Sinthan Top is a high mountain pass on the road between Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley and Kishtwar in the Chenab valley, and for a few summer months it is one of the easiest places in Jammu and Kashmir to stand on snow beside a meadow. The drive climbs through pine forest and open grassland to a saddle where the view opens across two divisions of the union territory. This guide covers the pass, its road, the season and how to plan a day trip or stopover.
Sinthan Top is a pass at about 3,784 m (12,414 ft) in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on NH-244 linking Anantnag with Kishtwar. According to JKTDC it sits roughly 132 km from Srinagar, a 4–5 hour drive, and the road is usually open only from April to September.
Key takeaways
- Sinthan Top is a pass at about 3,784 m (12,414 ft), on the Anantnag (Kashmir)–Kishtwar (Jammu) section of NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir; Wikipedia’s text also cites 12,500 ft (3,800 m).
- The pass is roughly 130–132 km from Srinagar and about 48 km from Kokernag spring; JKTDC gives the drive as 4–5 hours.
- The road is snow-bound for most of the year. JKTDC recommends April to September; NHIDCL clears snow in spring and the route can shut again with the first heavy snow in November.
- In early 2025 the Kishtwar–Sinthan Top–Anantnag highway was only partially restored, with a fixed 11 am–2 pm crossing window set by the Anantnag and Kishtwar district administrations (Greater Kashmir, 16 January 2025).
- There are no shops, fuel or hospitals at the pass; the nearest stays and services are at Daksum and Kokernag, with hotels and government huts roughly ₹1,500–₹3,500 a night (JKTDC, as of October 2026).
About Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is a mountain pass at about 3,784 m (12,414 ft) that connects Anantnag district in the Kashmir Valley with Kishtwar district in the Chenab (Jammu) region. It lies on National Highway 244, on the Anantnag–Kokernag–Kishtwar section. The Kishtwar district administration lists the altitude as 3,784 m; Wikipedia’s infobox agrees at 12,414 ft, while its text also cites 12,500 ft (3,800 m), so treat the height as “roughly 3,800 m”.
The pass sits at the south-east edge of the Breng Valley, the Kokernag sub-division of Anantnag. From the top, a spot locals call the 360-degree view looks out over parts of both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Snow-fed streams cross the road, and flat meadows open out below the saddle. According to Wikipedia, the road is the only link between the Warwan and Marwah areas and Kishtwar town.
Because the pass is high and remote, there is no permanent settlement at the top. Shepherds and tourism workers camp in tents in summer, and the Agriculture Department has run a potato farm near the top, per the Kishtwar district page.
| Type | High mountain pass and viewpoint |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 3,784 m (12,414 ft); some sources say ~3,800 m / 12,500 ft |
| Location | Kishtwar district, bordering Breng Valley, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Road | NH-244, Anantnag–Kokernag–Daksum–Sinthan–Kishtwar |
| From Srinagar | About 130–132 km; 4–5 hours (JKTDC) |
| Usual open season | April to September; shut in winter snow |
| Facilities at pass | None (no fuel, shops, network or hospital) |
Best time to visit Sinthan Top
The practical season for Sinthan Top is April to September, the window JKTDC recommends and the months when the road is normally open. The pass is snow-capped for most of the year, and the highway is closed through winter while snow accumulates on the stretch.
Late spring and early summer are the sweet spot if you want to walk on snow with a comfortable climb. By June and July the lower meadows are green while patches of snow linger near the top. From October the first storms can start closing the road; in November 2025, Greater Kashmir reported the NH-244 shut again because of snow accumulation.
Winter snow sports are talked about, but reaching the pass in December to March is rarely possible because the road is cut. Treat any winter plan as conditional on an official road opening.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Late spring | April–May | Road reopening after snow clearance; deep snow at the top, cool meadows below. Best for snow underfoot. |
| Summer | June–August | Mildest driving conditions, green meadows, lingering snow patches. Most reliable window. |
| Early autumn | September | Clear light, thinning crowds; first cold snaps. Still generally open. |
| Late autumn–winter | October–March | Road usually closed with snow; access only if authorities clear and open it. |
How to reach Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is reached by road from Srinagar via Anantnag, Kokernag and Daksum; there is no railway or airport near the pass. JKTDC puts the drive at about 132 km from Srinagar over 4–5 hours, with the final climb from Daksum running some 37 km of winding uphill road.
The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (SXR), and the usual rail stop for the valley is Anantnag on the Banihal–Baramulla line. From either, you travel on by road. A full Kashmir itinerary that includes the valley’s lakes and gardens pairs well with this drive; see our Jammu and Kashmir travel guide for the wider region, and the Dal Lake, Srinagar guide if you are basing yourself in the city first.
From the Kishtwar side, the pass is about 80 km from Kishtwar town, per Wikipedia. That approach climbs from the Chenab valley and is the longer, rougher half of the crossing. Most day-trippers come from the Kashmir side and turn back at the top rather than descending to Kishtwar.
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | About 130–132 km | 4–5 hours via Awantipora, Anantnag, Kokernag, Daksum (JKTDC) |
| Anantnag | About 73 km | District town; last big market on the Kashmir side (Wikipedia) |
| Kokernag spring | About 48 km | Garden and spring en route (JKTDC/Wikipedia) |
| Daksum | About 37 km | Final forested climb to the pass (JKTDC) |
| Kishtwar town | About 80 km | Chenab-valley approach; rougher road (Wikipedia) |
The Daksum–Sinthan–Kishtwar route
The Daksum–Sinthan–Kishtwar route is the mountain section of NH-244 that carries you from pine forest at Daksum up to the open pass and then down toward the Chenab valley. Daksum, in the Larnoo tehsil of Anantnag, sits at about 2,438 m and is a forested resort stop about 42 km from Anantnag and roughly 100 km from Srinagar, according to Wikipedia.
From Daksum the road climbs in zigzags through forest, then into bare alpine country where snow-fed streams run across the tarmac. This upper stretch is built and maintained for the crossing, but conditions vary year to year; travellers have long described the Kishtwar-side descent as rougher than the Kashmir side.
The road is cleared and managed by NHIDCL. In January 2025 the agency cleared snow and made the Kishtwar–Sinthan Top–Anantnag stretch “traffic-worthy”, but only for local and light motor vehicles within a fixed 11 am–2 pm window set jointly by the Anantnag and Kishtwar district administrations (Greater Kashmir, 16 January 2025). A long-planned tunnel to bypass the pass was still in the tendering phase as of May 2026, per Wikipedia, so for now the surface road is the only way across.
What to see and do
The main thing to do at Sinthan Top is reach the saddle, walk on the snow or meadow, and take in the 360-degree panorama of peaks across the Kashmir and Jammu divisions. The experiences here are low-key and weather-dependent rather than ticketed attractions.
- Snow walking: In spring and early summer, firm snow lies near the top. Wear grippy footwear; melt makes the edges slushy by midday.
- Meadows and streams: Shallow, slow streams and flat stones below the pass are popular rest and photo spots, per JKTDC.
- Sinthan Maidan: An alpine meadow at the foot of the pass, about 60 km from Kishtwar per the district administration, with open slopes used for camping.
- Paragliding and mountain activities: The Kishtwar district page lists the Maidan as suited to para-gliding, horse riding and rock climbing, with skiing and skating in winter; these are informal and not guaranteed to be running on any given day.
- Trekking base: Wikipedia notes the pass serves as a base for several nearby alpine lakes, a draw for organised treks.
| Experience | Where | Season | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snow walk and 360-degree view | The pass | Apr–Jun best | 1–2 hours |
| Meadow and stream stop | Below the pass | Jun–Sep | 1 hour |
| Sinthan Maidan camping | ~60 km from Kishtwar | Summer | Half day or overnight |
| Paragliding / horse riding | Sinthan Maidan | Summer, if operating | Varies |
Suggested day-trip itinerary
A day trip from Srinagar to Sinthan Top and back is comfortable in summer if you start early and respect any crossing-time limits. Here is a simple plan built around the 4–5 hour drive each way.
- 6–7 am: Leave Srinagar; drive via Awantipora and Anantnag toward Kokernag.
- 9–9.30 am: Short stop at Kokernag spring and garden, then continue to Daksum.
- 10.30–11 am: Begin the forested climb from Daksum; watch for stream crossings on the road.
- Midday: Reach Sinthan Top; walk on the snow or meadow, take in the panorama, rest by the streams.
- 1.30–2 pm: Start back down well before light fades; eat a packed lunch or stop at Daksum/Kokernag.
- 6–7 pm: Return to Srinagar.
If you want a slower pace, stay a night at Daksum or Kokernag and drive the final leg in the morning when the road is quietest.
Where to stay
There is no accommodation at Sinthan Top itself, so plan to stay at Daksum, Kokernag or Srinagar. JKTDC says the nearest hotels are at Kokernag and Daksum, ranging from budget private and government huts to deluxe rooms, and suggests budgeting roughly ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 a night.
- Budget (₹1,000–₹2,000, indicative — reconfirm): Government huts and small private guesthouses at Daksum and Kokernag. Book ahead in peak summer; rooms are limited.
- Mid-range (₹2,000–₹3,500, indicative — reconfirm): Tourism-department bungalows and deluxe rooms at Kokernag and Daksum, per JKTDC’s band.
- Srinagar base (₹1,500–₹6,000+, indicative — reconfirm): The widest choice of hotels, houseboats and homestays if you prefer a city base and a long day drive.
The hut and hotel rates above are planning estimates drawn from JKTDC’s stated band and should be reconfirmed directly, as of October 2026.
Food to try
There is no reliable food at the pass, so carry your own and eat local dishes in Kokernag, Daksum or Srinagar. Kashmiri valley cooking is the mainstay on this route.
- Rogan josh (lamb braised in a red, aromatic gravy) — a valley staple at most eateries.
- Kashmiri pulao (mildly sweet rice with dried fruit and nuts) — a lighter option for a long drive.
- Nadru (lotus-stem, often fried or in a yoghurt curry) — a regional vegetable speciality.
- Kahwa (green tea with saffron, cardamom and almonds) — the warming drink to carry in a flask for the cold top.
- Trout — the Kokernag–Daksum belt is known for fish farms; ask locally if fresh trout is available.
Pack water, dry snacks and a flask, because the drive is long and services thin out past Kokernag.
Budget breakdown
A guided day trip from Srinagar to Sinthan Top runs roughly ₹4,000–₹8,000 for two people, driven largely by the cab hire. The figures below are planning estimates for a one-day return drive, not official tariffs, and should be reconfirmed locally (as of October 2026).
| Item | Estimated cost (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return cab hire (Srinagar–Sinthan–Srinagar) | 4,000–7,000 | Hire a local driver used to the pass; rate varies by vehicle |
| Food and flasks for two | 400–800 | Meals at Kokernag/Daksum plus packed snacks |
| Kokernag garden/incidental entry | 0–100 | Small or nil; reconfirm on site |
| Buffer (weather, extra stops) | 500 | Keep cash for detours and delays |
| Total (two people, one day) | ~4,900–8,400 | Add a night at Daksum/Kokernag if staying over |
Assumptions: self-driven itinerary is uncommon here, so the estimate assumes a hired cab; fuel is included in the cab rate; no overnight stay.
Safety, permits and road rules
No inner-line permit or special entry permit is needed for Indian travellers to visit Sinthan Top; it is open tourist road, and no permit requirement was found in official sources as of October 2026. The real constraints are altitude, weather and the road itself.
- Road status first: The pass is snow-bound for much of the year and openings are conditional. Confirm the current NH-244 status with the district administration or local traffic police before you set out; authorities have imposed fixed crossing windows (for example 11 am–2 pm in January 2025) and can suspend traffic in bad weather.
- Altitude: At roughly 3,800 m, some visitors feel breathless, headachy or tired. Ascend gradually, keep hydrated, and do not linger if you feel unwell. The nearest hospitals are back down the valley at Anantnag or in Kishtwar.
- Weather: Mountain weather turns fast; snow, mist and cold can arrive even in summer. Start early and be off the pass by mid-afternoon.
- No facilities: There is no fuel, no reliable mobile network, no ATM and no shop at the top. Fuel up and draw cash in Anantnag.
- Eco-sense: Carry your litter back out; the meadows and streams are fragile and unserviced.
Practical tips
The single most useful tip for Sinthan Top is to hire a local driver who knows the pass and to treat the day as weather-led, not fixed. A few more practical notes:
- Network and cash: Expect little or no signal past Kokernag; carry cash, as UPI and ATMs are unreliable beyond the towns.
- Start early: Leave Srinagar by 6–7 am to allow the full return drive in daylight and to clear the pass before afternoon melt and weather.
- Packing: Even in summer carry a warm layer, windcheater, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen; add waterproof boots for snow in spring. In shoulder season add a heavier jacket.
- Solo and women travellers: The route is a busy day-trip corridor in season, but it is remote above Daksum; travel with a known driver, share your plan, and avoid being on the pass near dusk.
- Health: Carry basic altitude and motion-sickness medication, water and snacks; the nearest medical help is in Anantnag or Kishtwar.
Nearby places
The best nearby stops are strung along the approach road, so you can combine Sinthan Top with Kokernag, Daksum and Achabal in one loop. These make the long drive worthwhile even if the pass is closed.
| Place | Distance from pass | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Daksum | About 37 km | Forested resort stop at ~2,438 m; base for the final climb |
| Kokernag | About 48 km | Freshwater spring and botanical garden on the route |
| Achabal | Near Anantnag | Mughal garden on the way back toward Srinagar |
| Sinthan Maidan | About 22–24 km (Kishtwar side) | Alpine meadow for camping and informal activities |
For planning the wider trip, our Jammu and Kashmir travel guide sets out the region’s seasons, transport and routes.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Sinthan Top?
Sinthan Top sits at about 3,784 m (12,414 ft) above sea level, per the Kishtwar district administration and Wikipedia’s infobox. Wikipedia’s text also cites 12,500 ft (3,800 m), so it is best described as roughly 3,800 m. At this altitude, climb slowly and watch for breathlessness or headache.
Is the Sinthan Top road open now?
It depends on the season and weather. Sinthan Top’s road on NH-244 is usually open April to September and closed through winter snow. In early 2025 it ran only within a fixed 11 am–2 pm window; in November 2025 it shut again. Always confirm current status with the district administration before travelling.
How do I reach Sinthan Top from Srinagar?
Drive from Srinagar via Awantipora, Anantnag, Kokernag and Daksum, then climb the final leg to the pass. JKTDC gives the distance as about 132 km and 4–5 hours. There is no rail or air link to the pass itself, so a hired cab with a local driver is the practical way to go.
What is the best time to visit Sinthan Top?
The best time is April to September, the window JKTDC recommends and when the road is normally open. Late spring and early summer let you walk on snow with an easier climb, while June to August offers the mildest driving. Winter access is rare because the road is snow-bound and usually closed.
Do I need a permit to visit Sinthan Top?
No special permit was found for Indian travellers visiting Sinthan Top in official sources as of October 2026; it is open tourist road. The real limits are road status, weather and altitude, not paperwork. Confirm the NH-244 opening and any crossing-time window with the district administration before you set out.
Are there hotels or shops at Sinthan Top?
No. There are no hotels, shops, fuel or hospitals at the pass itself. The nearest stays and services are at Daksum and Kokernag, where JKTDC lists budget and government huts through to deluxe rooms, roughly ₹1,500–₹3,500 a night. Carry food, water, warm layers and cash.
Last updated and sources
Sinthan Top suits travellers who want a high, snowy viewpoint without a hard trek, best attempted on a clear summer day with an early start and a local driver. Go between April and September, confirm the road first, and keep the day flexible around the weather.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC), About Sinthan Top; Kishtwar District Administration, Sinthan Top; Wikipedia, Sinthan Top and Daksum; Greater Kashmir, Kishtwar–Sinthan Top–Anantnag NH-244 partially restored (16 January 2025). Accessed September 2026.
