Overview
Zoji La, at roughly 3,528 metres, is the pass on NH1 that connects the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, a short distance beyond Sonamarg. It marks a genuinely abrupt landscape change - lush valley on one side, stark high-altitude terrain on the other - and is one of the most dramatic short stretches of road in the region. The pass is snowbound and closed for through-traffic roughly from November to April or May each year, reopening once the Border Roads Organisation clears it.
Zoji La Pass on the Map
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Zoji La Pass
Scenic Viewpoint Stop
View on map →A stop near the pass gives a clear sense of the transition from Kashmir's green valley to Ladakh's high-altitude desert - a genuinely dramatic short stretch.
Gateway to Ladakh
View on map →For those continuing on the Srinagar-Leh highway, Zoji La is the first and most significant pass en route, usually followed by an overnight in Kargil or Drass.
How to Reach Zoji La Pass
Zoji La is on NH1, a short distance beyond Sonamarg. It is visited as part of a drive toward Ladakh, or as a scenic stop for those doing a Sonamarg day trip who want to see the pass itself (confirm current road conditions before going beyond Sonamarg, since access varies by season). The pass is typically closed to traffic from around November to April or May, reopening once cleared by the Border Roads Organisation.
Zoji La Pass FAQs
When is Zoji La Pass open?
Roughly May to October, though exact opening and closing dates shift year to year depending on snowfall and Border Roads Organisation clearance. It is closed to through-traffic for winter.
What is Zoji La Pass known for?
It is the mountain pass on NH1 connecting the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, known for the dramatic, abrupt change from green valley to high-altitude desert terrain, and as the first major pass for anyone driving from Srinagar to Leh.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.
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