Are you looking for an offbeat destination in Kashmir that will take your breath away? If yes, then you should definitely visit Sinthan Top, a stunning mountain pass that offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Sinthan Top is one of the most scenic and adventurous places in Kashmir, where you can enjoy camping, hiking, skiing, and photography. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Sinthan Top, such as how to reach, when to visit, what to do, and where to go. Read on to discover why Sinthan Top is a must-visit place for every traveler.
How to Reach Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is located at an altitude of 12,450 feet, about 130 km from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. You can reach Sinthan Top by road from different locations, such as Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Jammu. Here are the details of each mode of transport:
Car: The best way to reach Sinthan Top is by car, as you can enjoy the scenic drive along the Srinagar-Jammu highway. You can either hire a private car or rent a self-drive car from Srinagar or Jammu. The drive from Srinagar to Sinthan Top takes about 4 hours, while the drive from Jammu takes about 8 hours. The road is well-maintained and safe, but you may encounter some traffic and checkpoints along the way. The cost of hiring a car ranges from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per day, depending on the type and season of the car.
Bus: Another option to reach Sinthan Top is by bus, which is cheaper but less comfortable than car. You can take a state-run or private bus from Srinagar or Jammu to Kokernag, a town near Sinthan Top. The bus fare is around Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 per person. The bus journey from Srinagar to Kokernag takes about 5 hours, while the bus journey from Jammu takes about 9 hours. From Kokernag, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to Sinthan Top, which costs around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per vehicle. The taxi or jeep ride takes about an hour to reach Sinthan Top.
Bike: If you are an adventure lover, you can also reach Sinthan Top by bike, which is the most thrilling and challenging way to explore the region. You can rent a bike from Srinagar or Jammu, which costs around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 per day, depending on the type and season of the bike. You can also join a bike tour or a bike club that organizes trips to Sinthan Top. The bike ride from Srinagar to Sinthan Top takes about 5 hours, while the bike ride from Jammu takes about 10 hours. You need to be careful and cautious while riding on the hilly and curvy roads, and carry enough fuel, spare parts, and safety gear.
Best Time to Visit Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is a year-round destination, as each season offers a different and unique experience. However, the best time to visit Sinthan Top is from April to September, when the weather is pleasant and the snow is melting. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each season:
Spring (April to May): Spring is the most beautiful season to visit Sinthan Top, as the snow starts to melt and the flowers start to bloom. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and the rainfall is low. You can witness the greenery and freshness of the valley, and enjoy the clear and sunny skies. You can also indulge in camping, hiking, and photography, and capture the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. However, the road may be slippery and muddy due to the melting snow, and you may need to carry warm clothes and raincoats.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the most popular season to visit Sinthan Top, as the weather is warm and the snow is gone. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, and the rainfall is moderate. You can enjoy the cool breeze and the blue skies, and explore the nearby places like Daksum, Margan Top, and Inshan. You can also participate in adventure activities like skiing, paragliding, and rafting, and experience the thrill and excitement of the region. However, the road may be crowded and congested due to the peak tourist season, and you may need to book your accommodation and transport in advance.
Autumn (September to October): Autumn is another beautiful season to visit Sinthan Top, as the weather is mild and the foliage is colorful. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and the rainfall is low. You can witness the changing hues of the valley, and enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere. You can also indulge in camping, hiking, and photography, and capture the mesmerizing views of the golden and red mountains. However, the road may be foggy and misty due to the changing weather, and you may need to carry warm clothes and jackets.
Winter (November to March): Winter is the most challenging season to visit Sinthan Top, as the weather is cold and the snow is heavy. The temperature ranges from -5°C to 10°C, and the snowfall is high. You can witness the white and frozen beauty of the valley, and enjoy the cozy and romantic ambiance. You can also participate in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, and experience the fun and adventure of the region. However, the road may be closed and blocked due to the heavy snow, and you may need to carry woolen clothes and boots.
Things to Do at Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is not just a place to see, but a place to do. There are many activities and attractions at Sinthan Top that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Here are some of the things to do at Sinthan Top:
Camping: One of the best things to do at Sinthan Top is camping, as you can spend a night under the stars and wake up to the sunrise over the mountains. You can pitch your own tent or rent a tent from the local vendors, who also provide food and water. You can also light a bonfire and enjoy the warmth and music of the night. Camping at Sinthan Top is a great way to connect with nature and yourself, and to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, you need to be careful and respectful of the environment, and avoid littering and polluting the place.
Hiking: Another thing to do at Sinthan Top is hiking, as you can explore the trails and paths that lead to the top and beyond. You can hike to the summit of Sinthan Top, which is about 2 km from the base, and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley and the peaks. You can also hike to the nearby places like Daksum, Margan Top, and Inshan, which are about 10 km to 15 km from Sinthan Top, and witness the wildlife, waterfalls, and temples. Hiking at Sinthan Top is a great way to exercise and challenge yourself, and to discover the hidden gems of the region. However, you need to be fit and prepared for the hike, and carry enough water, snacks, and safety gear.
Skiing: One more thing to do at Sinthan Top is skiing, as you can slide and glide on the snow and ice that cover the slopes and fields. You can ski on the natural slopes of Sinthan Top, which are suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, and enjoy the speed and thrill of the sport. You can also ski on the artificial slopes of Sinthan Top, which are created by the tourism department, and enjoy the facilities and amenities of the resort. Skiing at Sinthan Top is a great way to have fun and adventure, and to experience the winter wonderland of the region. However, you need to be skilled and cautious for the skiing, and carry enough equipment, clothing, and accessories.
Photography: The last thing to do at Sinthan Top is photography, as you can capture and preserve the beauty and charm of the place. You can take photos of the landscapes, the snow, the flowers, the animals, and the people, and create a visual diary of your trip. You can also take selfies and group photos, and share them with your friends and family. Photography at Sinthan Top is a great way to express and impress yourself, and to relive and cherish your memories. However, you need to be respectful and polite while taking photos, and avoid disturbing or offending the locals and the wildlife.
Places to Visit Near Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is not the only attraction in the area, as there are many places to visit near Sinthan Top that will enrich your trip. Here are some of the places to visit near Sinthan Top:
Daksum: Daksum is a small and scenic town near Sinthan Top, about 15 km away. Daksum is famous for its lush green meadows, dense pine forests, and gushing streams. Daksum is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as bears, leopards, and deer. Daksum is a perfect place to visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, who can enjoy the tranquility and diversity of the place. You can reach Daksum by car, bus, taxi, or jeep from Sinthan Top, which takes about half an hour. You can also hike to Daksum from Sinthan Top, which takes about 3 hours.
Margan Top: Margan Top is another mountain pass near Sinthan Top, about 10 km away. Margan Top is famous for its breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal range, the Sind Valley, and the Kishtwar Valley. Margan Top is also known for its historical and religious significance, as it was a part of the ancient silk route and a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Muslims. Margan Top is a perfect place to visit for sightseeing and spirituality, who can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the place. You can reach Margan Top by car, bus, taxi, or jeep from Sinthan Top, which takes about 20 minutes. You can also hike to Margan Top from Sinthan Top, which takes about 2 hours.
Inshan: Inshan is a small and picturesque village near Sinthan Top, about 12 km away. Inshan is famous for its apple orchards, walnut trees, and saffron fields. Inshan is also home to a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which attracts many devotees and tourists. Inshan is a perfect place to visit for culture and cuisine, who can enjoy the hospitality and delicacies of the place. You can reach Inshan by car, bus, taxi, or jeep from Sinthan Top, which takes about 25 minutes. You can also hike to Inshan from Sinthan Top, which takes about 2.5 hours.
Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Sinthan Top
We hope that this article has given you enough information and inspiration to visit Sinthan Top, a hidden gem in the heart of Kashmir. To make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some tips and recommendations for visiting Sinthan Top:
- Carry warm clothes and jackets, as the temperature can drop drastically at night and during winter.
- Carry raincoats and umbrellas, as the rainfall can be unpredictable and heavy at times.
- Carry water, snacks, and medicines, as there are no shops or restaurants at Sinthan Top.
- Carry a camera and a power bank, as you will want to capture and share the amazing views and moments of your trip.
- Book your accommodation and transport in advance, as Sinthan Top is a popular destination and may get crowded and expensive during peak season.
- Respect the environment and the locals, and avoid littering, polluting, or disturbing the place.
- Follow the safety rules and precautions, and avoid venturing into unknown or restricted areas.
- Read the testimonials and reviews from previous visitors, and learn from their experiences and suggestions.
Conclusion
If you are ready to book your trip to Sinthan Top, or if you want to know more about this place, you can contact us at Tripoto, your trusted travel partner. We will help you plan and customize your trip according to your preferences and budget. We will also provide you with the best deals and offers on accommodation, transport, and activities. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Sinthan Top, a hidden gem in the heart of Kashmir.
