• 2-4 Days short trek
• Camping
• Easy Grade Treks in Himalayas
• Easy Snow Treks
• Fall Treks
• Jammu Kashmir
• Kashmir Valley Treks
• Monsoon Treks
• Spring Treks
• Winter Treks

Marchoi Valley trek:

Marchoi valley is a rare trek in Kashmir which is also possible during winters. Kashmir doesn’t need an introduction for its unparalleled beauty, wide valleys, lush green meadows, abundance of wild flowers and gushing streams in summers, autumn foliages or be its snow covered landscapes and forests during winters. It has at least something unique and beautiful in each season.

Essentially the trail is a river valley and we approach it from Naranag, a village which is around 2 hours drive from Srinagar. Naranag has archaeological importance and is an old Hindu pilgrimage site with ruins of Temple complex. Lalitaditya Muktapida built these temples during the rule of Karkota Dynasty.

The trail from Naranag is initially gentle along the river so that you can reach Dumail comfortably in 2 hours or so. We cover wonderful stretches of pine and maple forests to reach silver fir and birch tree covered Dumail grazing area.

This trail is meant such that we can camp at Dumail for 3 nights and explore two sides from this camp. One being the Marchoi valley and the other one is the Shadimarg area.

COVID Update and guidelines:

1) As per the latest update, it is MANDATORY for all passengers/travellers arriving at Srinagar to undergo a COVID test (Rapid Antigen Test). You will need a negative report to undergo the planned tour without any isolation etc as per COVID protocols.
2) General COVID social distancing and hygiene are to be followed in the lodge/homestay/hotel, especially in the common areas. Carrying masks and sanitisers are a must.
3) With travel opening up, govt. advisories and state/UT guidelines are constantly evolving. Please check the latest updates before travelling

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Start from Srinagar/airport latest by 10 am and drive to Naranag (~ 2440 m/8000 ft) – 60/70 Km – 3 hours. – Trek from Naranag village to Dumail – 4 Km – 2/3 hours. Camp.
Day 2: Trek from Dumail to Marchoi Valley via Shingdi and back to Dumail (6 hrs) – ~ 5 Km – Camp.
Day 3: Trek to Shadimarg top and back to Dumail camp – 6/7 hours –  ~ 5 Km. Camp.
Day 4: Trek from Dumail to Naranag -2 hours – 4 Km – Visit the ancient ruins/complex and then drive back to Srinagar – 60 Km  – 2 hours.

Note:

• You need to reach the latest by 10 am on Day 1 in Srinagar. After the trek you will return to Srinagar on Day 4  by 4 pm. Arrange your tickets, and stay in Srinagar accordingly.
• We will arrange transportation from Srinagar to basecamp Naranag and return. The fare is ₹ 3500 one way for a Tata Sumo/similar and can accommodate up to 6 persons. You pay the driver directly, sharing equally with the other team members.
• You may stay at Naranag Village homestay either on Day 1 or Day 4. Cost is ₹ 2000 per person including food on a twin/triple sharing basis.
• Please note that prepaid sim cards (issued outside) do not work in Kashmir.

Why Marchoi trek as a snow trek in winter or spring?

It is not easy to find a winter trek in Kashmir as the region gets the most snowfall out of the Indian Himalayan region. However Marchoi valley is possible to reach during winters and explore the surroundings depending on the snow conditions.

It is true that the trail in Kashmir blooms and streams rush throughout summers and make this valley green and vibrant. But hardly we have seen Kashmir winters apart from a very few popular destinations/ski resorts. Other popular Kashmir treks are on high altitude and remain inaccessible between the months of October to June. Marchoi valley trek during winters and spring is a rare opportunity to snowy wonderland and often resembling snowy Alps mountains.

Additionally winter snow trails with abundant snow are often crowded or noisy, especially during peak holiday season. This may be a spoiler to many. Marchoi valley trail is pristine and very fresh so that you will hardly find any other groups.

Is Marchoi valley trek suitable for beginners?

This trail is an easy snow fun trail for all hikers who are planning a winter hiking trip.

Marchoi valley trek seasons and best time to visit:

This low altitude trail is  ideally a year around trek. Either you may like to walk on snow or when the valleys are green and verdant.

Winters and Spring: December to May for snow trek

Summer trek: June to September

temperature and clothing for Marchoi valley trek:

It is important to carry proper clothing in this trek. We recommend to use “three layers” of clothing  in the campsite during early morning or evening, while you are outside tent.

1. A quick dry base layer (Dry-fit t-shirt).
2. A warm jacket (Double layer or Fleece jacket ) as middle layer.
3. A windproof cum waterproof with hood as the outer layer.
4. Additionally you would require a rucksack and a decent trekking shoe.

Check the detailed List of things to carry or download the PDF.

Marchoi valley TREK FEE:

₹ 14,950 per person + 5% GST, Naranag to Naranag.

TREK FEE is applicable for a group of 6 to 8 persons. If the number increases, TREK FEE decreases and vice versa.

The above cost will include everything you might need for the trek – once you reach basecamp Naranag and till you finish the trek at Naranag (accommodations, all meals, trek guide, support staff, camping equipment, permit fees etc.). Your tour will be travel and medically insured for a duration of 7 days. This doesn’t include transportation to reach the trek base and return. . Do check the COST INCLUSIONS tab for detailed inclusions and exclusions.

How to reach trek basecamp (Naranag):

Our trek basecamp Naranag is an offbeat tourist destination in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. It takes between 2 to 3 hours to reach Naranag from Srinagar/Airport covering some 60 to 70 Km distance. Trek’s end point is also Naranag. Here is the road map to reach basecamp and the surroundings to give a broad idea of your destination.

We will arrange a car pick up from the airport/city centre (Lal Chowk) to basecamp Naranag and return. A  Sumo/Tavera type vehicle charges ₹ 3500 one way. It can accommodate up to 6 persons and you pay directly to the driver sharing equally. This is NOT included in the TREK FEE.

Most convenient way to reach Srinagar is via flight. Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar (Code: SXR) is around 10 Km away from the city centre.

Photos: Altaf, Rahul, Riyaz and friends of Kashmir.

Why treks with HT?

Duration	4D/3N
Grade	Easy
Physicality	5/10
Highest Point	2590 m/8500 ft
Trail Length	18 Km
Expertise:	10 years on ground experience
Support staff:	Qualified local & office staff
Group size:	Small groups up to 15
Insurance:	Travel insured trek and tour itinerary
Easy Bookings:	25% Booking Deposit