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Sonmos Tarsar Trek
Highlights
- The Sumbal village will be the starting point of the trek to the alpine Lakes. It will take 2 hours of drive to reach this town that lies 32 km away from the airport.
- To proceed towards your destination, Sonmasti has to be crossed next. Sonmasti is a beautiful lush green meadow that connects Sumbal village to the Sundersar- Marsar Lake; the first two alpine lakes of this expedition.
- Next, the Silent Valley is to be reached on the evening of the third day of the expedition for the night stay. It is about 2-3 hrs away from the lake site.
- Trek from the Silent Valley to the Tarsar Lake is short and will be done on the fourth day of the expedition. You will return to the campsite at Sonmasti on the same day.
- The 5th day marks the last day of the trek and brings the journey to complete a full circle.
Overview
If you are an averagely enthusiastic trekker who is guilty of spending at least some part of his/her weekends google-ing about various trekking expeditions in India then you have most probably already discovered the amusingness that the state which rests like a crown on our country, embraces. Kashmir is not just another word for a state in India rather it is a pious emotion; one which stirs up warmth inside you, contradictory to the geographical aspects that instead offer snow and coldness throughout the year. It is interesting how the state has a unique topography that makes space for so many interesting and adventurous expeditions, attracting tourists from not just different parts of the country but also from across different countries of the world. It is the richest state of India when it comes to the scope of trekking and adventure, so if you have been wander-lusting or looking for a really exciting and enthralling trip, Kashmir can prove to serve you just about the right amount of thrill and drama. The pristine and immaculate beauty of the state is fascinating and perfectly ideal for sightseeing or for just existing. There are a number of trekking expeditions here, ranging from easy short treks to some crazy challenging treks that take you up to a whopping height of 20,000 ft. The roads amidst mighty mountains, the rivers, the valleys, and the weather, etc complement each other to give you the best time of your life. It is true that Kashmir introduces you to nature in a way that you would never have encountered before. Indeed, it takes you to a transcendental level spiritually where you begin to contemplate how you are just a tiny being existing with many other tiny beings in this huge cosmos. That is the beauty of Kashmir; it is overwhelming and full of surprises. No piece of description can ever describe the vastness, the charm, and the captivating beauty of Kashmir while at the same time doing justice to it. After all, it is not just simply that the state is referred to as the 'Paradise on Earth'; it does truly deserve that title of reference by all means.
Sonmos Tarsar Trek takes you along some of the most soul-filling and comforting trials of all time. You will cross the town of Sumbal that lies in the Bandipora district of the Union Territory of Kashmir which will also serve as the starting point of your trek. The trek is rich in landscapes; you will pass through lush green meadows, valleys, and finally two of the most sought-after alpine lakes. The trek to the lakes is no doubt mesmerizing but at the same time, it does not have conventional routes or structured trials; which make the trek ideal for those who look forward to offbeat trekking. In fact, the Sonmos Tarsar Trek can be a great expedition for anyone who wishes to explore off-beat trekking for the first time. Even though the trials are not well established, they are totally safe and easy, so much so that the trek usually remains open for all age groups to try.
To begin your tour to the Tarsar Lake that quietly sits in the lap of the Silent Valley of Kashmir, you will have to board a flight to arrive in Srinagar. Upon reaching Srinagar, you will be ferried to the village of Sumbal that lies 32 km away from the airport. Sumbal is a beautiful, little village nestled in the foothills of the Silent Valley and it is in the realm of this village where you will spend your first day of the expedition to the Tarsar Lake. The next day, you will begin trekking towards Sonmasti; a delightful and pleasing meadow smeared with beautiful tones of greens and you will further make your way towards the campsite situated at a suitable piece of land of the meadow. The campsite at Sonmasti will mark the endpoint of the second day of your expedition to the Tarsar Lake. It is on the next day that is the third day of your expedition when you will begin your movement towards the first two alpine lakes of Kashmir; the Sundersar Lake and the Marsar Lake. It will be an exhilarating and long day since it will take a couple of hours for you to reach the top but of course, the view on top will be absolutely worth every drop of your sweat and effort. After spending quality time besides the lakes, you will begin to trek towards your campsite for the night stay that will be set up at a suitable place in the Silent Valley. After a couple of hours of trekking, you will reach the campsite and call off the day. On your fourth day, you will find yourself moving closer and closer to the destination of your dreams, the ultimate site of your tour; the Tarsar Lake. The Tarsar Lake is situated at a height of 13,189 ft and of course like any other trek, it too requires a bit of courage and dedication. You will reach the lake is approximately 4 hours at the most after which you can indulge in sightseeing, relaxation and many other silly activities. You will then begin to trek backward to Sonmasti, to camp for the night and that will be the last night of your expedition to the Tarsar Lake. The next day that is the last day of your trek will begin with your movement towards the Sumbal village to bring your journey to a full circle, wherein you will find vehicles ready to ferry you right back to the airport and that will mark as the official ending of an exciting, overwhelming and adventurous offbeat Tarsar Lake trekking expedition.
Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from airport to Sumbal Village
Your arrival at the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar will be humbly addressed by our team members who will already be present to escort you and drive you to the first stop of your expedition which lies 32 km away from the airport and requires approximately 2 hours of drive to be reached. The drive from the airport to the village itself will be wholesome and a great starter for the expedition. You will find beautiful landscapes and picturesque mountains to appreciate and lose yourself in. The fresh air will soon kick in to make you feel refreshed in a split second. You will find species of tall and aloof trees such as pine, deodar, and oak trees standing along both the sides of the road to Sumbal, warmly welcoming you to the ‘Heaven on Earth’. You will also come across little streams and valleys on your way to Sumbal. Upon reaching the campsite/homestay, you may relax and rest for a while. After which you can proceed towards the lunch section to have a scrumptious and filling meal. A short break will be taken post-lunch and later in the evening, a short hike to nearby places will also be held, to kick start the process of acclimatization. Acclimatization is extremely important and needs to be taken care of especially in areas at high altitudes. It can be easily facilitated by a good diet, rest as well as slow and steady movement upwards. After a quick tour around the Sumbal meadow, you will return to the campsite for piping hot dinner, post which you call off the day and rest for the night.
Meals : L, D
Accommodation : Tents/Homestay
Time Taken : 2 hours
Altitude : 6,693 ft
Day 2: Trek from Sumbal Village to Sonmasti Meadow
The second day begins with a refreshing morning with the sun above your head, stretching its arms in all possible directions of the sky. You will freshen up and quickly proceed towards the breakfast counter to have a delicious and soul-filling breakfast, essential to keep you energized throughout the day. After a healthy meal and a short break, you will begin trekking towards the Sonmasti Meadow. The trial towards as well as through Sonmasti meadow is not well defined which is what makes this trek, an offbeat trek. It is however easy and doable at the same time and is also open to all age groups. You will come across beautiful trees and landscapes on your way uphill. Sonmasti meadow lies at a height of 10,702 ft, it takes a good number of hours to reach the meadow. An elevation of approximately 4,009 ft is covered this day from Sumbal village to the meadow within a span of 5 hours. You will of course take rest breaks to chill and click pictures along the way. There will also be a lunch break to stop by and indulge in a delicious lunch meal to pump up for the remaining part of the trek. After the lunch break, you will trek to cover the remaining distance and finally relax upon reaching the campsite situated at a suitable place in the meadow. You may then hike to nearby places, indulge in sunset seeing, and finally, proceed towards dinner to have a tasty and fulfilling meal after the tiring day. You will soon find yourself relaxing after the exhausting day.
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents/ Homestay
Time Taken : 5 hours
Altitude : 10,702 ft
Day 3: Trek from Sonmasti Meadow to Sundersar- Marsar Lake and from the lake to Silent Valley
The third day will be an exhilarating one. It will begin with a fresh dewy morning amidst the green painted meadow. You will freshen up and proceed to the breakfast counter for a scrumptious breakfast meal and quickly energize yourself for the day. Soon, you will begin trekking towards the Sundersar Lake; the first alpine lake of this expedition. It is a beautiful sea green lake with many mountains surrounding it. After spending some time here, you will proceed towards the next alpine lake; the Marsar Lake. This Lake lies at an altitude of 12,960 ft and it takes only a few hours to reach the top. As you reach the top, you will find yourself astonished by the beautiful ocean-blue lake, quietly lying in the foothills of the Silent Valley, symbolizing peace and tranquility which you will very soon begin to witness. You can spend some quality time at the shore of the lake, admiring its overwhelmingly pleasant appearance. You will then proceed to have a delicious lunch beside the lake and relax for a while post which you will move towards the Silent Valley to continue your expedition to the Tarsar Lake. You will come across many capturing and alluring landscapes to gasp and appreciate as you trek past them. After a few hours, you will find yourself close to the campsite at the Silent Valley. You may then relax and rest for a good period of time before proceeding towards the last meal of the day. After dinner, you can indulge in stargazing and spend some quality time in your own company or in the company of fellow trekkers and ultimately wrap up for the day.
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents/ Homestay
Time Taken : 7 hours
Altitude : 12,960 ft
Day 4: Trek from the Silent Valley to the Tarsar Lake and from the Tarsar Lake back to Sonmasti Meadow
The fourth day will be the most fun and exciting day of the entire expedition. You will begin your day by waking up to the warm sunshine sneaking into your tents as you slowly open your eyes and admire the refreshing morning amidst the valley. After freshening up and whiling away some time, you will proceed to have a tasty and healthy breakfast meal, post which you will begin the trek towards the ultimate destination of this expedition; the Tarsar Lake. The Tarsar Lake lies at a height of 13189 ft, the distance from the Silent Valley to the lake can be covered in a couple of hours. You will very quickly find yourself before the divine and enticing Tarsar Lake and catch yourself admiring its wealth in beauty. It is a pristine inky blue lake that is mesmerizing and absolutely drool-worthy. You may spend your lunch break here and enjoy the piping hot scrumptious lunch beside the lake, enjoying and admiring its serenity. After enjoying a session of sightseeing, you will gear up for the return journey and proceed towards the Sonmasti meadow, retracing backward the same trials that you trekked along. You will reach the bottom very soon and camp at the same sight for the night. Upon reaching, you may rest and then proceed towards the dinner, complete your meal, and then move to sleep after whiling away some time as per your choice.
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents/Homestay
Time Taken : 7 hours
Altitude : 13,189 ft
Day 5: Trek from Sonmasti Meadow back to Sumbal village
Today will be your last day of the Sonmos Tarsar Trek expedition. For the last time again, you will find yourself soaking in the fresh sunlight amidst mountains and the gentle calmness of nature. You will begin your trek back to Sumbal village wherein you will retrace the same route that you took to reach the top. With a heart full of memories and thrilling experiences, with peace in your mind and satisfaction in your soul, you will walk backward to resume and continue your daily life events until next time. With many short breaks and rests, you will successfully descend to the final point of your trip where you will find your vehicles eagerly waiting for you. After reaching the Sumbal village, you may relax as you wish and prepare yourself to return back to your hometown. Soon, you will be driven back to the airport with dozens of happy moments and memories etched in your heart.
Meals : B
Accommodation : Not Included
Time Taken : 5 hours
How To Reach
We can arrange a cab for you from the pickup point in Srinagar, the charges for the same are not included in the package. The cost of the cab can be shared among the trekkers joining the trek. For communications purposes, we will create a Whatsapp Group before the departure date of the trek and will share the details regarding the transportation. The drop at Srinagar after the trek will be arranged in a similar way.
How To Reach Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir:
By Air
Srinagar Airport is well connected to the major cities of the country. Frequent flights fly from Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and Kolkata. Srinagar airport is about 70 km away from Sonamarg.
By Road
Sonamarg is accessible from the other parts of the country via the National Highway 1D. The Srinagar bus stand is about 87 km away from Sonamarg, and sufficient public buses are available from Srinagar to Sonamarg. The Srinagar Bus Stand is well connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu
By Rail
The Jammu Tawi Railway station is the most convenient stop, from where frequent buses and cabs are available for Sonamarg.
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