About Zoji La
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar, 115 km away
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport, 116 km away
Brace yourself for a challenging journey to the Mountain Pass of Blizzards- Zoji La on your next road trip. Located at a height of 11,575 feet in the Kargil district of Ladakh, it is one of the highest mountain passes in the world. Known for its rugged terrain and unexpected weather conditions, it invites all adrenaline junkies for an adventure of a lifetime.
A visit to Zoji La enchants you with the vibrancy of Ladakhi culture and cuisine. You can hop on a bike to ride through its narrow roads or try activities like trekking or snowboarding. If adventure isn't your cup of tea, then just gaze at the pristine views of white clouds drifting over snow-capped Himalayan peaks and capture them in your camera. You can also admire the glistening vistas of Drass Valley and Drang Drung Glacier after climbing on this pass.
Must-Try Experiences
1. Enjoy a bike trip: Take your bike to ride on one of the highest passes in the world for a memorable adventure. Bracing the strong winds, and biking on the narrow road of this pass is an adrenaline-pumping experience for all.
2. Hop on an off-roading adventure: Ride in a 4*4 vehicle at a height of more than 11,000 feet with stunning views of snow-covered peaks at Zoji La. Filled with dramatic views at every corner, a road trip in Zoji La promises a heart-racing adventure.
3. Experience local culture: Get a chance to interact with the locals and appreciate the local culture in the small villages near Zoji La. Sample some Ladakhi food like thukpa (noodle soup) and cherish the local culture which dates back to the age of the ancient silk route.
Zoji La Highlights
• Unleash your adventurous spirit at the Mountain Pass of Blizzards- Zoji La at a height of 11,575 feet in the Kargil District of Ladakh.
• Go for an adventurous road trip through hairpin bends, steep climbs and snowstorms at Zoji La.
• Capture awe-inspiring views of the lush meadows of Sonamarg, the grandeur of Drass Valley and the magnificent Drang Drung Glacier Zoji La.
• Test your endurance with an array of adrenaline-pumping activities like snowboarding, trekking and camping near Zoji La.
Best Time To Visit Zoji La
Peak Season: May to June:
Weather Insights: The snow begins to melt which offers pleasant weather and better road conditions for a thrilling drive.
Things to Do: Road trip, trekking and bike trip
Moderate Season: July to September:
Weather Insights: Lush greenery engulfs the Zoji La meadows while a chill in the air remains, bringing new life to the breathtaking landscape.
Things to Do: Sightseeing, photography
Low Season: October
Weather Insights: This is the most serene time to visit Zoji La and avoid crowds in the autumn vibes of snow-capped Himalayas.
Things to Do: Experiencing local culture, photography
Zoji La Other Essential Information
Why Visit?
- The pass served as an ancient trade route to transport goods like wool, spices, and salt across Central Asia.
- Zoji La is located on National Highway 1 between Srinagar and Leh in the western section of the Himalayan mountain range.
- The pass was recaptured by the Indian Army during Operation Bison after it was seized by the Pakistani forces in the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War.
- Zoji La is the second-highest pass after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.
- It is also a project site for the construction of an all-weather tunnel that will cut down the time to cross the Zojila pass from four hours to just 15 minutes.
- Zoji La Pass is 193 km long and is located at an altitude of approximately 11,575 feet.
Know Before You Go
- Check weather updates as there may be unpredictable snow or rainfall at Zoji La Pass which can cause its closure for tourists.
- Avoid monsoon and winter season here as it is unsafe due to landslides.
- Make sure that you are travelling in a proper vehicle to enable better control on steep or slippery roads.
- Carry warm clothing, essential medications, water, snacks and a first aid kit while travelling here.
- Spend time acclimatising yourself in high-altitude areas like Sonmarg and Manali before travelling here.
- Follow the guidelines of the Border Roads Organisation and drive carefully at a moderate speed.
Tourism Board Alliances
Zoji La Pass FAQs
What makes Zoji La Pass unique, and where is it located?
Zoji La is one of the most challenging and picturesque mountain passes in the world, and it is at a height of 11,575 feet in the Kargil District. Connecting the Kashmir Valley to the Dras and Suru valleys in Ladakh, this pass is known for its dramatic views and rugged terrain.
What is the best time to visit Zoji La Pass?
May to October offer the best time to visit Zoji La Pass as the weather is pleasant which allows for a smooth yet thrilling drive. During this time, the snow begins to melt which makes accessibility easier and safer on Zoji La.
What are the key attractions near Zoji La Pass?
Some of the popular attractions near Zoji La Pass are Sonmarg and Baltal Valley known for their lush meadows. Tourists also love visiting the Dras War Memorial, Kargil town and Lamayuru Monastery. Adventure seekers can also explore trekking trails near Thajiwas Glacier while visiting Zoji La.
Are there any safety concerns while traveling through ZojiLa Pass?
Yes, you need to take caution on the narrow roads and sharp turns to enjoy a safe drive while travelling through Zoji La. It is advised to check weather updates and be aware of any chance of landslides or avalanches that may happen on the way. You should follow safety instructions provided by local authorities.
What are the top things to do in and around Zoji La Pass?
You can engage in many adventure activities like trekking, sightseeing and nature walks at Zoji La Pass. In addition to offering a challenging route for road trippers and bikers, Zoji La is also a photographer’s paradise with its dramatic landscapes.
How is the flight connectivity to Srinagar? Do Thrillophilia travel packages include flights?
Srinagar has good flight connectivity to major Indian cities through a network of direct and connecting flights, making it accessible for travellers.
Direct Flights:
Bangalore to Srinagar: Airlines such as IndiGo operate direct flights from Bangalore to Srinagar, with departures throughout the day.
Mumbai to Srinagar: Travelers from Mumbai can avail themselves of direct flights to Srinagar, offered by various airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air.
Connecting Flights:
Chennai to Srinagar: Currently, there are no direct flights from Chennai to Srinagar. Passengers can opt for connecting flights with layovers in cities like Delhi or Mumbai.
Kolkata to Srinagar: Travelers from Kolkata can reach Srinagar via connecting flights, typically transiting through Delhi or Mumbai.
kashmir Tour Packages Including Flights:
For those interested in comprehensive travel plans, Thrillophilia offers customizable Kashmir tour packages from various cities like Banglore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
From Bangalore: Thrillophilia provides Kashmir packages from Bangalore, which include flights and accommodations, allowing travellers to explore the beauty of Kashmir.
From Mumbai: Thrillophilia offers Kashmir packages from Mumbai that include flights, accommodations, and guided tours to famous attractions.
From Chennai: Travelers from Chennai can also book Thrillophilia's Kashmir packages, which include flights with layovers, accommodations, and sightseeing options.
From Kolkata: Thrillophilia offers Kashmir packages from Kolkata, including connecting flights, comfortable stays, and guided tours to prominent destinations in Kashmir.
These packages are designed to offer a seamless travel experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting beauty of Kashmir without the hassle of separate bookings.
What are the best day and night tour packages you can book with Thrillophilia?
Day 1: Gulmarg Sightseeing Tour - Enjoy a Cable Car ride, and visit Drung Waterfall.
Day 2: Travel to Srinagar - Explore Hari Parbat, and visit Jamia Masjid
Day 3: Srinagar Sightseeing Tour - Enjoy a Shikara ride in Dal Lake, visit Mughal Gardens, and Shankaracharya Temple, and enjoy a houseboat stay.
Day 4: Departure - Check out from the houseboat and get transferred to Srinagar Airport.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar - Visit Nishat market & Polo View Market, and Nigeen lake.
Day 2: Transfer to Pahalgam - Experience river rafting at Lidder River, visit Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, and Aru Valley.
Day 3: Transfer to Srinagar - Enjoy a Shikara Ride, visit Shalimar Bagh, Chashma Shahi, and Nishat Bagh, and enjoy a houseboat stay.
Day 4: Excursion to Gulmarg - Enjoy a cable car ride at Apharwat Peak, and visit Drung Waterfall and Strawberry Valley.
Day 5: Departure - Checkout from the houseboat and get transferred to the Airport.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar - Visit Polo View Market & Nishat market, or visit the Nigeen Lake.
Day 2: Travel to Sonamarg - Visit the Thajiwas Glacier viewpoint and try river rafting at Sindh River.
Day 3: Day trip to Gulmarg - Experience a cable car ride at Apharwat Peak, and visit Drung Waterfall & Strawberry Valley.
Day 4: Travel to Pahalgam - Enjoy river rafting at Lidder River, and visit Aru Valley, Betaab Valley & Chandanwari.
Day 5: Travel to Srinagar - Experience a Shikara Ride, visit Mughal Gardens, and enjoy a houseboat stay.
Day 6: Departure - Checkout from the houseboat and get transferred to the Airport.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar - Experience Shikara Ride, visit Jamia Masjid, Anchar Lake, and Lal Chowk.
Day 2: Travel to Pahalgam - Explore Tulian Lake, Baisaran Valley, and Mamleshwar Temple
Day 3: Pahalgam Sightseeing Tour - Visit Aru Valley, Betaab Valley & Chandanwari and enjoy river rafting at Lidder River.
Day 4: Travel to Srinagar - Enjoy visiting Chashme Shahi, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Pari Mahal, Botanical Garden, and Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
Day 5: Day Trip to Gulmarg - Visit Igloo Cafe, Strawberry Valley, and Drung Waterfall, or try the Gondola ride.
Day 6: Day Trip to Yusmarg - Explore Doodh Ganga River and the sacred Charar-e-Sharief Shrine.
Day 7: Departure - After breakfast, check out from the hotel and get transferred to the airport.
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