Marchoi Trek
Beautiful Snow Trek In Himalayas
Trek Difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Trek Duration
4 Days
Highest Altitude
10,498 ft
Suitable For
12-62 years
Marchoi Trek
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 archaeology. 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.
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What are the Highlights of the Trek?
- Meadows & Valleys: This trek has a long valley full of lakes and grassland. The valleys are lush and flowery. As you walk, you enjoy the pristine beauty. The valley like Gangabal valley, Satsar valley, and Gadsar valley are the most famous ones.
- High-Altitude Passes: This trek has beautiful high-altitude passes. These passes give you a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and landscape. The highest of these passes is the Gadsar pass. From here you get the breathtaking view of Vishansar valley and its twin lakes. From Zajbal Pass you get to see Mt. Harmukh with its two famous lakes – Gangabal and Nundkol.
- Alpine Lakes: Kashmir Great Lakes trek has the most alpine lakes than any trek in India. There are around a dozen lakes in and around this trek that you can access and see. All of these lakes are glacier-fed and most of them have the famous fish trout present in abundance.
Best Time to do Marchoi Trek
While it’s a year-round trek, operational in both summer and winters, the best time to do Marchoi trek is from December to March.
During these months, average temperature in Kashmir is around 0°C to -5°C, resulting in snow-capped mountains, glaciers and frozen lakes and rivers.
Recognized as a winter trek, you hike on the snow-slopes, witnessing the natural beauty at its best. Starting from Naranag, the highlight of the trek in winter is the partially frozen Wangnath River.
You can also plan the trek in summer as well from June to September when only greenery can be seen all around. River has melted off, flowing through the meadows.
Whenever you undertake the Marchoi trek, make sure to plan accordingly. In winter, wear proper warm clothes and boots.
Marchoi Trek – A Detailed Itinerary
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.
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.
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 plaetue. Return on the same day to the campsite down at Dhumail.
This is the last day of the trek. Trek to Naranag and then drive to Srinagar.
How Difficult is the Trek?
The difficulty gradient of Marchoi Trek is easy to moderate. Since only 20 kilometres is the total distance to be covered, it is beginner-friendly as well. The highest altitude of the trek is only 10,500 feet and with acclimatisation, it can easily be reached.
The hike from the Naranag meadows and forests is easy on the feets. However, trekkers need to be attentive when walking beside the river as the path there is a bit slippery and needs a different set of skills.
If you are undertaking the trek in winter, below freezing temperatures often poses extreme cold conditions and the trek gets physically demanding. However, anyone can do Marchoi Trek with some prior physical and mental preparation. As soon as you reach the Marchoi meadow, all your exhaustion goes away as you see the breathtaking sight in front of you.
Why Should You do Marchoi Trek?
Sights of Harmukh and Kotwal Peak: As you are progressing to the Marchoi meadow, the sights of verdant Harmukh and Kotwal Peak look mesmerizing. Harmukh, also known as “Kailash of Kashmir”, is considered spiritually significant in Hinduism.
Naranag Temple: Naranag is the starting point of the Marchoi Trek. Before the trek, you can explore the Naranag Temple Ruins, built by Lalitaditya Muktapida in 8th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases the rich history of the site.
Sadimarg meadow: Sadimarg meadow is another point of intrest in the Marchoi Trek. The scenery of the meadow is visual treat. In winter, the meadow is completely transformed, covered in white snow.
Verdant forests: Hiking through the thick forests give you unparalleled sight of towering trees. The forest is dotted with small and colorful wildflowers where you can sit for sometime.
What Should You Pack for Marchoi Trek?
- Since it is primarily a winter trek, pack enough wollen clothes like thermals, sweaters, jackets, coats, fleeces, beanies, muffler, socks, gloves, goggles, etc. Pack few trekking pants as well.
- Skip your normal shoes and go for snow shoes so that you can walk properly on the white snow.
- Carry snacks, fry fruits, reusable water bottles.
- Carry a first aid kit box containing basic medications of fever, diarrhea, dizziness, stomachache, bandages, insect repellents and personal ones if any.
- Bring sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
- Carry ID proofs like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, permits, etc.
- Keep a track of weather forecasts and any temporary closures.
What are the Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation. First night in a local homestay. Rest of the night in the camps on triple sharing in alpine four men tents.
- Mountaineering qualified trek leaders, cooks, and helpers.
- Passes and permission.
- Food. The meals start from the evening snack on the first day to the breakfast on the 4th day. Meals include breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner. All veg meals.
- Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses.
Exclusions
- Insurance
- Personal expenses.
- Transportation.
- Porter services for the personal bag.
- GST.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list.
Here are the optional expenses that will be charged in case you wish to use these facilities.
- Transportation from Srinagar to Srinagar: 1500 per person.
- Porter service/offloading for a personal bag: 800 per bag for the entire trek.
Rental Items:
- Winter Jacket: 400 for the entire trek.
- Gloves: 200 for the entire trek.
- Walking Stick: 200 for the entire trek.
- Gaiters: 200 for the entire trek.
FAQ's
Marchoi valley lies towards the Naranag side of Ganderbal District in Kashmir. One reaches Marchoi valley only by trek from Naranag. A two-hour drive from Srinagar takes one to Naranag.
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.
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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