Set your first footsteps in the snow with a sip of Kahwa!!!

A winter trek in the land of Kahwa. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s the only piece of heaven on Earth – Kashmir Valley. There are lots of Himalayan treks in Kashmir but the only winter trek in this region is the Marchoi Valley Trek. And the best part of this trek is that you don’t need any prior experience of a trek, this is best for beginners. The only hunch is chilling cold, if you can withstand freezing temperatures this easy-level trek will absolutely be the winter delight for you.

If an offbeat winter trek is on your wishlist, then you should definitely do the Marchoi Valley trek. This short and easy 5-day trek is the perfect offbeat trek in the heart of Kashmir that would definitely not make you return empty-handed. Kashmir is never short of countless stories and this winter trek will be the best reason to set your foot in our very own Jannat.

Kashmir treks are always connected with vibrant lush green meadows, enchanting dense forests, gushing rivers, and mountains surrounding everywhere. So imagine a trek on a white blanket of snow in the heart of Kashmir. But not only this trek is astoundingly beautiful but it is also rich in history and culture. The very starting point of this trek is Naranag which is highly renowned for its ancient old 8 th century Hindu temple of Lord Shiva and Nagas – serpent gods. These temple ruins still exist today and are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. This temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida during the rule of the Karkota Dynasty. Another important part of this trek is Mt Harmukh which is also named as the ‘Kailash of Kashmir" and is considered to be very sacred by the Hindus. The route of the Marchoi Valley is also quite famous among the Bakarwals who take their cattle to graze in the upper meadows. This beautiful snow trek also gives a glimpse of the culture of this region and their mud houses.

This easy-level trek will take you through Wangath Forest Conservation Zone and will take you to a maximum altitude of 10,500 ft. You will get excellent crystal clear views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountain peaks – Mount Harmukh and Kotwal Peak. The Sadimarg meadow that will turn into a white blanket of snow during winter also falls on the trail of Marchoi Valley. The Dumali campsite is also very beautiful and is full of wild Walnut trees that are famous in Kashmir. This beautiful trek will also witness you with deep pine forests all around and a partially frozen river. And the Marchoi meadow is the most attractive location of this trek. From mountain streams running all over and wooden bridges to cross them to wild horses grazing all over the meadows, to deep coniferous forests all over the trail, its like a fairytale ride to a dreamland. And the icing on the cake is silver birch trees and huge maple trees present in the trail of Marchoi Valley. You will get the best view of this trek when you climb the Marchoi Top. All I can say is that each and every day in this trek has a delightful surprise for you.

This easy-level winter trek is best for beginners. The total distance you will cover in this trek is 18 km and the total duration for this trek is 5 days and the maximum altitude you reach is 10,500 ft. Though this is an easy level trek but you need to make sure that your fitness level is very good. You should have the stamina to walk through high-altitude trails. And most importantly you should be capable enough to withstand freezing temperatures as this is a snow trek. Most importantly this trek is absolutely safe to go for.

On the first day, our team from Altitude Adventure Holidays will pick you up at 9.30 am from Srinagar as our journey begins from Srinagar at 10 am. On the last day, you should reach Srinagar by 5-6 pm hence we advise to make your plans accordingly.

For winter trek – November, December, January, February

For summer trek – April, May, June

Marchoi Valley Trek is mainly renowned as a winter trek in Kashmir, so the window is from November to February. However, if you want to enjoy full snow, we will advise you to visit after 2 nd week of December when the snow will be in full swing. Please note that during this time the temperature will be very cold. During winter months the landscape is full of snow, glaciers, icicles, and frozen gullies all over the trail. In the daytime, the temperature will be in between 5°C to 10 °C. And at night, the temperature falls between 0°C to -3 °C. So make sure you have the appropriate gear to beat this freezing temperature.

If you will do this trek in the summer months, the temperature will be moderate and the landscape will be lush green meadows, wildflowers blooming everywhere, and deep blue rivers flowing through the valley.

Suitable Age Group: The suitable age group to do this trek is 12 years to 62 years. You not need prior trek experience do this trek however if you are doing this trek in the winter months make sure that you are capable enough to withstand freezing temperatures and walk through a thick blanket of snow. For that, your fitness should be very good. Those who are below 18 years make sure you are accompanied by your parents and guardians. And if you are above 55 years of age, please get a checkup from a doctor before going for this trek. 

The mobile network is available until Srinagar. After Srinagar, the mobile network is extremely poor and almost non-existent. Please note that prepaid sims do not work in the entire Kashmir. So it is advised to inform your family members about unavailability of mobile networks in Srinagar itself.