NICHINNAI PASS

About Nichinnai Pass

Opening Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM on all days

Prime Day and Hours: Weekdays; mornings

Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Tickets: Free entry

Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi, 322 kilometres away

Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport, 97 kilometres away

Nearest Bus Stop: Sonamarg Bus Stop, 5 kilometres away

 A visit to Sonamarg with Kashmir luxury tour packages needs to include the offbeat Nichnai Pass, a favourite among adventurers. This pass, located a few kilometres away from Sonamarg, is the gateway to Kashmir’s ultimate adventure, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. You can either enjoy a short one-day trek to Nichnai Pass or go on the entire seven-day lakes trek from here.

Nichnai Pass lies at an incredible altitude of 4,139 metres or 13,229 feet, making it one of the highest points on the trail. Start your adventure in the morning from Shitkadi near Sonamarg, the base camp of the Nichnai Pass. Over the next few hours, you will rapidly ascend over 5,000 feet to reach the magnificent pass. Surrounded by lush greenery, pristine streams, colourful blossoms, and snow-clad mountains, the views from Nichnai Pass will leave you speechless. Relish a piping hot lunch and click unparalleled pictures as you enjoy this memorable day trip with friends and family.

Must-Try Experiences

1. Trekking: The Nichnai Pass ranks among the best places for trekking in Kashmir and is suited only for experienced trekkers. With its high altitude of over 13,000 feet and rugged trails, the pass is an exciting challenge that few have explored over the years.

2. Photography: The beauty of Nichnai Pass is truly unparalleled, as is obvious from its reputation as the ‘Valley of Wildflowers’. The pass is surrounded by two Himalayan ranges and offers panoramic views of the Sonamarg and Vishnusar Valleys, creating stunning photography opportunities.

3. Sightseeing: The pass is the gateway to some of Kashmir’s most iconic lakes, the Vishnusar and Krishansar lakes. While you might see the lakes from the pass, you can also trek to them if you camp overnight at Nichnai.

Nichinnai Pass Highlights

• Witness the stunning beauty of one of Sonamarg’s iconic trekking gateways as you visit the Nichnai Pass.
• Experience a one-of-a-kind trekking adventure as you rapidly ascend over 5,000 feet in a few hours.
• Admire the mesmerising panoramic views of the Sonamarg Valley on one side and the Kashmir Great Lakes on the other end.

How To Reach Nichinnai Pass

By Foot: The trek to Nichnai Pass begins from Shitkadi, which is around 5.5 kilometres from the centre of Sonamarg. You can reach Shitkadi in around 10-12 minutes via NH 1, from where the trek to Nichnai takes around 7-8 hours.

Best Time To Visit Nichinnai Pass

Peak Season (Mid-July to Mid-August)

1. Weather insights: Pleasant temperatures, sunny mornings, light evening rains, lush greenery, flowers in full bloom

2. Things to do: Trekking, photography, sightseeing, camping

Shoulder Season (Early July)

1. Weather insights: Pleasant temperatures, melting snow cover, half-frozen streams, blooming flowers

2. Things to do: Trekking, sightseeing, camping, photography

Waning Season (Mid-August to Early September)

1. Weather insights: Comfortable weather, sunny days, onset of cold weather, greenery, blooming flowers

2. Things to do: Trekking, photography, camping, sightseeing

Nichinnai Pass Other Essential Information

WHY VISIT Nichnai Pass?

1. Nichnai Pass is known as the ‘Valley of Wildflowers’ due to its vibrant natural beauty in the summer months.

2. The pass is a hidden gem of Kashmir’s trekking circuit, making it a relatively unexplored wonder for adventurous trekkers.

3. With an altitude of 13,229 feet, the pass is the third highest point in the Kashmir Great Lakes trek.

4. The Nichnai Pass was an important route for ancient traders and shepherds for centuries and still is essential to daily local life.

5. You can see some of the rarest plants and animals at this hidden biodiversity hotspot of Kashmir.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

1.  The trek to Nichnai Pass is of a moderate-difficult level, which means it is not suitable for visitors with no trekking experience.

2.  Wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes as the trek crosses rugged landscapes and takes a few hours.

3.  Carry sufficient water from Sonamarg, and you can refill along the route to Nichnai Pass.

4.  Keep snacks and medications handy to deal with the steep gain in altitude to the Nichnai Pass, which lies at 13,229 feet.

5.  Wear multiple layers to keep yourself warm as the weather at the pass is colder as compared to Sonamarg due to the higher altitude.