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.
Marchoi Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Naranag (2 hours drive)
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.
Day 2: Naranag to Sangri, Marchoi Valley (5 km, 4 hrs)
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.
Day 3: Summit Day. Summit to Marchoi Top (8KM to and fro)
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.
Day 4: Trek from Sangri to Naranag and then Drive to Srinagar
This is the last day of the trek. Trek to Naranag and then drive to Srinagar.
Inclusion:
- 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.
Exclusion:
- Insurance
- Personal expenses.
- Transportation.
- Porter services for the personal bag.
- GST.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list.
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.
FAQs
Where is Marchoi Valley in Kashmir
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.
What is the best time to do Marchoi Trek?
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.
How Difficult is Marchoi Trek?
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.