Jammu Kashmir
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: February 2026 update: The terrorist attack near Pahalgam on 22 April 2025 has led the J&K authorities to…
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Max Altitude
- 4200 m
- Trail
- 70 km
- From
- ₹25,000
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.

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
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:
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.
This trail is an easy snow fun trail for all hikers who are planning a winter hiking trip.
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
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.
Check the detailed List of things to carry or download the PDF.
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 ₹ 5,000 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.
| 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 |
Duration: 4 days of trek; Srinagar to Srinagar in 4 days.
Prerequisite: Prior trekking experience is nice to have. Suitable for beginners.
Highest Point: Tarsar ~ 3800 m/12465 ft, Marsar ~ 3960 m/13000 ft, Sundersar ~ 3950 m/12950 ft.
Grade: Easy
Physicality: 5/10
Length: 20 Km
Seasons: December to April/May (Winter and Spring) for Snow trek. June to September for Summer trek.
Further Option: From Naranag drive to Sumbhol and trek to Tarsar and Marsar
Access: Trek starting point is Aru near Pahalgam, 110 Km from Srinagar
Rail station: Jammu Tawi (STN Code: JAT)
Airport:Srinagar (Code: SXR)
Map:
| DEPARTURE LOCATION | Srinagar Tourist Reception Centre (TRC)/Lal CHowk/Airport |
| REPORTING TIME | 10:00 am for a prompt departure to Naranag (Day 1) |
| RETURN LOCATION | Srinagar |
| RETURN TIME | Approximately 4:00 PM (Day 4) |
Getting to Naranag (The trek base):
We will arrange a car pickup from Srinagar to Naranag and return. This will be shared equally by the availing team members.
The best option to reach Srinagar is by flight. There are direct flights from Delhi and other major cities.
By train one has to reach Jammu and then a drive to Srinagar, which takes around 12 hours covering approximately 300 Km.
The above is the cost for a group of 8 to 10 persons.
Inclusions:
All meals during the trek (B, L, D, vegetarian with occasional serving of eggs) including breakfast, hot/packed lunch, and dinner with morning and evening tea.
All accommodations on twin sharing tents as per the itinerary.
Professional Guide, Cook & Helper.
Porters/Packed animals to carry the central logistics.
Camping equipment like Sleeping bag, Carry mattress, Dining tent, Toilet tent, Gaiters, Micro spikes/Crampon.
Permit fee, camping charges, forest levy as required in the trek.
Basic Medical & First Aid kit.
Travel insurance cum Medical Insurance Policy covering high altitude trekking tours (For Indian nationals it is included in the TREK FEE, up to 60 years of age). It covers your trek as well as your itinerary for a duration of 10 days.
Exclusions:
Transportation from Srinagar airport to trek base Naranag and return. ₹ 5000 one way for a Tata Sumo and can accommodate up to 6 persons.
We assume that you will carry your Rucksack/Backpack including all your personal belongings. If you prefer to offload your bag and carried by our horse/porter then an additional Rucksack offloading charge of ₹ 1,000 is to be paid directly on spot for the entire duration of the trek. One such rucksack should weigh within 10 kg. The horse will drop your luggage from Naranag to Dumail camp and again while returning.
₹ 2,000 + 5% GST per person additional charge for foreigners towards various permits and levies.
Any tip/gratuity to the supports staff.
Anything that is NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal in nature.
If you need more clarifications write in to [email protected]
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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: February 2026 update: The terrorist attack near Pahalgam on 22 April 2025 has led the J&K authorities to…
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