Record 27,500 tourists flock to Sinthan Top in 11 days

Kokernag, June 11: Reporting a record arrival of visitors, Sinthan Top, once an occasional spot for tourists, is seeing a major tourist influx this year. With rising temperatures across the country and J&K, Sinthan Top has become a go-to destination, offering a refreshing escape with its snow-covered peaks.
Sinthan Top, an offbeat tourist destination at an elevation of nearly 12,123 feet, connects the Anantnag and Kishtwar districts.
According to official figures, 70,862 tourists, including locals, domestic, and foreign visitors, have visited Daksum and subsequently Sinthan Top from the Anantnag side between March 1 and June 11 this year.
The official data further adds that in just 11 days of June, as many as 27,509 visitors thronged Sinthan Top. Among them, 22,136 were domestic tourists, 5,315 were locals, and notably, 58 foreign tourists also arrived.
The Sub-Divisional Administration in Kokernag has been actively promoting Kokernag and its surrounding offbeat destinations to boost tourism and enhance local livelihoods.
Suheel Ahmad Lone, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag, said that tourist footfall has significantly increased in Kokernag and Sinthan Top has now become a prime destination.
He said that the local administration continuously seeks ways to promote eco-friendly tourism and supports locals willing to contribute to tourism development.
“People are increasingly registering for homestays and showing interest in tourism, which benefits Kokernag and provides new livelihood opportunities,” he added.
MuizQadr, TehsildarLarnoo, said that Daksum, another offbeat tourist destination in Kokernag, offers scenic beauty to visitors. He encouraged people to visit such places but urged them that they should not litter. He said that over some period of time, the area has fortunately seen an uptick in tourist footfall.
“Tourists visiting Sinthan Top often stop at Daksum too, but Sinthan Top, in particular, has become especially famous and has attracted many visitors. Within our capacity, we are committed to ensuring sustainable tourism and its development in the area,” he added.
Meanwhile, tourists and locals have appealed to the government to develop basic facilities at Sinthan Top and Daksum for the convenience of visitors.
“Providing amenities such as tourist sheds and public conveniences would enhance the overall experience for visitors,” they said.