Marchoi Winter Trek
Marchoi is an isolated dwelling in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir Division and is the best offbeat place to experience snow in Kashmir. It is located at 2800 m (9186 ft) above sea level. The place is nestled between high mountains and acts as a natural grassland and meadow. It is mostly accessible throughout the year except in winter, when the deep snow acts as a natural barrier towards the valley. During summer, this valley is a scenic getaway from the city, but come autumn, you will see the whole valley, transcending into hues of orange and red until the arrival of winter and eventually becoming a winter wonderland after snowfall.
Major Highlights: Dreamy Landscape, Snowladen Trails, Partially frozen river,
The Ancient temple of Naranag, Pine forests, Mount Harmukh, Mount Loharkut Chance to spot rare wildlife like Himalayan Weasel, Himalayan Stoat, Khalij Pheasant and Martens etc.
Marchoi Valley Pictures
Marchoi Trek - Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Srinagar to Naranag - Commence the journey from Srinagar to Naranag - Two hours drive-. Acclimatization walk - Tented accomodation or Homestay
Day 2: Naranag to Dumail - Three hours walk - Tented accommodation
Day 3: Dumail to Marchoi Top and back - Seven hours walk - Max altitude: 3200 mts.(10,500 fts)
Day 4: Dumail to Srinagar - Three hours walk till Naranag and drive back to Srinagar
Marchoi Trek - Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Commence the journey from Srinagar to Naranag - Two hours drive from Srinagar. Acclimatization walk around ancient Naranag Temple and village. Stay at homestay for the night and enjoy local delicacies and warm tea while looking at beautiful views from window.
Day 2: Commence your trek from Naranag to the meeting point of two streams known as Dumail. This will be our base for the next two days. Drop ypour sacks in the tents, enjoy hot lunch and tea and emark on a short hike to into the Sangdi gorge through thick forest cover. This place is a winter wonderland.
Day 3: The third day of trek is a difficult and fulfilling day. On this day you will have to ascend to the top of the Marchoi valley also known as "Shadmarg top" which offers a panoramic view of the nearby ranges including mount Harmukh which is fifth highest peak of Kashmir. The trail gains altitude moderately and goes via thick jungle and then finishes at a small meadow on top. After having lunch at top along with warm tea, we return to campsite down at Dumail and spend time at leisure at our base.
Day 4: This is the last day of the trek. We start after breakfast and head back to Naranag through the same trail and then drive back to Srinagar. Our trek ends here
What to pack for Marchoi Trek
If you are embarking on this trek in winters, sufficient layers for day and night are required as the Marchoi valley experience's sub zero temperatures in winters. The best way to prepare is to imagine your clothing from in to out.
One must bring enough clothing, such as:
Thermals ( Merino Wool or Basic)
Fleeces (A pair at-least)
Padded or Down Jacket
Rain covers or Poncho
Warm Skull Cap or Beanies
Mufflers and Goggles
Waterproof and Normal Gloves
Water Repellant Pants (a pair at-least)
Quick Dry Socks
Waterproof or snow shoes
Other basic things like first aid, medicines, water bottles, trail snacks, toiletries should also be kept for Marchoi Trek
Inclusions - Exclusions and Other Details
Inclusions
Other Important Details
Inclusions
- Transportation from Srinagar to Srinagar
- 4 Season Tents to endure Cold nights
- Accommodation in Tents (Twin Sharing Basis)
- Nutritious Veg/Non Veg Meals
- Sleeping Bag's
- Mattress
- Toilet Tents
- Insurance
- Utensils for Eating
- Certified Guides
- First Aid Assistance
- All necessary Permits
- Certified Trek Leaders and Staff
- Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 4
Exclusions
Other Important Details
Inclusions
- Offload
- Medical Expenses in case of Emergency
- Stay at Srinagar
- Personal Expenses
Other Important Details
Other Important Details
Other Important Details
- Veg Nutritious meals will be provided on all days
- A lunch box must be carried per person for packed lunch
- Dinner will be served with one sweet dish on all days
- Request for Non-veg meals can be done separately
- Minimum group size for Marchoi Valley Trek is 3-4 participants and maximum group size is 13-15 persons
- One certified lead guide per 6-7 persons along with a certified trek Leader throughout the trek for assistance
Frequently Asked Questions about Marchoi Trek
Please reach us at: info@wanderingaviators.com or drop a text on 6005523446 if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Marchoi Valley falls under moderate easy - moderate trek. The first day of the trek is easy with just 3 kms to be covered till Dumail. What makes it moderately difficult is the 2nd day where we gain 750 mts altitude and the trail goes through deep snow cover to reach the top.
During winters after snowfall, the valley turns into wonderland and showcases an unmatched beauty. But apart from that Marchoi is recognized as an all season trek in Kashmir. The summer months and monsoon brings lush greenery and a lot of varied flora and fauna in the valley and autumn brings the hues of dreamy colors. During winter the valley turns into wonderland and showcases an unmatched beauty.
Marchoi Valley is at a distance of 7 kms from Naranag and trail goes along Wangat River which is a major tributary of river Sindh.
On any Winter Trek, Snow and Verglasses are pretty common and they mostly pose a challenge. Same applies for Marchoi Winter Trek. This falls under moderate category and have semi frozen steep patches, short rocky terrain, steep climbs, and straight sections of gradual ascents. To do this trek at ease, start with jogging/cycling every day; take stairs whenever you can; get acquainted with breathing exercises and actively expose yourself to cold.
No, Marchoi Valley is an Offbeat Destination in Kashmir which is accessible throughout the year. This trek has different offerings in different seasons. In spring the valley blooms with various wild flowers one of which is the famous Wild Tulips. In Summer its a perfect destination for Angling and Fishing in Kashmir. Come Autumn the valley turns into hues of orange and yellow with birch and oak trees and in winters turns into the Winter Wonderland of Kashmir.
It is completely safe to Trek or Hike in Winters given you understand the layer clothing system. We at wandering aviators provide a complete guide of what to carry if you are going on a winter trek anywhere in India.
Yes, Marchoi Valley is the one of the best Winter treks in India and is the perfect getaway from the ideally crowded slopes of Uttarakhand and Himachal, also it checks all the boxes of Accessibility, Difficulty, Safety in case of bad weather, all this with the possibility to trek and camp in SNOW.
Return and Refund Policy
Cancellation by the Participant:
a. If you decide to cancel your trek, please notify us in writing or via email as soon as possible. The cancellation will be effective from the date of receipt of your written notification.
b. The following cancellation charges will apply based on the notice period provided:
- More than 30 days prior to the trek start date: 20% of the total trek cost will be charged as cancellation fee.
- Between 15 to 30 days prior to the trek start date: 50% of the total trek cost will be charged as cancellation fee.
- Less than 15 days prior to the trek start date: No refund will be provided.
Cancellation by the Us:
a. We strive to conduct all treks as scheduled. However, in some rare cases, we may have to cancel a trek due to unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions or insufficient participants.
b. In the event of a cancellation by us, you will be notified as soon as possible. We will provide you with alternative options, such as rescheduling your trek to a later date or transferring your booking to another trek.
c. If you choose not to opt for the alternative options provided, you will be eligible for a full refund of the trek cost.
Refunds:
a. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 15 business days from the date of cancellation.
b. The refund amount will be calculated after deducting the applicable cancellation charges mentioned above.
No-show or Trek abandonment:
a. If you fail to join the trek or abandon it once it has commenced, no refund or partial refund will be provided.
b. Please ensure that you arrive at the designated meeting point on time and participate in the entire trek as scheduled.
We hope this cancellation policy provides you with the necessary information regarding cancellations and refunds. If you have any further questions or require clarification, please feel free to reach out to us at info@wanderingaviators.com.
We look forward to assisting you and providing you with an unforgettable trekking experience.
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