Zero Point Sonmarg

As you head out to the majestic Zoji La Pass, there stands Zero Point as a top tourist spot of Kashmir. At a distance of about 15-20 kilometres from Sonmarg, the attraction is known to mesmerised visitors with its sheer natural beauty and adventurous activities like trekking, photography, etc. 

Popularly known as the “Gateway to Ladakh”, it lies at the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The place has gained immense popularity because of the scenic sights it offers, nestled by snow-capped mountains. 

Zero point is undoubtedly breathtaking but the journey leading there is as thrilling as it gets. The rough uneven routes pose challenges to even a local experienced driver. Soak in the beauty of the magnificent merge of Sindh and Indus River with Amarnath Glacier.

With abundant nearby attractions, it has established itself as a quintessential destination to visit to experience the allure and grandeur of Kashmir valley. 

Explore Zero Point as you are on an exhilarating journey to Ladakh. A enroute sightseeing here is a treat to the eyes. Read below about every essential information regarding a visit to Zero Point in Sonmarg. 

Highlights Of Zero Point Sonmarg

• Located at an altitude of about 11,575 ft. immerse in the exceptional scenic sights at Zero Point, the second highest pass on the NH1.

   

• Explore the sprawled valleys with maple trees flourishing high and mighty against the backdrop of snow-laden mountains.

   

• Enjoy a piping hot cup of Kahwa, a saffron infused staple beverage of Kashmir, sitting in the lap of nature.

   

• Get adrenaline-pumped with different activities like hiking and snowmobiling.

   

• Bring your photography gears to capture postcards perfect pictures. 

Best Time To Visit Zero Point

The best time  to visit Zero Point starts from April and lasts till June. With temperature in Zero Point Sonmarg ranging between 15°C-25°C, weather remains calm and gentle. Due to favourable climatic conditions, sunny days and tolerable nights are experienced at Zero Point. The Srinagar-Leh Highway(NH1) is open and motorable. With snow starting to melt off, the routes are accessible and easier to drive on. At the Zero Point too, you witness crystal-clear views with very less fog and snow. 

In a particular mother, weekdays are ideal for a calmer and tranquil experience. Weekends are often crowded here. Try to reach in the early morning by 9AM to avoid the upcoming traffic on the route. 

In winters, Zero Point as well as the Highway remains closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions. 

How To Reach Zero Point

By air: Travelling via flights can be a quick way to reach Zero Point. Book plane tickets from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, etc. to Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport or Srinagar Airport. On reaching the airport, book a cab or share one to reach the Srinagar city in about half an hour. 

Set out on a road journey via a taxi or cab to Zero Point from Srinagar via the Srinagar-Leh Highway. 

 By road: Tourists often pick road trips to Zero Point,Sonmarg. Rent a car or bike from Srinagar and head out for an adventurous voyage on the NH1. The total distance between Srinagar to Zero Point is about 100 kilometres. First, reach Sonmarg from Srinagar covering approximately 80 kilometres in 2-3 hours and then another 15-20 kilometres to Zero Point. 

Bus services are also available from Srinagar to Sonmarg. Check out the official website of Jammu And Kashmir Road Transport Corporation( JKSRTC). 

By train: There is no direct train to reach Zero Point. It is limited to Jammu only. Board a train from your hometown to Jammu tawi Station. Take a bus or book a taxi to reach Srinagar and then another road journey on the Srinagar-Leh Highway to get to Zero Point. 

Attractions On The Way To Zero Point

1. Thajiwas Glacier: As you are to reach Zero Point, various enroute attractions make way. The first on the list is Thajiwas Glacier (9200 ft), present as one of the best places to visit in Sonmarg.

Explore the glacier to get a panoramic view of the entire Sonmarg town. The glacier contains waterfalls with clear waters, wide streched meadows with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop.

A summer destination offering activities like trekking, picnics, photography and sledging, skiing and snowboarding in winter, when it is covered in snow. Only 3 kilometres away from Sonmarg. Trekking and pony rides are the two options of transport to reach this magnificent Glacier. 

2. Baltal valley: Another drop-dead gorgeous valley of Sonmarg, Baltal Valley is a top attraction to stop by. With Sindh River meandering its way in the valley, the soothing ambiance found here promises serenity in the company of nature. It is the gateway to the holy Amarnath Cave Yatra and a place to pitch tents for pilgrims. Vibrant tents fill the valley from June to August. 

The sight of Zoji La Pass from here is an added bonus. Summer is certainly the suitable time to come here. Zero Point is only 10 kilometres from Baltal Valley. The valley itself is only 15 kilometres away from Sonmarg. 

3. Sonmarg meadow: Poems have been written to describe the beauty of Sonmarg Valley. “Meadow of Gold” truly replicates its name with the exquisite lush vistas. Presenting recreational activities like pony rides, trekking, camping, bird-watching, these meadows are as long as the eyes can see. Spread till what seems like an eternity, Sonmarg meadow truly captivates you with the gushing water streams and adventures like boating, river rafting, fishing and angling, etc.

In summer, they are lush and green and perfect for sightseeing. Winter transforms them into a frosty paradise. 

4. Nilagrad River: At a distance of just 6 kilometres, Nilagrad River holds immense religious and cultural significance for the Baltic community living nearby. The river has reddish-coloured water, possessing medicinal properties. While locals visit the river every week on Sunday to bathe, tourists often choose it for camping and picnics.

The remote location of the placid river has preserved its natural beauty and promises a quiet time. The river freezes completely in winters with floating icebergs. 

Safety Tips

1. Avoid travelling on NH1 and visiting Zero Point on Fridays as the Highway is closed for maintenance purposes. Months like January and February are not ideal either given the thick snow covering the route completely.

    

2. Wear proper warm clothes as it is always somewhat cold at Zero Point especially as the day progresses to evenings. Suitable clothing is essential to combat the unpredictable weather and hovering temperatures.

    

3. Wear comfortable yet sturdy footwear as the trails are rocky and uneven.

    

4. Carry a reusable water bottle along with some high-energy snacks to fuel yourself regularly.

    

5. Before getting behind the wheels, get a quick view of the current weather forecast and road conditions. 

Activities To Do At Zojila Pass

1. Skiing: Famed as one of the highest motorable passes in the world, Zoji La Pass is a popular ski destination in Sonmarg. Different mixed slopes, it provides abundant skiing opportunities to both intermediate and advanced skiers.

The pass at an altitude of about 11,575 feet starts receiving heavy snowfall from November onwards and turns into a winter wonderland. For snow activities like skiing, visit the pass in November and December as it remains closed in January And February.

Carry proper ski gears and ski clothes for a memorable experience. 

2. Snowmobile: Beyond skiing, Zoji La Pass offers the fun sport of snowmobiling as well. The sport is known to give liberty to explore around at your desired pace. Gradually, developing as a hobby, the ride is exciting and fills you with a much-needed rush of dopamine.

The extreme snowfall in winters has smooth snow trails, ideal for snowmobiling. The cost depends on the duration of the ride. Both premium and budget services are available. 

3. Sledging: Next on the index we have sledging. A much easier snow sport than skiing, ZojiLa Pass has dedicated slopes for sledging. It has perfect snow quality for both a novice and someone with years of experience.

Dive in the adventure of wooden board sledging with breathtaking scenes surrounding you. Rent the equipment from a nearby rental shop.