Snow blanket draws tourists to Sinthan Top

The allure of a pristine snow blanket has propelled Sinthan Top into the limelight, drawing an increasing number of tourists, including foreigners, to this offbeat destination.
Situated approximately 45 kilometers from the renowned Botanical Garden Kokernag, Sinthan Top has witnessed a surge in footfall over the past months, with visitors flocking to revel in its wintry charm.
Official statistics disclosed by Rising Kashmir indicate that in January alone, Sinthan Top played host to 14,877 tourists, reflecting a notable uptick in arrivals. Among these, 13,328 were domestic travellers hailing from various states and union territories across India, while 1,519 were local excursionists. Notably, 30 foreign tourists ventured to Sinthan Top to bask in the splendour of its snow-clad landscapes.
Suheel Ahmad Lone, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kokernag, affirmed the burgeoning tourist influx, underscoring the resilience of visitor interest despite temporary road closures earlier in February.
“The burgeoning tourist footfall in Kokernag is indeed heartening. Despite the temporary closure of the road leading to Sinthan Top, tourists continue to explore nearby attractions such as Daksum and Dandipora,” he remarked.
Renowned food and travel blogger, Bhukkad Yatri, also journeyed to Sinthan Top, capturing the mesmerising vistas in a widely-viewed video that amassed over 750K views.
Khushboo from Bangalore, visiting Sinthan Top with her family, expressed her delight at experiencing the snow-clad landscapes for the first time. “Our visit is solely motivated by the desire to immerse ourselves in the snowy splendor. Following our sojourn in Sinthan Top, we plan to embark on further explorations in Kashmir, including a visit to Gulmarg for the famed Gondola ride,” she elaborated.
Similarly, Sana, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh, echoed the sentiments of delight, emphasising the unique allure of Kashmir during the winter season. “Our decision to visit Sinthan Top was fuelled by a desire to witness its lofty peaks and snow-laden panoramas. Truly, Kashmir exudes unparalleled charm during the winter months,” she remarked.
Traffic on the Sinthan Kishtwar Road is currently restricted to one-way passage between 11:30 am and 02:30 pm daily, contingent upon favourable weather conditions. Motorists are advised to equip their vehicles with anti-skid chains to navigate the slippery road surfaces effectively. Furthermore, adherence to the designated cut-off time on the Anantnag Kishtwar Road is imperative, with no vehicular passage permitted beyond the specified hour.