Marchoi Trek

Marchoi Trek: The Winter Snow Trail of Wangath

The Marchoi trek covers a distance of 18 kilometers (round trip), starting at the Naranag temple ruins or the nearby Wangath village in Ganderbal. The trail follows the Wangath River upstream to the Marchoi meadow at an elevation of 9,840 feet (3,000 meters). The trek takes 2 days and is commonly done as a winter snow trek.

Day-by-Day Route Breakdown

Day 1: Naranag to Dumail and Marchoi Meadow (9 km, 5 hours)
The trek begins at Naranag (elevation 7,400 ft). You will follow the riverbank trail along the Wangath River, passing through pine and walnut forests. The trail has a gradual incline. At Dumail (2.5 km from start), the Wangath and Marchoi streams meet. You will cross a wooden bridge and continue climbing along the Marchoi stream to the camp at Marchoi Meadow (9,840 ft).

Day 2: Marchoi Meadow to Naranag (9 km, 4 hours)
Trek back along the same riverbank trail, crossing the wooden bridges at Dumail, and terminate the trek at the Naranag temple ruins. You can visit the 8th-century stone temple before departure.

Trek Difficulty & Fitness Reality

The Marchoi trek is classified as Easy-Moderate. During the summer, the trail is flat and accessible for beginners. In winter (December to March), the trail is covered in snow up to 1 meter deep, requiring the use of snowshoes, microspikes, and gaiters. The cold temperatures (ranging from 5°C to -8°C) are the primary winter challenge.

Best Time for Marchoi Trek

For a winter snow experience, the best time is from December to March. The trail is fully covered in snow, and the trees are frost-laden. For normal hiking, the trek is open from April to October when the weather is warm and dry (temperatures 15°C to 25°C).

How to Reach the Starting Point

Drive from Srinagar north to Kangan (40 km) on the Srinagar-Leh highway, then turn left to Naranag (15 km). The drive takes 2 hours. Hire a private cab from Srinagar for approximately ₹2,500 one way.

Permits and Guide Requirements

You must register your group details at the police station and forest office in Naranag village. Carry photocopies of your Aadhaar card. Hiring a registered local guide is necessary in winter to navigate the snow-covered trail and identify bridge crossings safely.

What Makes Marchoi Different

This is one of the few treks in Kashmir that is active in winter. The trail follows a low-altitude river valley rather than crossing high mountain passes, making it accessible when higher routes like KGL are closed by snow.

Practical Tips

• Winter Gear: Rent microspikes, gaiters, and waterproof boots in Srinagar or Kangan before starting the trek. They are not available in Naranag.
• Campsite: The Marchoi Meadow has basic shepherd log houses (kothas) that can be used for shelter in winter with permission from local watchmen.
• Mobile Signal: Jio and Airtel signal works near Naranag village but ceases past Dumail.