Trek difficulty
Easy
Trek duration
4 Days
Trek altitude
10,498 ft
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
16 Km
Basecamp
Naranag
Best Time
November to April
Pickup Point
Srinagar
Marchoi Trek also known as the Naranag – Dhumail – Marchoi trek is an easy snow trek here in Kashmir. This trek is the only winter trek that is both rewarding and quite scenic. Although popular throughout the year, this trek throws a different landscape when the crystal white snow falls in Kashmir.
The trail becomes a winter wonderland with the canopy of jungle and vast meadows. The trek takes one to the summit of Marchoi Top which makes you witness the best panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. One sees the breathtaking Harmukh mountain from here as well.
The trek is a mix of snow bridges, jungle walks, frozen river stream of Wangath. This trek is also very much popular among anglers as you can experience trout fishing here. Moreover, the trek has a historical site of Indian archaeology. And, the ancient temple at Naranag takes you to the fantastic stonework of the past Kashmir.
Marchoi trek is a 4-day trek that starts at Naranag and ends at Naranag. So, enjoy your winter this year with this beautiful snow trek in Kashmir.
Day 1- Drive from Srinagar to Naranag
Day 2- Naranag to Sangri, Marchoi Valley
Day 3 - (Summit Day)back to sangri
Day 4- Sangri to Naranag by Trek and Naranag to Srinagar by Road
Basically the best time to do is winter and summer season. But with the low altitude of Marchoi Trek, it is suitable for trekking all year round. In summer months, April to June, you will see delightful green scenery, with rivers and mountain streams flowing. You can still find snow on portions of the trek until mid-April.
In winter, Marchoi Trek will be under snow. This trek is becoming a popular winter trek of Kashmir. In winter, you will walk over a thick carpet of snow, see frozen streams, snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and partially frozen rivers.
We suggest that you refrain from doing the Marchoi Trek in peak winter,as the trail may be slippery and the river may be in flood preventing your trekking trip.
The Marchoi Trek is rated as easy to moderate difficulty, making it an excellent choice for beginners and families seeking a winter trekking experience in Kashmir. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Difficulty Rating
The trek is classified as easy to moderate, suitable for beginners with basic fitness, with no technical climbing required and ideal for all age groups . It offers a balanced challenge for all levels, suitable for active beginners with preparation through seasoned trekkers, with moderate difficulty and varied terrains without technical climbing .
What Makes It Manageable
Gentle Altitude: The maximum altitude of the trek is only 2,600 meters (some sources say 3,200m at Marchoi Top), making acclimatization not an issue for most trekkers . Located at around 9,500-10,000 feet, the trails are not harsh on your legs and let you absorb the maximum beauty of Kashmir with minimal effort.
Here's how to reach the Marchoi Trek base camp:
Getting to Srinagar
The easiest way to reach Srinagar is by air, as the Srinagar Airport in Kashmir receives flights from major Indian cities including Delhi . Most trek operators arrange pickups from the airport.
Srinagar to Naranag Base Camp
Distance & Time: Naranag is approximately 60-70 km from Srinagar, which is about a 3-hour drive. The total distance to base camp one-way is around 50 km with a 2-hour driving time .
Route: Naranag, a climbing base camp, is accessible to Srinagar by road, which takes around an hour to complete from the historical village . The drive is quite scenic, passing alongside the Sindh River and surrounding mountains.
Inclusion
Exclusion-During The Trek
The Marchoi trek is moderately challenging – if you have done some basic trekking before then you will be fine. There is a lot of terrain with gradual slopes as well as fairly steep uphill and downhill sections but overall, it is achievable for most fit adventurers! You will feel like you have had a good workout!
While there is going to be some variation with seasons, the temperatures are overall cooler or mildly toe chilly, particularly in the early mornings and evenings. During the daytime hours, you will be fine trekking in light layers of clothing, although you still need to expect winter clothing during the cooler periods of the trek.
Trekking in the winter season and summer season is the best period of time to go as this is when the weather is most suitable, providing good temperatures, clear skies, etc.
Trekking in the winter season and summer season is the best period of time to go as this is when the weather is most suitable, providing good temperatures, clear skies, etc.
The Marchoi trek is located in a completely wilderness mountainous area of Kashmir, which is one of the most scenic areas with gorgeous views of nature, fabulous landscapes, and quiet peaceful surroundings.
₹9500 | $130
5 Days
Uttarakhand
8 km
April to June (pleasant weather) and September to November (clear views); December to March for snow trekking.
₹12500 | $136
7 Days
Uttarakhand
47 Km
March to June/September to November
₹7000 | $76
5 Days
Uttarakhand
9 Km
december to march
₹18000 | $196
6 Days
Uttarakhand
26 Km
November to February
₹3500 | $38
2 Days
Uttarakhand
15 Km
November to may
₹30000 | $327
7 Days
Uttarakhand, India
42
May to mid-June & Mid-September to October
₹9500 | $130
6 Days
Uttarakhand
22 km
October to March
₹22000 | $300
9 Days
Uttarakhand
66 km
May to June | September to October
₹21000 | $230
6 Days
Uttarakhand
38Km
July-August,
₹13500 | $200
6 Days
Uttarakhand
24 km
September to June
Testimonials
Rakesh dulams
Nice experience with the thinAir expedition and accommodation and hospitality and safty such as taken personal care and well experienced guide and such a cool guy
Aditi 99
I had an amazing experience with thin air expeditions. The food, the hospitality, and the preparedness of the staff for all sorts of scenarios was commendable. The location of camps was perfect. Even though i was a female solo traveller , i felt very safe and comfortable. Couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
