altitude of about 1700m/ 5000 ft going from Aru basecamp with an altitude of 2400m/ 7950 ft to Marsar lake at an altitude of 4100m/ 13000 ft. They also experience altitude loss while coming back. This altitude gain and loss can cause altitude sickness if acclimatization is not done. Oxygen level also reduces on high altitudes. 
   
   
2. Terrain Type: In the Tarsar Marsar trek trekkers need to cross rugged terrains, dense forest, banks of rivers, steep inclines and all these require a different set of skill hence can make the trek a little more difficult. 
   
   
3. Weather: Temperature fluctuates a lot in a single day in the Kashmir valley which can be exciting yet challenging for a lot of people. Hence, you should pack clothes for every season, and you can expect rainfall and snowfall at night. 
   
   
4. Distance & Duration: Tarsar Marsar trek can last a minimum of 4 days and   a maximum of 8 days. So prepare yourself for multiple days of trekking, night camping, and covering varied landscapes. 
   
   
5. Technical Requirement For Trekking: Although there is no high level of any trekking requirement, you can get basic knowledge about trekking if you are a beginner and be careful while climbing steep inclines. 
   
   
6. Remote Locations: In some places along the trek, you would get even basic things so it is better that you carry things that you might need by yourself.
   
   
7. Fitness level: As we read above, the Tarsar Marsar trek difficulty level is moderate to difficult, weather conditions are unpredictable, varied landscapes, hence good physical health with proper stamina and endurance is required for a smooth journey. 
   
   
8. Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is necessary to get accustomed to high altitude otherwise risks of altitude sickness increases. Hence try to add 1-2 extra days in your itinerary. 

Click Here to Find: The Tarsar Marsar Trek Best Time

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Terrain And Landscapes of Tarsar Marsar Trek

Tarsar Marsar trek has both adventures and challenges. It is known for its magnificent meadows, rivers, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains of the Kashmir valley. But all these varied landscapes require a different set of skills to trek through them. You need to be careful while climbing the steep inclines and have confidence while crossing the rivers. But every challenge has rewards too in the form of the natural beauty of the sites.

1. Alpine Meadows: Aru valley, which is the starting point of your trek, is full of lush meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers and rivers forming boundaries of these meadows. 
   
   
2. Dense Pine Forests: moving further in the journey, you trek in the pine forests of Kashmir having tall trees forming shaded canopies. The pine forests are kind of a mystery themselves. 
   
   
3. Rocky Path: trekking in rugged terrain in Tarsar Marsar trek difficulty level can be a bit challenging where you will have some sections of rocky path in the trek where you need to be attentive and careful.  
   
   
4. River Crossings: as the trek progresses, trekkers will see some rivers and streams with bubbling water where it can be a bit difficult to trek as water levels are different for different rivers. 
   
   
5. Alpine Lakes: the two alpine lakes, Tarsar Lake is full of meadows while Marsar lake has snowy peaks in the backdrop forming a perfect scenery. Just absorb the beauty of these significant and beautiful alpine lakes. 
   
   
6. High-Altitude Passes: Sheshnag and Homwas passes have steep inclines and descends hence can possess some trekking challenges. Be very careful here in these passes. 
   
   
7. Potential Obstacles: Tarsar Marsar trek is known for its tranquility and beauty, but it can have some potential challenges such as unpredictable weather, boulder-strewn paths etc.
   
   
8. Campsites: in the evening you camp out near significant sights and relax, recharge yourself for the next day. Your trek packages include the camping tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats etc.

Also Read This Comparison On: Tarsar Marsar Trek Vs Kashmir Great Lakes

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Altitude gain and loss during Tarsar Marsar Trek

Tarsar Marsar trek starts from an altitude of 2400m/ 7950 ft in Aru to Marsar at an altitude of 4100m/ 13000 ft. Hence drastic altitude gain can be seen here. After the trek, trekking back from Mansar to Aru sees a huge altitude loss with Sheshnag and Homwas passes along the way. Understanding the elements of altitude gain and loss is very critical to have a safe journey hence it is advised to carefully plan your itinerary, adding some extra days so that you can acclimatize. Be hydrated throughout the trek and gradually move forward. 

Effect on difficulty:

1. Reduced Oxygen Level: oxygen level drops drastically as you go on high altitude which can cause problems like nausea, headache etc. Acclimatisation is necessary from time to time to prevent these problems and also keep some basic medications with yourself. 
   
   
2. Physical Exertion: moderate to challenging in trekking level, Tarsar Marsar trek is physically demanding especially on high altitudes, where your body needs to work harder to climb steep passes and rugged terrain. Keep the speed slow and gradually move further. 
   
   
3. Impact On Stamina And Endurance: high level of physical fitness is required to trek on high altitude and it checks your stamina and endurance. Even experienced trekkers may experience some challenges to their stamina and endurance.
   
   
4. Acclimatization Is Necessary: Keeping Tarsar Marsar Trek Difficulty Level in mind, acclimating your body to thinner air and high altitude is the key to a smooth and stable expedition of Tarsar Marsar trek so keep aside 1-2 extra days for this purpose. 
   
   
5. Psychological Effects: being exhausting Tarsar Marsar trek can really impact your level of enjoyment. Physical exertion, less oxygen availability , and high altitude can ruin your mental health and It can have some effect on your decision making too.
   
   
6. Distance And Duration Of Tarsar Marsar Trek: there are multiple routes to cover the Tarsar Marsar trek depending on the one taken. It also depends on weather conditions as snowfall blocks routes sometimes. 
   
   
7. Total distance Of Tarsar Marsar Trek: a total of approx 45-50 kms is covered in Tarsar Marsar trek and an 8 days itinerary is ideal for covering the journey including acclimation. 
   
   
8. Duration Of Tarsar Marsar Trek: it totally depends on your itinerary planning, camping plans and other factors but a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 8-9 days is required for it.

Also Check: Tarsar Marsar Temperature

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