Marchoi Trek Overview
The Marchoi Trek, located in the Pir Panjal Mountain range of Kashmir Himalayas, is gaining popularity among trekkers as a great choice for winter treks in Kashmir. In winter, when all the other treks of Kashmir like Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL Trek), Warwan Valley Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and Pir Panjal Lakes Trek become inaccessible, trekkers can choose to embark on this beautiful Marchoi Trek.
This trek starts from a small and ancient village of Kashmir named "Naranag." The endpoint of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is the starting point of the Marchoi Trek. From Naranag, the trail leads you through lush green forests.
You will not see any meadows on this trek until you reach the Marchoi Top. On the top, there is a small opening through the forest. You will walk through beautiful Himalayan forests, cross streams including the Wangnath River, and traverse sections with boulders and rocks to reach the Marchoi Top from the starting point.
Every day, the trek will reveal a different beauty and aspect of the Himalayas to you. On the first day, you will be accommodated in a village homestay, which will enable you to delve into the history and culture of this ancient village.
On the next day, you will be staying by the riverside in a camp, and hopefully, a few shepherd families will be your neighbours. The fragrance of forests, the soothing sound of the river, and the spectacular scenery will surely enlighten you.
On the summit day, after crossing the forest and meadows, you will reach the summit, which will give you a sense of achievement and offer you mesmerizing views of the Himalayan mountain range.
Hence, every day, the Marchoi trek will provide something to be curious about and something to be grateful for.
The difficulty level of the Marchoi Trek:
The Marchoi Trek is easy. Due to its short walking distance of 20 km and comparatively lower altitude of 10,500 ft, the Marchoi Trek is approachable for beginners. However, beginners may find traversing through some sections a little challenging, but the view from the Marchoi top will take away all exhaustion.
There are a few tricky sections that will require your complete attention. On the first day of the trek, there will be a small section of the trail by the riverside. The trail there is dusty and slippery.
Best Time to do Marchoi Trek:
Due to its low altitude, this trek remains operational throughout the year. In the summer months from April to June, you will be able to see beautiful green landscapes and pleasantly flowing rivers and mountain streams. Until mid-April, you may find snow on some sections of the trek.
In winter, Marchoi Trek remains covered with snow. This trek is emerging as a famous winter trek of Kashmir. During winter, you will experience walking through a thick carpet of snow and witnessing frozen streams, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and partially frozen rivers.
We would advise you to avoid doing the Marchoi Trek in peak winter since the trail may be slippery, and there may be floods in the river. This may hinder your trekking adventure.
Attractions of the Marchoi Trek:
As we mentioned earlier, every day the Marchoi Trek offers you something to be curious about and something to be grateful for. Let's check out something interesting about this trek.
Naranag:
Naranag is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in Kashmir. This can be an interesting sight to visit not only for trekkers and tourists but also for archaeological experts and those interested in history and archaeology.
This Naranag village is located in the Ganderbal district in the Kashmir Valley of India. It derives its name from the Naranag Temple located in this region. This beautiful temple is made of stones and wood, believed to have been built in the 8th century AD. Some believe that this temple is dedicated to "Nag Devta" (the deity of Snakes), while others believe it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
At Naranag, you can spend time in the temple premises, witness the unique architecture, and experience the divine vibes yourself. Moreover, Naranag is considered to be the base camp of the sacred mountain Harmukh Trek and
Gangbal Lake Trek.
Campsite of Sangri:
Traversing through the forests for around 5-6 km, you will reach this beautiful campsite on the first day. Your camps will be pitched up right beside the river. The beauty of the place cannot be expressed in words. The soothing sound of the river, the fresh and fragrant air, and the beautiful Himalayan scenery surrounding you. What else does a nature lover need?
In peak winters with heavy snowfall, we can ensure your safe accommodation by accommodating you in the shepherd's hut. This too will be a thrilling experience.
Shepherd's Huts and Interacting with Shepherds:
During the trek, you will come across beautiful "Doks," which are homes made of stones and wood used by shepherds. They arrive here in the spring season to graze their flocks of sheep and goats, setting up small huts and tents.
Before the onset of winter, the shepherds descend from the mountains with their flocks and return to their respective villages to avoid the excessive snow and cold that make staying there untenable.
If you have the opportunity, spend some time with the Bakharwals, the joyful and welcoming shepherds of Kashmir, who lead challenging lives. Listening to their stories and observing their lifestyle will surely inspire you.
From where does the Marchoi Trek start and How to reach there:
By Flight:
Take a flight to Srinagar and then proceed to Naranag by cab. Naranag is only 50 km away from Srinagar
By Train:
You can arrive at Srinagar Railway Station and from there get a cab to Naranag.
By Road:
Government buses operate directly from Srinagar and major cities of Kashmir to Naranag. You can book a ticket and embark on this beautiful journey. Alternatively, you can book a cab or opt for a self-drive car to reach Naranag, which is 50 km away. Content credits: Dhruv Upadhyaya
Customize Your Trek with Himalaya Shelter:
In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. If you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can choose our personalized tailor-made trekking program. You will exclusively have a customized trek designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities. You will not add any other participants to your group.
Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.
Click here to learn what a Customized Trekking program looks like.
