While Tarsar Marsar Trek in Kashmir, in Pictures – Part I focused on the grasslands and valleys in remote Kashmir; Part II will focus mainly on the pristine lakes and high altitude landscapes carpeted with wildflowers. Photographs in this post are from reaching Tarsar Lake and continue to Marsar Lake till the end of the trek.
The astonishing play of clouds and sun resulted in an evening to remember walking on the fringes of the sparkling waters of the lake.
Thousands of sheep wandered about the grasslands, for their fodder. This was the land of Gujjars and Bakarwals, the nomadic cattle herders who made their living selling milk, butter and wool.
The long winter had ended and the sun’s warmth meant the snow melt has caused this hollow bowl shaped plain to retain all the water and turn into a veritable green marsh. This stretch also didn’t have any shepherd’s homes although there were many sheep grazing and also being sheathed.
I can barely believe my eyes when I look at these pictures. Static, pristine waters as if it was a painting made by nature.
Obscured by clouds, a mix of green and blue colours. It is a glacial lake caused by snow melt and the thin, clear line is the inlet for water to flow in.
The remoteness of Kashmir means that we can be sure of these places never becoming the new Pangong Tso. Did you notice the small, round patch of green near the water? We travel to find our own sweet paradise.
Fabled landscapes in Kashmir. A carpet of wildflowers, gorgeous noble steed walk on the banks of a lake beneath blue skies. This is heaven, indeed.
Clouds rise from the valley beneath us. Kashmir is beautiful on treks, not too difficult, not too easy. Just right.
Gorgeous silhouettes in magical Kashmir. Kolahoi peak is visible in the far distance (Kolahoi Glacier.)
Read : Travel memories of 2015
Walking on these glorious grasslands with fresh oxygen aplenty. The absence of mobile networks is a welcome break. You don’t spot a soul for miles together, leaving you to savour the beauty of nature.
Colourful wildflowers grow on the trail to a mysterious lake high into the mountains.
The world is their playground. Happiness is infectious, they thought my furry hat to be my real hair and that I was a dangerous bear! Haha.
Does this house remind you of the movie ‘Highway?’ If it does, I would love to hear from you.
Raat yun dil mein teri khoyi hui yaad aayi,
Jaise viraane mein chupke se bahaar aa jaye,
Jaise sehraaon mein haule se chale baad-e-naseem,
Jaise beemaar ko be-wajhe qaraar aa jaaye.
Last night your faded memory came to me
As in the wilderness spring comes quietly,
As, slowly, in the desert, moves the breeze,
As, to a sick man, without cause, comes peace.
~ Faiz.
Read : Trekking in Kashmir : The twin lakes of Tarsar Marsar
I wipe my tears as I finish this post. Milton must have referred to Kashmir when he penned down ‘Paradise Lost.’
Also check : The Goodness of Strangers : Curfew in Kashmir
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