'Fixed departures' are assured departures that will start on the given date as per the given itinerary.
Marchoi Trek also known as the Naranag – Dhumail – Marchoi trek is an easy snow trek here in Kashmir. This trek is the only winter trek that is both rewarding and quite scenic. Although popular throughout the year, this trek throws a different landscape when it snows here in Kashmir. The trail becomes a winter wonderland with the canopy of jungle and vast meadows. The trek takes one to the summit of Marchoi Top which makes you witness the best panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. One sees the breathtaking Harmukh mountain from here as well.
The trek is a mix of snow bridges, jungle walks, frozen river stream of Wangath. This trek is also very much popular among anglers as you can experience trout fishing here.
The trek has a historical site of Indian archeology. The ancient temple at Naranag takes you to the fantastic stonework of the past Kashmir.
Marchoi trek is a 4-day trek that starts at Naranag and ends at Naranag. Enjoy your winter this year with this beautiful snow trek in Kashmir.
Where is Marchoi Valley in Kashmir
Marchoi valley lies towards the Naranag side of Ganderbal District in Kashmir. One reches Marchoi valley only by trek from Naranag. A two hour drive from Srinagar takes one to Naranag.
The first day of the Marchoi Trek you will stay at a homestay at Naranag. This is to acclimatize you with the altitude and the weather. You will take a walk in Naranag village in the evening before your dinner. The homestay is situated overlooking the snow filled pine forest and the Wangath river.
Meal: Evening Snacks and Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Second day of the trek is the easiest with a walk in snow for around 3 kilometers uptill the bridge of Dhumail called the Bridge of Love. Here is the confluence of two rivers that make the Wangath river. The trail is mostly a walk through the meadow with a patch of jungle just before the Dhumail campsite.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks and Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
The third day of Marchoi trek is a summit day. On this day you will have to ascend to the top of the marchoi. The grade is moderate and goes via thick jungle and then finishes at the top of the pleatue. Return on the same day to the campsite down at Dhumail.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks and Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
This is the last day of the trek. Trek to Naranag and then drive to Srinagar.
Meals: Breakfast
A. Booking Terms
1. If booked more than 15 days before the trip start date, advance of 10% of the total booking value is payable at the time of booking. Balance amount shall be paid no later than 15 days before the trip start date.
2. If booked less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, the full booking value is due at the time of booking.
3. If the due amounts are not paid as per the payment schedule, bookings shall stand cancelled.
B. Cancellation Policy
1. If cancelled more than 15 days before the trip start date, the advance shall be refunded net of a 5% transaction fee.
2. If cancelled after full payment between 15 to 10 days before the trip start date, 25% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
3. If cancelled less than 10 days prior to the trip start date, the booking amount shall not be refundable.
In the event you opt for Refundable Booking, click here to read the terms and conditions for claiming a refund.
C. Changes to and / or cancellation of trips
Itineraries shown are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. The operators reserve the right to change expedition / trek / package dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which the operator or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. The operator reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
*for 15 pax
The Marchoi trek is ideal for visitors who want some time off from the hubbub of daily urban life. Nature shows a different side of her beauty on this winter trek along snowy trails. The mighty Himalayas surround the region, with small mountainous streams cutting through the valley. The ruins of the Naranag Temple complex at the trail's starting point rouses a sense of nostalgia for the glorious past of the ancient royal dynasties of India. One leaves behind the quaint villages of the Gujjars as they trek towards Dumail and the Marchoi top. On the way, they can observe the transition of their surroundings - from green rolling meadows to the snow-carpeted valley.
The trekking trail to Marchoi valley is around 16.25 km long, starting from the Naranag Temple to Dumail campsite, visiting the Marchoi Top, and returning to Naranag. This distance can be covered in 4-5 days, according to the pace of the trekker. The trail is well-marked, but one should hire a local guide to navigate the route. The winter trek is best done between the end of November and the middle of February when the snow is thick, especially at the highest point here at 3200 meters. The snow-capped mountain peaks all around and the sprawling valleys, glacial streams, tall pine trees characterize the landscape during this season. They resemble European vistas and are the perfect subject for calendar-worthy photographs.
The trekker can observe the changing landscape during winter, altering from temperate vegetation to alpine vegetation along the trekking trail. It is the most beautiful transition as the scenery shifts from green to white in just a few hours of starting the trek. The Marchoi trek is classified as a moderate-level trek. The snow-covered valley and its accompanying trail become quite a bit of a challenge for novice trekkers. So, trekkers should have a prior experience of 2-3 treks. If one is physically and mentally fit, the trek to Marchoi Valley will be the best winter trek experience for them. The Marchoi trek cost is around USD 80 to 120 (INR 6000 to 9000). This may not include the charges of hiring an experienced local guide from Naranag village or Srinagar TRC. The trekkers should pack only the essentials for a short winter trek like the Marchoi valley trek. The usual list of a set of thermal innerwear, polyester t-shirts with full sleeves, joggers or sweatpants, fleece sweaters, cardigans, and padded, down jackets should be able to keep the trekker warm. They can be paired with woolen gloves, woolen caps or balaclavas, and mufflers to prevent the loss of heat from any other part of the body. Spare pairs of quick-to-dry synthetic socks will be necessary for the daytime treks as the snow can seep through them. Hiking boots with a sturdy body, microspikes providing proper grip, and ankle support are an absolute necessity for mountain treks, along with gaiters. Woolen socks can be layered to keep warm at night. A poncho will also be helpful in case of sudden rainfall or snowfall in the mountains. Other necessary accessories are UV-protection sunglasses, sun caps, sunscreen lotion, lip balm, biodegradable soap, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Women should carry enough sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups for their menstrual hygiene. Carrying personal medications along with common medicines for cough, cold, stomach ache, allergy reactions, and nausea is essential. A first aid box consisting of bandaids, crepe bandage, ointment, antiseptic liquid, cotton gauze, insect repellent cream, and a pain-relieving spray will help treat minor injuries quickly. Using water-purifying tablets will ensure that the trekker does not fall sick due to the change in the drinking water source. Waterproofing is essential, so water-resistant bags and backpack covers should also be carried. One must keep all their essential documents like identity proofs, passports, and visas safely at all times.
The trail covering the Marchoi trek is around 16.25 km long. It takes about 4-5 nights to complete this trek.
The Marchoi trek cost is approximately USD 80 to 120 (INR 6000 to 9000). This budget depends on the services provided by the trekking company.
Marchio trek is an easy trek. However, in the snow, the walk gets a bit difficult on the day of the summit.
This makes the grade of this trek from easy to easy-moderate trek. The trail of this trek is definite and is
quite safe. The day of the summit is when you will have to push a bit as it has an ascend of around
700m. This is a full-day trek and you will be able to get down by the evening after starting early morning.
The Marchoi trek lies in a remote location of Kashmir, near the Kangan region. So, travelers need to reach Srinagar first in order to continue towards the trek. The Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport in Srinagar can be reached by flight from all major Indian cities. The nearest railway station that is connected to the rest of the country is Jammu. There are regular bus services from Chandigarh, Jammu, and Delhi to reach Srinagar. Cabs to Srinagar TRC are available from each of these points. The starting point of the trek, Naranag, is a 2 hours drive from here. The first night is spent interacting with the villagers at Naranag. This is a free day for the trekkers to get acclimatized to the climate conditions here. On the second day, they begin their trek towards the picturesque campsite at Dumail. The third day is the summit day, so it involves long hours of trekking. The trekkers finally reach the Marchoi top, the main highlight of this trek. They come back to the Dumail campsite by sunset on the same day. On the last day of the trek, the trekkers take the same route back to Naranag. They can reach Srinagar the same day by cab.
Marchoi trek is a year-round trek which one can take up anytime. However in autumn and winter, this
trek gets amazingly gorgeous.
Marchoi Trek in November: November is the prime autumn month in Kashmir. This trek is quite unique
this month with the beautiful fall colors of brown, golden, crimson, and green. The entire trail is like a
colorful fairyland. Another reason why you should take Marchoi Trek in November is the pleasant
temperature during the day. The sun is out and shines quite charmingly making the walk easier. The
clear sky makes the view quite blissful with no haze and fog. This makes November the best month for
photography. Walk on the colorful trail beside the famous Wangath river. Marchoi Autumn trek is from
November to early December before there is snowfall. This is also the famous season for the bird
watching. It is the bird mating season.
Marchoi Trek from December to March: These are the prime months of the Marchoi trek. During these
months the trail gets covered in snow, and you walk in the white wonderland trail. The camps are set up
in the snow and the temperature drops to below zero. The peaks are enticing with their creamy snow
layers and glaciers. In the middle of January and February, the water streams get partially frozen, the
Dhumail gully gets frozen with icicles.
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