Extreme temperature variations, high altitude, snow glare & proximity to sun are certain factors which necessitate the need to for proper mountaineering and trekking equipment. In order to enjoy your experience in the mountains, we have recommended that you carry the following with you.

Apparels

1. Trekking Boots / Shoes (preferably up to ankle length & water resistant)
2. Multiple pairs of Cotton and woolen socks (at least 3-4 pairs of each)
3. Track Pants for comfortable trekking, Denims to be avoided. (At least 2/3)
4. Thermal inners and sweater/warm sweat shirt (1 each)
5. Cotton T-shirts (3 to 4 minimum)
6. Rain gear. Either a rain coat and trousers or a rain poncho.
7. Warm thermal fleece jacket.
8. 01 Peak Cap + at least 01 Woolen Cap
9. 01 pair of warm gloves with windproof outer layer.
10. 01 pair floaters

Accessories

1. Air bag / Duffel bag (No Suitcases). Preferably water proof / water resistant.
2. Day Back with rain proof cover. (25 to 35 ltrs)
3. Drinking Water Bottle 1 Litre
4. Torch + Batteries
5. Camera + Batteries
6. Knee / Ankle / Wrist Guards (if required)
7. Nail Cutter / Pocket / Pen Knife
8. Cold cream
9. Hand sanitizer
10. Chap-stick / Vaseline
11. Personal toiletries (Tooth Paste / Toilet Paper / Wet Wipes or Baby Wipes etc.)
12. Medical kit (With basic medicines for headache, upset Stomach, sour throat, water purification tablets/drops, band aids, painkillers & Moov/ Iodex , Vics Vaporub , D-Cold)
13. Any personal medication (Individual specific)
14. High energy snacks like Dry fruits, Bars of chocolate, Tang, Glucose etc.
15. Good Quality Sun shades.
16. Sun block. (SPF40+)

The trek to Tarsar Marsar Lakes via Basmai Pass can be steep & strenuous at some places, even though it does not require that you have any previous mountaineering experience in Particular, It’s important that you be in good physical condition and be able to hike at a comfortable pace for 5-6 hours over hilly terrain with a light day pack. Good cardio-vascular conditioning and muscles that are used to hiking will make your trip much more enjoyable. Our goal is to trek at max. Altitude of 4000 m and walk through beautiful meadows and glaciers leading to pristine lakes of Kashmir. You will spend 7 days in a land where life is simple, trails are steep and the air is thin. We recommend the following schedule to the participants:

We recommend the following schedule to the participants

1. WEEK ONE/TWO: The participants should be develop the habit of being able to get up in the morning and run / brisk walk  for a minimum of 3-4 Km at least 4-5 days a week. This would represent at least 20-25 minutes of cardio exercise. Though difficult at first, keep at it. You can stop and take breaks as well.  During the day, you should get into the habit of avoiding elevators and taking the steps. You should be able to climb at least 4/5 flights of steps daily. (Avoid going down steps too fast as this could result in some knee injuries). If you don’t enjoy running and are into some other sport like cycling or swimming, spend about 45 mins cycling or about 600 – 800 mts of swimming for at least 4 days a week.
2. WEEK THREE/FOUR: Assuming you have successfully survived week one and are consistent with your exercise, you can take up the pace a notch. Increase your distance to 5/6 kms per day and 5 times a week, you can additionally go to a gym. Avoid heavy weight training. Focus more on a core workout. These are your muscle groups that run along the length of your body and helps maintain your posture and sustains you during your long hours of working.
3. WEEK FIVE/SIX: In addition to the week two exercise, one additional feature you should add in Week three is walking for half an hour during the evenings with a backpack on carrying 3-4 kgs. This could be 2lts of water, some snacks, a jacket etc. This will help strengthen your back and shoulders thus preparing you for the long hours of trekking. If you don’t want to just simply walk, also try increasing your time on climbing flight of steps. As compared to week one, you should aim to be able to climb 10-12 flight of stairs comfortably.
4. WEEK SEVEN/EIGHT: Sustenance. Keep up the tempo, sustain the workout. Try avoiding doing anything very rigorous but be consistent with morning and evening walks/runs and climbing flight of stairs.
5. WEEK NINE: Sustain the workout. Increase only if you feel comfortable. Start doing an additional 10-15 mins of climbing stairs in the morning/evening with a daypack of 2-3 Kg; about 30-35 floors once a day should help increase the stamina and endurance considerably.

Please remember, consistency is the Key here. Do not do anything to exert yourself or something that will increase chances of Injury. Running/Brisk walking 4-5 kms for 5 days in a week is far better than running a 20 km on one day of the week and injuring your Knee/Ligaments in the process. If you can be consistent with above mentioned schedule, The Tarsar Marsar Lakes Trek, though physically challenging, will become a pleasant and enjoyable experience for you. Feel free to call us or mail us in case you want more details on how to prepare for this trek!

Contact: [email protected]