Marchoi Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps

Drive Srinagar to Naranag

The journey begins with a short, scenic 2-hour drive from Srinagar into the Ganderbal district, following the Sindh river before turning into the Wangath valley. Upon arriving in the historic village of Naranag, spend the afternoon exploring the ancient 8th-century Shiva temple ruins built by the Karkota dynasty. This day serves as a gentle acclimatization to the cold.

Trek Naranag to Dumail

The first day of trekking is a short, gentle walk along the Wangath river. The trail winds through dense pine and maple forests. In winter, this path is often covered in hard-packed snow or ice, making microspikes very helpful. You reach Dumail by early afternoon. 'Dumail' literally translates to 'meeting of two streams', offering a beautiful, flat campsite surrounded by forest.

Leave your heavy backpacks at Dumail and start early with a daypack. The trail ascends steeply out of the river valley, climbing through the forest until it breaks out into the expansive, open meadows of Shadimarg (often referred to as Marchoi Top). In winter, this section involves breaking trail through knee-deep powder snow. From the top, you get magnificent views of Mt. Harmukh and the Kotwal peak before descending back to Dumail.

Trek Dumail to Naranag and drive to Srinagar

A relaxed morning at Dumail. You retrace your steps along the river back to Naranag village. The descent is gentle and quick. Upon reaching Naranag, you board the vehicles for the 2-hour drive back to Srinagar, concluding the expedition.