The trekking trail to Marchoi valley is around 16.25 km long, starting from the Naranag Temple to Dumail campsite, visiting the Marchoi Top, and returning to Naranag. This distance can be covered in 4-5 days, according to the pace of the trekker. The trail is well-marked, but one should hire a local guide to navigate the route. The winter trek is best done between the end of November and the middle of February when the snow is thick, especially at the highest point here at 3200 meters. The snow-capped mountain peaks all around and the sprawling valleys, glacial streams, tall pine trees characterize the landscape during this season. They resemble European vistas and are the perfect subject for calendar-worthy photographs. The trekker can observe the changing landscape during winter, altering from temperate vegetation to alpine vegetation along the trekking trail. It is the most beautiful transition as the scenery shifts from green to white in just a few hours of starting the trek. The Marchoi trek is classified as a moderate-level trek. The snow-covered valley and its accompanying trail become quite a bit of a challenge for novice trekkers. So, trekkers should have a prior experience of 2-3 treks. If one is physically and mentally fit, the trek to Marchoi Valley will be the best winter trek experience for them. The Marchoi trek cost is around USD 80 to 120 (INR 6000 to 9000). This may not include the charges of hiring an experienced local guide from Naranag village or Srinagar TRC. The trekkers should pack only the essentials for a short winter trek like the Marchoi valley trek. The usual list of a set of thermal innerwear, polyester t-shirts with full sleeves, joggers or sweatpants, fleece sweaters, cardigans, and padded, down jackets should be able to keep the trekker warm. They can be paired with woolen gloves, woolen caps or balaclavas, and mufflers to prevent the loss of heat from any other part of the body. Spare pairs of quick-to-dry synthetic socks will be necessary for the daytime treks as the snow can seep through them. Hiking boots with a sturdy body, microspikes providing proper grip, and ankle support are an absolute necessity for mountain treks, along with gaiters. Woolen socks can be layered to keep warm at night. A poncho will also be helpful in case of sudden rainfall or snowfall in the mountains. Other necessary accessories are UV-protection sunglasses, sun caps, sunscreen lotion, lip balm, biodegradable soap, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Women should carry enough sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups for their menstrual hygiene. Carrying personal medications along with common medicines for cough, cold, stomach ache, allergy reactions, and nausea is essential. A first aid box consisting of bandaids, crepe bandage, ointment, antiseptic liquid, cotton gauze, insect repellent cream, and a pain-relieving spray will help treat minor injuries quickly. Using water-purifying tablets will ensure that the trekker does not fall sick due to the change in the drinking water source. Waterproofing is essential, so water-resistant bags and backpack covers should also be carried. One must keep all their essential documents like identity proofs, passports, and visas safely at all times.

The trail covering the Marchoi trek is around 16.25 km long. It takes about 4-5 nights to complete this trek.

The Marchoi trek cost is approximately USD 80 to 120 (INR 6000 to 9000). This budget depends on the services provided by the trekking company.

Marchio trek is an easy trek. However, in the snow, the walk gets a bit difficult on the day of the summit. This makes the grade of this trek from easy to easy-moderate trek. The trail of this trek is definite and is quite safe. The day of the summit is when you will have to push a bit as it has an ascend of around 700m. This is a full-day trek and you will be able to get down by the evening after starting early morning.

The Marchoi trek lies in a remote location of Kashmir, near the Kangan region. So, travelers need to reach Srinagar first in order to continue towards the trek. The Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport in Srinagar can be reached by flight from all major Indian cities. The nearest railway station that is connected to the rest of the country is Jammu. There are regular bus services from Chandigarh, Jammu, and Delhi to reach Srinagar. Cabs to Srinagar TRC are available from each of these points. The starting point of the trek, Naranag, is a 2 hours drive from here. The first night is spent interacting with the villagers at Naranag. This is a free day for the trekkers to get acclimatized to the climate conditions here. On the second day, they begin their trek towards the picturesque campsite at Dumail. The third day is the summit day, so it involves long hours of trekking. The trekkers finally reach the Marchoi top, the main highlight of this trek. They come back to the Dumail campsite by sunset on the same day. On the last day of the trek, the trekkers take the same route back to Naranag. They can reach Srinagar the same day by cab.

What is the best time to do Marchoi Valley Trek? Marchoi trek is a year-round trek which one can take up anytime. However in autumn and winter, this trek gets amazingly gorgeous. Marchoi Trek in November: November is the prime autumn month in Kashmir. This trek is quite unique this month with the beautiful fall colors of brown, golden, crimson, and green. The entire trail is like a colorful fairyland. Another reason why you should take Marchoi Trek in November is the pleasant temperature during the day. The sun is out and shines quite charmingly making the walk easier. The clear sky makes the view quite blissful with no haze and fog. This makes November the best month for photography. Walk on the colorful trail beside the famous Wangath river. Marchoi Autumn trek is from November to early December before there is snowfall. This is also the famous season for the bird watching. It is the bird mating season. Marchoi Trek from December to March: These are the prime months of the Marchoi trek. During these months the trail gets covered in snow, and you walk in the white wonderland trail. The camps are set up in the snow and the temperature drops to below zero. The peaks are enticing with their creamy snow layers and glaciers. In the middle of January and February, the water streams get partially frozen, the Dhumail gully gets frozen with icicles.