Margan Top is a mountain pass at about 14,000 feet in south Kashmir, carrying the road from Kokernag over into the Warvan valley. It is 120 km from Srinagar and about 4 km off the main road at the top. The reason to go is the crossing itself: meadow, forest and a view back over the valley from the crest.
Duke Kashmir Travels is a Srinagar travel agency, registered with the J&K Department of Tourism as JKTA00003978 since 2011. We plan south Kashmir days that take in the passes when they are open; Kashmir packages start near ₹6,350 per person, two sharing.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- About 14,000 feet at the crest, in south Kashmir.
- Roughly 120 km from Srinagar; the last stretch is about 4 km off the main road.
- Connects Kokernag with the Warvan valley behind it.
- The road is cut into the mountainside and is a summer route only.
- Meadows and dense forest below the pass, snow above it much of the year.
- No facilities at the top — carry food, water and warm clothing.
What is at Margan Top?
A high open crest with meadows falling away on both sides and the Himalayan ridges beyond. There is nothing built there.
Most visitors drive up, spend an hour and come back down. Behind the pass lies the Warvan valley, which stays cut off from the rest of Kashmir for much of the year, and that isolation is part of the appeal of standing at the top.
When is the pass open?
Roughly June to September, depending on snow clearance. It is impassable in winter and spring.
Check the road position before setting out; a late snow year can keep the crest closed into July. Weather at 14,000 feet changes fast, and there is no shelter.
How do you get there?
From Srinagar via Anantnag and Kokernag, roughly 120 kilometres, then the climb to the pass.
It makes a long day out of Srinagar, so many guests stay at Kokernag or Daksum. Sinthan Top is the other high crossing in the same district. See Kashmir tour ideas for south Kashmir routes.
Booking this with us
The agency behind this guide, Duke Kashmir Travels, was registered with the J&K Department of Tourism in March 2011 (JKTA00003978) and joined IATO in 2016. More on the paperwork is on our About Us page.
Tell us when you are travelling and how many of you there are, and a costed itinerary follows. Reach us on +91 9018 44 0000, at info@dukekashmirtravels.com, or through the contact page.
About the founder
The agency was started in Srinagar in 2011 by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, who owns it to this day, helped found the JK Tourism Council, and reads every destination guide before it goes up. His LinkedIn profile is here.