Kokernag Travel Guide – Spring, Gardens & Sinthan TopDuke Kashmir Travels
Kokernag is a freshwater spring and botanical garden in Anantnag district, Kashmir, India. It lies 70 km from Srinagar, and its name joins the Kashmiri words for hen and spring.
The spring is known across Kashmir for the quality of its water and for the trout farm attached to it. The garden around it is terraced, planted and quiet, and the road on from here climbs to Sinthan Top.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- Distance: 70 km from Srinagar, about two hours through Anantnag.
- What it is: Kashmir's largest freshwater spring, with a botanical garden and trout farm.
- Best time: April to October; the garden is at its best in spring.
- Time needed: an hour or two, or a full day if you continue to Sinthan Top.
- Combine with: Achabal and Verinag, both within half an hour.
What is there to see at Kokernag?
The spring, the terraced garden and the trout farm. The water surfaces through forest and splits into channels that run through the garden; the trout hatchery beside it supplies streams across the valley.
Beyond the garden the road climbs to Sinthan Top at about 3,800 m (12,500 ft), snowbound for much of the year, and to Margan Top on the Warwan route. Both are seasonal.
How do you get to Kokernag from Srinagar?
70 km south, about two hours, generally as part of a south Kashmir loop. Kokernag, Achabal and Verinag sit within half an hour of each other and make one comfortable day.
Book Kokernag with Duke Kashmir Travels
We are a J&K Tourism-registered agency (JKTA00003978) with our own vehicles and drivers. Kokernag is part of our south Kashmir day trip and a stop for anyone driving on to Sinthan Top. See the Kashmir tour ideas page.
Insider tip from our local team
If you plan to continue to Sinthan Top, ask about the road at Kokernag before committing — the pass clears late and shuts early, and the last stretch is where vehicles get stuck. The trout at the hatchery are fed in the morning, which is when the spring pools are worth photographing.