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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How in the world do you do this always!!
This makes me really really want to go there.
Too beautiful.
Yay! Big smile. Thank you for the generous praise, Divyakshi. Chalo Kashmir in May, the unknown parts. :))
Shubham, I’m not sure if we’ll be able to save this little paradise from commercial trek operators given the rate at which they are taking mass “trek tourists” into such pristine places. what has helped Kashmir save this world was militancy..with peace being slowly restored, number of people venturing in such places will go up! 🙁
Very thoughtful, that statement. I agree with you on the mass ‘trek tourists’; even though Kashmir still remains a doubt for the majority of Indians – who think there is political trouble everywhere in the state.
Though it’s a selfish thought, but It’s good that ‘something ‘ is keeping crowd away, at least this will preserve something for the future. 🙂
Heehee…selfie craze!! the cap looks good..and lovely lovely picture!! The best part in all your blogs is how you end the story ! Keep the good work up 🙂
😉 Hehe, thanks Pooja. I’ve always been fascinated with Kashmir; how beautiful and yet so tragic.
Yes, it does! May be it is that. Wikipedia does say that they shot some parts in Kashmir even though it was not mentioned in the movie.
Great photos, Shubham. I love Kashmir and your photos made my day. 🙂
Hehe, yes! Thanks Nandini, I am so glad to read that.
these pictures took me to kashmir 🙂
Yay, thanks for making my day. *Big smile*
Speechless.
Thanks Kat for a heartfelt comment.
Please provide me the trek guide contact details .
Hey, you can google GIO’s number and find that out. Cheers.
Wow. Stunning photos and an amazing insight into Kashmir’s unspoiled beauty.
Thank you so much Svetlana. Kashmir is really paradise. I went to Kashmir again this year for a trek and was mesmerised by its beauty.