06 June 2025
Kashmir is known in India and around the world as “Paradise on Earth”, because hidden among its valleys and mountains are some of the most beautiful trails and treks that take you deep into the wild and stunning landscapes. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and The Tarsar Marsar Trek are two of such hidden gems among the Kashmir Treks. Both the treks have something in common and some things that are unique to them. Below we are going to take a look at things that make both of these treks special.
A Quick Comparison:
Two Trails One Heaven: An Overview of KGL Trek and Tarsar Marsar
The Tarsar Marsar and The KGL Trek are one of the most beautiful trails for trekking in Kashmir. Both of them are situated in the Kashmir Himalayas of India and have some similarities and differences. Each trek takes you to high altitude alpine lakes, lush green valleys and breathtaking mountain vistas, making them perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek spans around 72 KM and it takes about 7-8 days to complete. The trekkers of the KGL Trek go on a high altitude journey to explore seven pristine glacial lakes hidden in the tall and distant himalayan ranges. In your seven days you will see Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal, and Nundkol lake, each of which are different from the other. With everyday the scenery becomes much more surreal as you cross meadows blooming with wildflowers and climb up to reach the snow covered mountain passes. The KGL trek is moderate to difficult and it is best suited for experienced trekkers of variety and grandeur.
In contrast, the Tarsar Marsar Trek is a shorter and gentler 47 KM route that takes 6 to 7 days to complete. The trek starts from the charming Aru village situated near Pahalgam. After completing the trek you would have seen the tranquil waters of Tarsar, Marsar and Sundarsar lake. The Trek is unique as it offers you the opportunity to camp beside the alpine lake, there are only a few himalayan lakes that are allowed to camp next to. You will see the midnight sky filled with stars, reflected on the blue waters of the Tarsar lake and there are not many things that are more beautiful than this. A good trek for a beginner who wants to experience trekking in Kashmir.
Scenic Showdown: Key Highlights of the Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar Treks
Both the lake treks of Kashmir; The kgl Trek and Tarsar Marsar Lake are celebrated for their unique alpine charm, both of them have something to offer to the trekkers. Here is a breakdown of the most captivating highlights from each trek.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Highlights
1. Seven Alpine Lakes: The Seven lakes of the KGL trek namely, Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal, and Nundkol are the major highlights of the trek. Their glacier fed, crystal clear waters mirror the mountains that surrounded them and at night they reflect the brightly lit midnight sky.
2. Dramatic Mountain Passes: The KGL Trek also goes through mountain passes that offer a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding ranges. You will cross the highest part of the trek The Gadsar Pass at a height of 13,800 ft and Zaj Pass at 13,000 ft. These passes are hard to climb to but the view they offer make all of the hard work seem worth it.
3. Wildflowers and Meadows: The Himalayas are a home to lush green meadows that seem to go on forever. In your trek to the Great lakes you will see many meadows bursting with many colored wildflowers.
Tarsar Marsar Trek Highlights
1. The Twin Lakes: The Tarsar Marsar Trek is named after the twin lakes of Tarsar Marsar. Both of the lakes are beautiful; Lake Tarsar is accessible to camp next to and Lake Marsar is usually surrounded by mist giving it a mysterious view.
2. Accessible Terrain: The Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek is much more accessible than the KGL Trek and this makes it a beginner friendly trail. The gradual ascent and wide valleys make it suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness.
3. Shepherd Life and Gujjar Culture: The route takes you to the valleys that are home to the Gujjar and nomadic people. The trek offers you the opportunity to interact with these people of the land and you get to see what kind of life they get to live.
Picking Between Kashmir’s Two Most Iconic Treks
What kind of experience do you want to seek in the mountains? This is a question that you must ask yourself before choosing the right trek for trekking in Kashmir. The KGL Trek and Tarsar Marsar, both of them offer unforgettable experiences that would stay with you for the rest of your life.
On one side the KGL Trek is a more physically demanding trek that pushes you to your mental and physical limits. The Tarsar Marsar is an easy trek that is fit for someone who is on their first journey to the mountains. For the ambitious trekkers who want challenges along with beautiful sceneries you must choose the KGL Trek, but for someone who wants to feel the pleasures of an easy trek you must go on the Tarsar Marsar Trek.
