A Himalayan Winter Summit Trek in Kashmir
Marchoi Trek is located in the Jammu & Kashmir area of India. The Marchoi Valley is a unique journey in Kashmir that may be done in the winter. Kashmir's unmatched beauty, broad valleys, verdant meadows, profusion of wildflowers, gushing streams in the summer, autumn foliage and wintertime snow-covered landscapes and forests, require no introduction. Every season has something special and lovely about it.
Your adventure starts in the historic village of Naranag, where the Naranag Temple, built in the eighth century, lends a historical touch to your hike. Trekking along the picturesque Wangath River, a tributary of the Sindh River, from Naranag to Dumail will allow you to see the confluence of the Pulastya River and Betar Nullah. With snow-covered fields, frozen rivers and the towering Marchoi Top (3200m) providing breathtaking panoramic views, the walk unfolds as a winter paradise.
Set out on a 4-day journey with India Treks to explore Kashmir's spectacular Marchoi Winter Trek. During the Marchoi Winter Trek, India Treks guarantees the ideal balance of cultural exploration and adventure. Travel through thick pine trees and meadows while taking in the frozen Wangath River's distinct beauty.
The schedule is designed to let you discover the region's rich legacy in addition to its natural attractions. Your safety and enjoyment on the journey are guaranteed by the knowledgeable staff at India Treks.
Key Points of Marchoi Valley Trek
Duration: 4 Days
Altitude: 10,500 ft
Marchoi Trek Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Marchoi Trek Distance: 18 kilometers
Temperature: Day: -5°C to 10°C and Night: Reaching -10°C
Best Time to do Marchoi Trek: December to February, May-June
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Starting Point: Naranag Village
Ending Point: Naranag Village
Marchoi Valley Winter Trek offers the perfect blend of simplicity and fun, making it an ideal option for novice and experienced hikers alike. In this comprehensive guide, we provide detailed insights into each day of the trip, set clear expectations and provide essential preparation tips. Drawing on our years of experience, we have stored up a wealth of knowledge to ensure that every hiker starts this journey well-prepared and well-informed.
Our commitment to safety and pleasure allows us to explore the depths of the Himalayas in a memorable way and the exotic charm of the Marchoi trek guides every step of the way.
Day 1: Srinagar to Naranag by Road
Highlights: Experience the elevation change from Srinagar, which is 5,200 feet (1585 meters), to Naranag, which is 6,982 feet (2128 meters). Spend the day getting acclimated in the quaint village of Naranag and enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the Sindh River. Go around the village or explore the historic Naranag Temple.
Day 2: Naranag to Dumail by Trek
Highlights: Start the walk after breakfast, Wangath Forest Reserve with pine forest and flowing stream. Arrive at Dumail campground surrounded by walnut trees and enjoy a peaceful night in the wilderness.
Day 3: Trek from Dumail to Marchoi via Sangri
Highlights: Switch on the sunlight and cross a wooden bridge to see the majestic Mount Harmukh. This trek takes you through a variety of terrains, from burned forests to snow-covered areas. Arrive at the Sangri camp to relax before heading to the Marchoi Range, where snow-capped mountains will enchant you.
Day 4: Trekking from Sangri to Naranag and Naranag to Srinagar
Highlights: End a slow journey through the forest with views of snow-capped mountains and lush vegetation. Drive the route of the India Treks team, and reach Naranag for a return trip to Srinagar, to experience the memories of your Marchoi Trek trip.
Get your 4 days trek plan
Going on a winter trek through Marchoi Valley with India Treks promises a wonderful Kashmir trekking experience. We offer itineraries for different seasons and interests, ensuring that each traveler can have a bespoke experience. Find out the special features of our Marchoi Trek Package:
Inclusions
1. Group Dynamics
2. Services Included
3. Safety Measures
4. Camping Experience
Exclusions
Essential Trek Details: Inclusions and Exclusions
Marchoi Trek Route invites you to take the scenic route, highlighting the natural wonders and cultural richness of Kashmir. With India Treks, set off on an amazing adventure along the Marchoi Trek Route, where the allure of culture blends with the splendor of nature.
The journey starts in Naranag, a quaint village with beautiful scenery and an old temple to explore. Take a stroll through the serene Wangath Forest, which is home to many types of plants, animals, and pine trees.
For a peaceful evening under the stars, set up camp in Dumail, surrounded by walnut trees. Admire breathtaking vistas of Harmukh Mountain as you make your way towards Sangri. to 10,500 feet, arrive to the Marchoi Top, where you can see valleys and peaks covered in snow. Discover the expansive Marchoi Meadows, which are ideal for camping and taking in the expansive vistas.
Return to Naranag as you wrap up your journey, thinking back on all the incredible things you have experienced. The Marchoi Trek Route is a voyage through the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, not just a path.
Come on an amazing journey with India Treks, where every step will bring you closer to the warm scenery and people of Kashmir, leaving you with priceless memories of an amazing walk.
Discover the Complete Route to Marchoi Valley
Best time to do the Marchoi Trek is during the Winter Wonderland (December - February) for a snow-covered landscape and stunning views, or choose Spring Bloom (March - May) and Autumn Colors (October - November) for milder temperatures and unique experiences.
Winter Wonderland (December - February)
Spring Bloom (March - May)
Autumn Colors (October - November)
Summer Tranquility (June - September)
Overall
For a unique experience, choose winter. It's amazing to witness snow, glaciers, icicles, and frozen ravines throughout the winter. Prefer milder conditions? Opt for spring or autumn.
Seeking warm weather? Summer is ideal but prepare for crowds and possible rain.
Optimal time for a scenic exploration
Marchoi Trek Difficulty Level is moderate, making it an accessible and enjoyable winter adventure for beginners with basic fitness levels. The trek is suitable for anyone with a basic degree of fitness because of its gradual to moderate slope.
Trekkers may fully immerse themselves in the winter beauty without having to deal with extremely difficult stretches. Overall, Marchoi Trek is designed to be accessible to people who are new to winter trekking, even though there are some steep sections and maybe thick snow, which may add a little adventure.
This trek offers a well-paced experience that fits with the comfort and ease of participants in addition to introducing them to the spectacular beauty of snow-covered landscapes and expansive mountain views.
Know the difficulty level
Marchoi Valley is located in the Kashmir Valley of India, forming part of the Naranag-Dhumail-Marchoi trek. The journey begins in the charming village of Naranag. This lovely valley is well-known for its verdant meadows blanketed in snow, dense forests, and stunning vistas of the mountains.
It takes around two hours to hike the roughly 3 kilometers from Naranag to Dumail, which is on a steady rise.
Yes, beginners can do Marchoi Trek. Because of the trek's moderate difficulty level, even someone with a basic level of fitness can complete it. It's a great way to get started on winter trekking in the Himalayas.
A unique and amazing winter experience amid snow-covered meadows, pine trees, and frozen rivers may be had with the Marchoi Valley Trek. It offers stunning views, a chance to immerse oneself in the local culture of Naranag hamlet and is appropriate for beginners looking for a beautiful and manageable walk in the Kashmir Valley.
Yes, food is served during the Marchoi Trek. Almost all meals are included in the itineraries, allowing you to eat throughout the trip. Meals are usually arranged at hotels, tearooms or campsites along the trekking route.
Bring warm sleeping bags, a waterproof jacket and sturdy boots for the Marchoi Winter Trek. Include sun protection, a headlamp and layers for changing weather. Also snacks, water filtration and a healthy dose of adventure are essential!
The Marchoi Trek does not require any prior trekking expertise. It is intended to be doable by novices with modest levels of fitness.
Get your questions answered here
At India Treks, we're proud to be leaders in the field, always coming up with new ideas and raising the bar for safety in the trekking community. Our dedication to your safety is shown in our personnel, procedures and superior gear, which makes India Treks the nation's safest and best trekking company. From booking to boarding, receive professional attention and our committed guest services team will make sure your trip runs well. Trekkers frequently refer to their experiences with India Treks as "life-changing," since we actively work to improve your mind, body and spirit.
Our commitment lies in providing energizing travel experiences for our guests. Here's why we stand out:
1. Accommodation
Twin-sharing basis for a comfortable and shared living experience.
2. Meals
All-inclusive meals throughout the trek, offering a variety of local and energy-packed dishes.
3. Activities
Engage in diverse activities, including:
Trekking: Explore well-crafted routes with scenic views.
Sightseeing: Discover hidden gems and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Birding: Witness a variety of avian species, enhancing your trekking experience.
4. Guide
A dedicated trek guide accompanying you throughout the journey, ensuring safety and enriching insights.
5. Transfers
Efficient transfers and sightseeing activities in a dedicated vehicle for added comfort and convenience.
With India Treks, experience a Singalila adventure that combines essential amenities with expert guidance, making your journey memorable and worry-free.
Basic Requirement
A simple 50-60 liter backpack with proper hip and shoulder support is essential for the trek. Remember you have to carry your bag. Practice walking while carrying your packed bag. Pack only as much as you can comfortably bear.
The Naranag Gangabal trek requires appropriate trekking shoes that not only provide good grip and support but can also withstand rain and snow. Make sure your trekking shoes are broken into weeks before the trek commences.
Quick-drying garments, providing the right balance of flexibility in movements and comfort, are indispensable on a long trek. Quick-dry socks, full-sleeved t-shirts, and comfortable trek pants are necessary. Choose jackets with hoods to protect you from the strong winds. Invest in proper trekking gear depending on the season you choose for trekking.
i. Spring: The temperatures are mild during these months. Carry a windcheater or jacket and a couple of fleece layers for the early mornings and nights. Rainproof ponchos, rain jackets, and covers are essential due to the possibility of periodic rainfall.
ii. Autumn: The temperatures fall drastically during the nights. Rains are infrequent. The odds of snowfall are also very less during these months. Carry a padded jacket and layer on your fleece as required.
iii. Winter: The temperatures are extremely low and windy. Snowfall is recurring from December to February. Carry a padded down-jacket, fit for below zero temperatures. Carry enough warm clothes and waterproof gloves.
i. Sunglasses – UV-protected sunglasses are especially essential for the winter months with the vast stretches of snow.
ii. Sunscreen Lotion – Protects your skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun while on the trek.
iii. Cap/Hat – It is vital to keep your head protected from direct sunlight, wind, etc.
iv. Gloves – Waterproof gloves are extremely crucial during the winter months for handling snow.
v. Socks – As previously mentioned, quick-dry socks are essential. You can also choose to carry woollen socks for cold nights.
vi. Ear And Nose Covers – Carry proper gear to cover your nose and ears against the wind on the summits. You can use a Muffler or neck warmer for this purpose.
Carry at least two 1 liter reusable water bottles per person. Fill them up whenever you come across a drinking water source on the trail
Polythene Bags/Ziplock bags: Carry your used or wet garments in these bags. It is advised to not wash clothes on the trek, due to water scarcity in the mountains. Save water.
Toilet Kit: Carry your own bathroom/toilet kit and personal care items. Cream and moisturisers are a necessity for the trek.
Carry your prescribed medicines (if any) and/or medicines that you may require such as anti-allergens, paracetamol, etc. Do keep band-aids handy
Carry your government Photo ID card on your person always.
To book your trek with us, follow these simple steps:
If your preferred date isn't available, our team will coordinate with you to arrange an alternative schedule after your confirmation. We aim to make your booking experience smooth and hassle-free.
For each tour package booking, there's a specific cancellation policy that you should check and understand before confirming. Here's a breakdown:
Refunds
If you cancel a reservation, any applicable refunds will follow the outlined cancellation policy. Refunds, if eligible, will be credited to your UA wallet on our website linked to your email used for booking. This credited amount can be used for future bookings within 2 years from the date of issuance. After 2 years, the credit expires and cannot be used.
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