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A high-altitude mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway, known for its challenging drive, dramatic landscapes, and connecting Kashmir to Ladakh.
Zoji La is a high-altitude mountain pass located on National Highway 1, serving as a critical link between the Kashmir Valley near Sonmarg and the Dras region of Ladakh. The journey across this pass is an experience in itself, marked by a dramatic transformation of the landscape. As you ascend from the Sonmarg side, the lush green meadows and dense forests give way to barren, rocky mountains, signaling your entry into the cold desert of Ladakh. The road is narrow with sharp hairpin bends and steep vertical drops, making it one of the most challenging drives in India.
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Zoji La, National Highway 1, Ganderbal District, Sonmarg, Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Air
Srinagar International Airport (SXR) is the nearest airport, roughly 120 km from the pass. From the airport, you need to hire a taxi to Sonmarg (around 100 km), which is the base for the Zoji La journey.
Train
The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi (JAT), located approximately 370 km from Sonmarg. From Jammu, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Srinagar, then proceed to Sonmarg, a journey that takes over a day.
Road
Zoji La is situated on National Highway 1 (Srinagar-Leh Highway). To reach it, you must first travel from Srinagar to Sonmarg (80 km, about 3 hours). The pass lies 25 km ahead of Sonmarg. Taxis and buses are available from Srinagar.
Local Transport
To cross Zoji La from Sonmarg, you must hire a private or shared taxi. Local drivers are accustomed to the difficult terrain. This is not a journey for local city transport; it is part of a long-distance route to Kargil or Leh.
Nearby restaurants near Zoji La Pass
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