🏔️ Sinthan Top & Daksum – South Kashmir’s Scenic Mountain Escape
Welcome to South Kashmir’s alpine wonderland, where the road leads you high above the clouds and deep into cedar forests. Sinthan Top and Daksum together offer a mesmerizing blend of pine-draped valleys, snowy mountain passes, and serenity far from tourist crowds. Perfect for offbeat travelers, photographers, and mountain lovers, this route takes you along one of Kashmir’s most dramatic drives — filled with sharp bends, deep gorges, and postcard-worthy panoramas.
Whether you’re chasing snow in summer at Sinthan Top or walking beside murmuring brooks in Daksum, this journey will awaken the adventurer in you.
🌟 Highlights of Sinthan Top & Daksum
1. Sinthan Top (12,450 ft)
A high-altitude mountain pass that connects Kashmir with Kishtwar (Jammu region)
360° panoramic views of Himalayan ranges on clear days
One of the few places where you can touch snow even in June!
Great for photography, snow play, and sunset/sunrise drives
2. Daksum Valley (8,000 ft)
A lush forested valley with cedar and pine trees, gurgling streams, and meadows
Ideal for nature walks, stream-side tea breaks, and peaceful picnics
Less crowded and deeply serene — great for a day retreat from Srinagar or Pahalgam
3. Kokernag Garden & Springs (En route)
Famous for its trout fishery and natural spring gardens
Ideal for a short break with a snack and a walk through the floral gardens
4. Bringhi River Walks (Daksum)
Follow the beautiful Bringhi River through the valley, often lined with locals selling tea or honey
Opportunity to dip your feet in glacial water or just relax on the banks
🎒 Things to Do
❄️ Snow play and snowball fights at Sinthan Top (May–June)
🌲 Forest walks in Daksum’s cedar groves
📸 Sunrise photography over Sinthan Pass
🧺 Picnic by the Bringhi River with homemade food
🚗 Scenic drive from Anantnag to Sinthan — every turn is a view
🐟 Visit Kokernag Trout Farm for a quick educational tour
☕ Where to Eat
Small tea stalls at Sinthan Top and Daksum serve Maggi, chai, and snacks
Trout fish fry & Kashmiri rice meals available at Kokernag or Daksum dhabas
Pack a lunch box from your hotel for a picnic in nature
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Experience Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Snow at Sinthan, lush green forests in Daksum 🌸 |
| Summer (Jul–Sep) | Best for drives, forest picnics, no snow 🌿 |
| Autumn (Oct) | Crisp air, golden foliage, peaceful drives 🍁 |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Inaccessible due to heavy snowfall at Sinthan ❄️ |
🚘 How to Reach
From Srinagar to Sinthan Top: ~130 km / ~4.5–5 hrs drive
Via Route: Srinagar → Anantnag → Kokernag → Daksum → Sinthan Top
Vehicle Tip: Preferably 4×4 for the upper stretch; narrow bends and steep climbs
Local Taxi Rules: No union restrictions; your cab can take you all the way
💡 Travel Tips
🧤 Carry woolens, even in summer — Sinthan is windy and cold
🚫 No shops or washrooms at the top — plan accordingly
🕰️ Visit early morning for clear skies and less crowd
📶 No mobile network at Sinthan; patchy at Daksum
🚯 Respect the environment — carry all waste back with you
📸 Suggested Gallery Captions
“View from the edge: Sinthan Top in June”
“Winding roads through cedar forests near Daksum”
“Bringhi River gushing through green meadows”
“Locals selling kehwa under pine trees”
“Golden hour at Sinthan with snow still melting”
✨ Touch the Clouds at Sinthan, Find Peace in Daksum
Let Pineview Escapes™ plan your perfect road trip to South Kashmir’s most underrated gems. From scenic stopovers to curated picnic spots and storytelling guides — we turn your journey into a memory.