Sinthan Top
Overview
Located between Kishtwar and the Daksum valley in the , Sinthan Top is a steep mountain pass that is one of Kashmir’s less well-known tourist spots. But most of it is located on the Kishtwar side.
You are undoubtedly aware of this exquisite location’s breathtaking splendour if you have visited. This mountain pass ought to be high on your list of places to see if you haven’t already and are considering a trip to Kashmir.
We can assure you that this mountain route is intended for adventure seekers seeking unexplored locations in the Alps. Undoubtedly, the routes that lead to this location are frequently tough and demanding, but once you are there, you will undoubtedly have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everybody who enjoys the snow should visit this location, which is covered in snow for the majority of the year.
This mountain pass or hill station, also called Sinthan Pass height is 12,440 feet above sea level. Even though it is one of the valley’s unusual and less frequented tourist spots, the area is gradually growing in popularity. It is roughly 130 kilometers south of Srinagar, roughly 80 kilometers from Kishtwar, and roughly 73 kilometers from Anantnag. Even if this location alone is worth seeing, the route to this mountain pass is lined by several captivating locations that add to the beauty of the trip.Here are some offbeat places in Kashmir.
Even though the weather and the route can be tough at times, the vistas you will see once you are there are well worth the effort
Kashmir Offbeat Tours
14D/ 13N
6D/ 5N
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Best Time To Visit Sinthan Top
This pass has recently gained a lot of recognition in Kashmir tourism. Since snowfall in Kashmir occurs in this mountain pass nearly year-round, bad weather frequently strikes. The best time to visit Sinthan Top is from June to September. It is inaccessible for around six months of the year, from November to April. Thus, this mountain pass is closed to the public for most of the year. People who like to explore snow adventures can visit during the onset of winter and during the spring.
Spring welcomes you with melting snow and rising sun making it an ideal time for all kinds of activities. Temperatures at high altitudes are stable and suitable for all kinds of travelers during this period of the year.
During April through September people travel here to participate in trekking under pleasant weather conditions. Other activities like pony riding and mountaineering are in full swing during July and August making it the best time for the overall experience.
Even if there is still snowfall during these months, the temperature is often pleasant for visitors. Taking everything into account, this is the finest time to visit this mountain pass, and visiting at this period will provide you with the greatest experience ever. January: In January Sinthan Top weather is harsh and extremely cold and snowy. Every year, a substantial amount of snowfall falls on the pass’s summit, blocking the road throughout the winter. The temperatures are always negative throughout the month. It is even impossible to bear those cold breezes during this time. February: In February, the Top is closed. You should wait until the end of April. The temperatures in February are below freezing point and negative throughout the day with heavy fall of snow. However, depending on the conditions, officials have occasionally been able to open in late February as well. March: This could be an excellent opportunity to see this snowy pass and enormous snow walls on either side of the road if the road is open in March. However, that rarely happens. In March is cooler compared to summers as the spring starts Sinthan Top temperatures range from 2-12 degrees around the day. If you were lucky, you might have even seen some snowfall while you please were there. April: April is the spring season in Kashmir, people come here for a blend of both winter and summer onset. You can explore a maximum of activities and places during this time. Even at this time, most places are covered under snow. Nights can be chilly and must be aware of cold breezes. May: The Top in Mayis half covered in Snow. There is still snow covering the mountains in May. Sometimes the road going up is still closed during this month if there has been heavy snowfall in the winter months. June: June is a stunning time of year for travelers to visit here. This area is a veritable paradise in June, with waterfalls, mountain lakes, and meadows all within reach. In a favourable climate, you can see as much as possible. many travel in June specifically with camping and mountaineering on their agendas. July: The greatest month to visit this mountaintop is July as well. All of the lakes and meadows are accessible in July, and the weather is pleasant. This month sees a significant increase in tourism. Since July is a great month to visit Pahalgam, Kokernag, and Achabal, it is also a worthwhile trip. Temperatures fluctuate from 5-20 degrees high and lows respectively throughout the month. August: August is the summer month, hence the best month to visit here. The road is open and accessible. You enjoy the best views on the way as you go up from Daksum. The month is ideal for trekking in the alpine lakes which are in the vicinity. September: In September, the top again is accessible and is visited by lot of tourists. The temperatures range from 15-20 degrees Celsius throughout the days and nights. September is arguably the ideal month to visit this place. There will still be a lot of greenery even though the monsoon has ended. The weather will be great and the views will be nice. October: October is the final month of the year in which you can visit Top. October sees a decrease in temperature in the morning, evening, and nighttime. On the other hand, the daytime high is a comfortable moderate temperature. When the end of the month draws near, the nighttime temperatures start to drop in October towards the freezing point. November: Things start to change in November, every particle of terrain turns drier in November. This is the time the pass experiences the autumn season and you will witness the orange leaves and at the end of the month, snow season starts. This pass in November is also a good time to go if it is open throughout the month. It will be closed usually during the middle of November. December: December sees minus-degree temperatures throughout the month. Heavy snowfall is common every year. As this pass is closed completely in December, the roads are filled with snow and the pass remains isolated.Here is how Sinthan top looks in each month
What Makes Sinthan Famous
Panoramic View of Mountains
As you stand at the viewpoint on Sinthan’s top, Panoramic views of the surroundings unveil the grand Himalayas. You will find mist-covered majestic peaks.Here are some Best places to visit in Kashmir.
Against a clear sky. The high altitude here offers you a 360-degree viewpoint of the surroundings. The views of high passes and nearby shepherd valleys are truly eye-catching. It will be different in different seasons greenery, and golden or white views depending on what time you visit.
Snow-Covered Landscape
As soon as the snow season starts the landscape turns magically. As far as your eyes can capture, it will be filled with glimpses of light and shadow on the snow slopes creating a canvas of white painting.
You can fix your tents at top viewpoints to make it more convenient. The silence surrounding you will be broken by your footsteps on the crystal-clear snow.
A Pass Between Kashmir & Kishtwar
This is the mountain pass that connects Kashmir with Kishtwar seamlessly. It is a journey through mesmerizing landscapes.
The windings of roads reveal a story on each turn. You can shoot time lapses as the clouds play hide and seek with you along the pass. It’s not just a pass it is a gateway to heaven where the journey and destination are equally beautiful.
How To Reach the Top
By Air:
You must first fly to Srinagar. The Sheikh-ul-alam International Airport is the closest. it is highly connected both domestically and internationally. You can then proceed as described below from Srinagar to Sinthan from there.
By Road:
- From Srinagar: Srinagar to Sinthan top distance is 130 kilometers away. Nonetheless, the road is in decent shape, and it will take 4 to 5 hours to complete the trip. The travel will take the path indicated below. You can still take a day trip from Srinagar despite the lengthy travel. Just be sure to get started as soon as possible from Srinagar. Count on spending approximately 12 hours traveling, so schedule your day appropriately.
- From Pahalgam: Pahalgam to Sinthan Top distance is 110 km. People choose this route since it’s quicker and allows them to see more of the locations in between. Depending on the sort of car you select, a taxi from Pahalgam can cost you anywhere from Rs. 5000 and Rs. 6500. For further information, kindly view the Pahalgam local taxi rates. you ensure more convenient travel, make sure you reserve them well in advance during busy seasons.
- From Daksum: Daksum to Sinthan top distance is around 31km. People can travel from Daksum by rented vehicles or local taxis or autos as the distance is less and reachable in one hour or a half hour more in tough circumstances. Depending on the type of travel you select it may cost you around 200-350 to reach from Daksum. Travel in groups to save time and money.
- From Jammu: The distance from Jammu to Sinthan is 236 kilometers. This location is more time-consuming than the top distance from Srinagar to Sinthan. Rentable cars and local taxis can transport people from Jammu because it’s a longer journey, that can be covered in a day under difficult conditions you need to spend 5-7 hours traveling. Your trip from Jammu could cost you between 9000-10000, depending on the kind of transportation you choose. To save money and time, go in groups.
- From Gulmarg: The distance from Gulmarg to Sinthan Top is about 180 kilometers. Since this path passes through Srinagar and offers a better view of the surrounding areas than other ways, it is the one that most people pick. You may expect to pay between Rs. 6000 and Rs. 8500 for a cab from Gulmarg depending on the type of vehicle you choose. Please see the Gulmarg local taxi fares for more details. When traveling during peak seasons, make sure to reserve them well in advance to ensure more convenient travel.
- From Anantnag: The distance from Anantnag to Sinthan top is 72 kilometers. This location is also included in the top distance from Srinagar to Sinthan. Rentable cars, local taxis, or automobiles can transport people from Anantnag because it’s a shorter trip that can be covered in two hours, or even less in extreme cases. The cost of traveling from Anantnag could range from 4000 to 5000, depending on the kind of transportation you choose. To save money and time, go in groups.
- From Kokernag: The distance from Kokernag to Sinthan Top is 45 kilometers. People can go from Kokernag in cars, rental cars, or local taxis because it’s a shorter distance that can be completed in two hours, or even less in dire circumstances. Depending on the mode of transportation you use, the price of commuting from Kokernag could be anywhere from 3000 to 4000. Travel in groups to save costs and time. If you’re interested, you can travel to Daksum and take a local taxi from there to Sinthan.
By Private Vehicles:
We would advise against going by public transportation since it could be challenging to board users on time. For this journey, it would be advisable to hire a private cab to save yourself a great deal of trouble and time. The price per day will vary based on where you rent them. For a reasonably priced, safe, and secure travel, Cliffhangers India offers best-served taxi service in Srinagar.
Things To Do in Sinthan Top & Around
Trek to Fambar Valley
You may get up close and personal with the tranquil nature setting as you trek here. You will also have a unique opportunity to learn about the people and culture of the Indian mountain range by trekking to Famer Valley. In this place, even the easiest trekking route is exciting and cold. This exciting 3-kilometer trip features numerous ups and downs along its exciting route.
The area’s diversity of scenery heightens the thrill of your trekking expedition. The trekking path, on the other hand, will pass through the stunning, unspoiled Warwan Valley in Kashmir. Being in good physical and emotional condition is essential for the Famer Valley trip, no matter how fascinating and simple it may be.
Engage In Nature Photography
There isn’t a place like this one for you if you are a professional photographer or just love taking pictures. There are plenty of natural beauties, breathtaking scenery, and excellent locations for photography. The bright sky makes it a great place to take astrophotography photos when you’re camping.
To capture the simplicity and warmth of local life, stroll around remote settlements. The visual splendor is further enhanced by the captivating play of light in April, which ranges from golden sunsets to delicate dawn hues. Every frame here tells a different tale, whether it’s of wildlife among the lush foliage or shepherds going about their daily lives in candid portraiture.
Go on Nature walks
When on vacation you don’t always have to do a lot. Sometimes, especially in situations like this one, all you need to do is travel every path imaginable while taking in and appreciating the beauty all around you. Simply choose your favorite location, take a seat, unwind, and let your eyes take in everything that this place has to offer in terms of beauty.
Visit as many locations as you can and take walks in the outdoors. This is a wonderful area to spend some time doing nothing but meandering around, especially with your loved ones. This is a great place to take a stroll because there’s always something new to discover at every turn.
Enjoy Picnic
There isn’t a local population in this mountain pass; the only people who live here are shepherds from the surrounding districts and those employed in the tourism industry. It thus provides a serene location for your picnic schedule.
Some tourist attractions you might visit on your way to or from this mountain pass picnic include the Achabal Garden, Kokernag, and the Martand ruins. You won’t regret taking a picnic here because of its amazing beauty.
Experience Stargazing
For those who enjoy astronomy, this is a haven, with stunning skies and elevated locations ideal for stargazing. because the sky is clear. Select elevated locations that are far from the hub of activity; this valley offers a lot of secluded spots to explore for stargazing. You can also find various locations to see stars in Anantnag and Kokernag.
Another fantastic place to go for your astronomy adventure is Achabal Lake. Bring good binoculars; you can rent them from local businesses along with other necessities like tripods and lenses. Ladakh’s January nights are chilly, so wrap up nicely to shield yourself from the icy winds. Observe the Milky Way.
Explore Daksum
Located within the Pir Panjal hills in Kashmir, Daksum is a well-liked unconventional travel destination in the region during February. Situated above 8000 feet above sea level lies the valley. To get to Daksum, you should pass through Kokernag and Acharbal. There are many different kinds of plants and animals in the area. You can tent at a beautiful location in Daksum. It’s the ideal start for hikers. You can set up camp in Daksum while you make your way to the Top.
Daksum is located 31 kilometers away from the Top. You may enjoy Daksum’s greatest nightlife while listening to the Bringi River’s waves. Popular Daksum surrounding sites include Dessu Village, Achabal, and Verinaag. You can have the ideal day trip to Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary to see wildlife. Ensure that you obtain permission from government officials before engaging in Daksum trout fishing.
Visit Kokernag
Kokernag is a beautiful place with breathtaking views; many travelers’ favorite part is the garden that surrounds the spring. One beautiful tourist spot is the waterfall. But the main draw for tourists is the Papa-shodan Nag, a sulfur-rich spring with supposed therapeutic properties. The water is well known for its medicinal properties and capacity to support digestion. A trip to Kokernag is worth planning.
This tourist area is also well-known for its fishing since trout fish can be found in these waterways. Trout fish are reared in little pools that the organization has set up. There is fish for sale in the department. They have an amazing flavor and are considered to be among the greatest species. There is also a botanical garden in Kokernag, which has gained popularity among locals and visitors alike.
Visit Achabal
The distance between Achabal and the Srinagar district is 58 kilometers. Achabal was the Mughal Empress Nur Jehan’s pleasure retreat; it is accessible via Anantnag. Perched at 1,677 meters above sea level, Achabal is a breathtaking sight. One of India’s best Mughal Gardens may be seen in Achabal. The impressive Mughal Gardens at Achabal receive an extra dash of regality from the towering Chinar trees that encircle the garden, which is situated at the base of a hill.
Autumnal tours to Achabal are enhanced by the reddening of these Chinar Trees, which conjure up visions of splendour that linger long after your vacation here.
Essential Information
Tips To Visit
By being mindful of managing the extremely cold weather, heavy snowfall, slick roads, and individual health, the tour can be managed more skilfully.
Here are some suggestions to help ensure the safety and well-being of your tour to Sinthan:
- Travel in a group; even lone visitors should accompany knowledgeable local tour guides.
- Observe the time and close up before nightfall.
- Even if you are stopped somewhere, be composed and savor the present time.
- Prepare to use natural restrooms.
- Drink plenty of water and warm, liquid soups to stay hydrated, whenever possible.
- Bring along lots of warm clothes.
- Wear supportive shoes with a solid grip.
- Consume the cuisine of the area
- Carry Power banks and other instant power supplies to face unknown power cuts.
- Make sure you have enough equipment for your travels and photo shoots.
Network & Connectivity
The most crucial thing to understand is that for the duration of your travel, only postpaid connections are functional. No matter what network you have, you won’t get any service at all because of altitude. if you use a prepaid connection the moment you begin your trip into the valley. Thus, for basic communications, plan your route on a postpaid network.
A small, well-covered network may be accessible if you are using a postpaid phone, though it might not be present at high-altitude trekking locations. Carrying a satellite mobile phone is preferable for communicating with the outside world. People need to prepare for potential issues with cellphone connectivity.
Stay Options at Sinthan Top
There aren’t any stay options here. Whatever you find is just below at the pass near Daksum and Kokernag. Here you can find the hotels, homestays, JKTDC Huts. many good hotels or establishments around. In addition, there are locally run, privately owned homestays where you can benefit from their hospitality and delicious food. You can learn about the shepherd and nomadic lifestyles of the locals by staying in homestays.
The closest lodging option is in Daksum. People may see that there are some hotels there. The fees may vary according to the location and the period of your visit, from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3500.
You can begin your excursions from Achabal or Kokernag if that’s where you feel most comfortable staying. Make sure the accommodation has all the amenities you’ll require for a comfortable stay and is in a handy location for your hiking destinations before booking a reservation.
Road Conditions & Accessibility
Part of an even longer route that goes all the way to Himachal Pradesh is the road that crosses Sinthan Pass. The road that passes the formidable Sach Pass is the same one. This road includes the infamous “cliffhanger route.” which is one of the most thrilling routes in Kashmir.
You will drive across the Daksum Valley and arrive at the peak of Sinthan peak from Anantnag in Kashmir. After that, you’ll take a car down to its opposite side and traverse Kishtwar while taking the daring cliffhanger route. There is a moderate degree of comfort on all those routes. However, ensure that you have prior driving experience. There may be snow on the way so exercise caution when traveling.