How Sinthan Top will leave you Awe, Why this offbeat hidden gem deserves to be in your Kashmir itinerary.
Sinthan Top is a mountain pass situated at the Pir Panjal mountain range at an altitude of 12500 feet (3810 m) and connects Kashmir Valley with the Kishtwar district. In this guide, we will take you through everything that you need to know about Sinthan Top, like how to reach there, the best time for a visit, and the activities you can indulge in once you are there.
Is Sinthan top worth visiting?
Just Imagine you are standing on a mountain at the height of 12500 feet that is incredibly high and you are walking on the snow caps of the mountain and feeling like you are on top of the world. When you visit Sinthan Top, this is not like any common mountain, you are stepping into the snow wonderland of Kashmir Valley, it doesn’t matter you will visit which month of the year, you will find snow throughout the year.
As you get closer to Sinthan Top, you’ll start noticing patches of snow, even in the warmer months. The temperature drops as you climb, so it’s a good idea to carry some warm clothes. The higher you go, the more breathtaking the views become, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Also Read: Kashmir Tour Itinerary With Sinthan Top Expedition
The journey to the Sintan top is really adventurous and memorable, as you are driving up you will start noticing the temperature drops and you will see the landscape is changing incredibly. The green valleys give way to white snow-covered slopes, the more higher you reach the more breathtaking view of the nature becomes. Once you will reach to Sinthan Top the air will be crisp and refreshing surrounded by clouds and snow everywhere you look as far as the eye can see that is something you will never forget.
How to reach Sinthan Top
6 hr 38 min (234.9 km) via NH 44 and NH 244A
2 hr 18 min (84.7 km) via NH244
1 hr 52 min (71.8 km) via NH244
2 hr 47 min (108.8 km) via NH501 and NH244
4 hr 11 min (182.1 km) via NH244
6 hr 38 min (234.9 km) via NH 44 and NH 244A
57 min (30.7 km) via NH244
1 hr 15 min (45.0 km) via NH244
1 hr 56 min (67.9 km) via NH244
Sinthan Top has many routes to reach Such as from Jammu, Kishtwar, Pahalgam, and Srinagar
The most preferable route for tourists to reach Sinthan Top is from Pahalgam and the distance is approximately 110 km and 3 hours of drive, you will be exploring the beautiful valley and charming village of Anantnag District the roads are overall well maintained so be sure that you will have a smooth and comfortable journey.
By Air, If you are starting from Srinagar to Sinthan Top the distance is 130 km and 3.30 hours of journey and the nearest airport to Sinthan Top is Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar. The trip will be enjoyable you will drive from the Saffron fields in Pampore and after a while, you can stop in Avantipora to visit Avanti Swami Temple Ruins which is a historical site of Hindus. Furthermore, you will also explore some beautiful spots during the road trip such as Kokernag, and Daksum before reaching Sinthan Top.
By Train: The nearest Railway Station is located in Jammu the distance is around 235 km to Sinthan Top and 7 to 8-hour journey, you can hire a private taxi, shared taxi or bus to reach Sinthan Top
Public Transportation If you are planning to travel by bus or a shared taxi from Srinagar city you can take a bus or taxi in Dalgate for Daksum or Kokernag then for an onward journey to Sinthan Top you can hire a private taxi from Daksum to reach to the pass.
Also Read: Zero Point Sonmarg: Best Time to Visit and How to Reach | Snow Through the Year
Best Time to Visit Sinthan Top
If you are planning to visit Sinthan Top the best time to explore is from May to October typically these months are summer and warmer. The temperature ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. The road is open during these months its feasible to explore Sinthan Top for tourists.
Also Read: Cheap and Best Kashmir Tour Packages for Budget Travelers
Can I visit Sinthan Top in winter?
No during winter Sinthan Top will be closed depending upon when the snowfall starts. The snowfall can start in the of month of November December or January and the snow height can be up to 10 to 15 feet high and the entire area will be covered with heavy snow. The road will be blocked with snow till March or April, the weather conditions are harsh and freezing in temperatures up to minus 10 degrees Celsius.
Things to do at Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top offers funny activities, especially if you are excited to for hiking on the mountain peaks, Don’t worry if you have not carried warm clothes, you can hire warm clothes and snow boots right there from local sellers on the streets. In addition, you can also hire a local guide that costs around 800 rupees and is the best way to explore Sinthan top and visit to the hidden gems of the pass.
Snow Sledging
Snow Sledge Riding is one the most thrilling activities you can enjoy in Sinthan Top. A wooden sledge is used for snow sledging imagine you are gliding down from the snow-covered peaks and feeling the rush of cold air and the excitement of the Snow Sledge Riding as you are going down to slopes the experience will you will enjoy in the snow landscapes of Sinthan Top that will leave you memorable mark memory till life.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is an exhilarating adventure in Sinthan Top especially meant for those who love to experience the thrill of speed in snowy landscapes. Riding a snowmobile at an altitude of 12500 feet high then exploring the rugged terrain of Sinthan Top is an adventure like no other activity that makes you excited if you are a beginner or an expert rider make it sure to snowmobile in Sithan Top is a must try activity.
Horse Riding
Horse riding in Sinthan Top is a funny thing that gives you a chance to explore Sinthan Top more closely. Just imagine you will feel like a cowboy or queen while riding a horse along through the snowy fields and mountain paths. The cool wind passing through from your hair and the sunlight on your face riding on a friendly horse beneath in the snowy wonderland of Sinthan Top is an exhilarating experience.
Restaurants in Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top, being a remote area has a limited eatery option, the pass is situated at very high altitude with a lot of snow around, so don’t expect any fine dining restaurants on the mountain pass. However, there are local dhabas and roadside food stalls that offer delicious fast-food Maggi noodles, fried rice, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and soups.
Fine-dining Restaurants Near Sithan Top
These restaurants are located in Kokernag the distance is approximately from Sinthan Top is 45 km and a 1 hr 15 min drive.
- Zaika restaurant from JKTDC
- Grand Mughal Inn Restaurant
- OnT Restaurant
- Food Hunt Kashmir
Tips for Carrying Food to Sinthan Top
- Instant noodles
- Energy bars
- Nuts & Dry Fruits
- Chips & Biscuits
Also Read: Best Veg Restaurants in Srinagar
Clothes to carry Sinthan Top Season Type
May to September
Clothes
- T-Shirts and Shirts
- Shorts and Trousers
- Light Jacket or Sweater
Accessories
- Sun Hat or Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Footwear
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Sandals
Autumn (October to November)
Clothes
- Heavy Warm Clothing
- Heavy Jacket
- Warm Sweaters
- Snow Pants
Accessories
- Warm Hat
- Hand Gloves
- Shawls
- Wollen Socks
- Body Thermal
Footwear
- Waterproof & Hiking Boots
Places to Visit Near Sinthan Top
These places can be visited from Pahalgam or Srinagar while going to Sinthan Top as follows:
Daksum
Located at the distance of 30 km and 1 hour of drive from Sinthan Top. Daksum is a hidden gem the nature of this village paints a beautiful picture of green meadows, dense forest and the beautyness of River Bringhi that flows through the Daksum. Simply you can relax and sit near the banks of rivers and enjoy the peaceful serene environment of the flowing water.
Kokernag
Just a 1.30-hour of drive and the distance is around 45 km from Sinthan Top. The botanical garden of Kokernag is a must visit attraction, the garden is well maintained and managed by JKTDC having a variety of flowers, and huge Chinar Trees the garden has many streams, springs known as Chasma. The spring water is believed by villagers has a natural health benefits, by drinking spring water in Kokernag makes yourself refreshed with this pure water which flows from the Glaciers.
Verinag
Verinag known for Spring is the main source of the Jhelum River located in the Anantnag district and the distance from Sinthan to Verinag is 70 km and 2 hours of journey. The spring and the Mugahl garden was built by Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. The water of the spring is perfectly encircled by an octagonal basin filled with crystal-clear water showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Mughal era of the spring and the beauty of the Mughal Garden is the must-visit destination.
Hotels near Sinthan Top
Well Sithan Top is a mountain pass at very high altitude there are no hotels are guest houses. Daksum and Kokernag are the closets towns to Sinthan Top these village have variety of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. We have recommended some best accommodation options as follows :
- JKTDC Tourist Establishment, Kokernag
- Paradise Retreat Daksum
- Park inn cottage Daksum Kokernag
- SHEESHAM RESORT Kokernag
- Kanwal Cottage A unit of Safa Resorts and Hotels Pvt. Ltd
Also Read: Best Budget Hotels Near Dal Lake Srinagar | Starts Rs.750
Frequently Asked Questions about Sinthan Top
Where is Sinthan Top located?
Sinthan Top is a mountain pass situated in the district Kistiwar and the border of Anantnag district in the Kashmir Valley and at an altitude of 3,748 meters 12,300 feet above sea level
Is Sinthan Top accessible around the year?
No Sinthan Top is not open throughout the year, from May till October the route is open, rest of the months in winter remain closed due to heavy snowfall.
Is Sinthan Top safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Sinthan Top is completely safe for solo travellers, it’s advisable to carry warm clothes because the pass is located at a very high altitude so the climate can change at any time.
Do I need a permit to visit Sinthan Top?
No, you do not require any permission to visit Sinthan Top. It is open for locals and tourists and you can freely explore this beautiful mountain pass
Is there mobile network coverage at Sinthan Top?
No, there is no mobile network coverage at Sinthan Top. Due to the of reason the mountain pass is at high altitude of 12500 feet above sea level.
How can I book a taxi from Srinagar to Sinthan Top?
To book a taxi from Srinagar to Sinthan Top kindly contact us. We offer budget-friendly cost taxi services in Jammu and Kashmir whether you are looking for a day trip or for tour package.
Kindly contact us for the best rates
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