Quick Answer
Machil (also spelt Machhal) is a border valley in Kupwara district in north Kashmir. From Kupwara town the road climbs about 32 km to the Zamindar Gali pass (Z-Gali, about 3,150 m), then drops about 15 km into the valley: roughly 3 hours by road. Snow closes the pass in winter, so the season is about June to October. Visitors who do not live in Kupwara need an e-pass from the district administration. Machil received its first homestay tourists in October 2021, and homestays now operate in Machil and Pushwari.
Machil is one of the least-visited valleys in Kashmir. For most of its history it was known only as an army sector, and villagers earned a living as seasonal porters. When a group of 26 travellers from Maharashtra stayed with families in October 2021, local reports called them the first tourists in the valley since independence. It is a place for travellers who want high pastures, wooden villages and silence, and who accept basic facilities and strict border rules.
How to reach Machil
| Leg | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar to Kupwara | About 90 km | Via Sopore, 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Kupwara to Zamindar Gali | About 32 km | Past the Kalaroos turn; steep climb; entry checked at the top |
| Zamindar Gali to Machil | About 15 km | Descent into the valley |
| Total from Srinagar | About 5 to 6 hours | Leave early; cross the pass in daylight |
Approximate. Road conditions on the pass decide the time.
Shared Sumos run between Kupwara and Machil for residents, but for visitors a private cab with a mountain driver is the practical choice. Above the Kalaroos turn the road is narrow and rough in places; do not attempt it in a low car after rain.
Machil permit: the Kupwara e-pass
- 1Apply on the Kupwara district e-permission portal (epass.kupwara.co.in) and choose Machil as the destination.
- 2Apply several days ahead. Machil is a sensitive sector, and approval is not automatic.
- 3Carry the approved pass, printed copies and government photo ID for every traveller. Your details are recorded at the army post on Zamindar Gali.
- 4Foreign nationals and OCI card holders face stricter rules near the Line of Control. Talk to us before planning.
Access to Machil depends on the security situation and can be stopped at short notice. We confirm the status for your dates before you travel.
What to expect in Machil
- Zamindar Gali: the high pass on the way in, with wide views back over Kupwara on a clear day.
- Village life: wooden homes, terraced fields and summer pastures around Machil and Pushwari.
- Facilities: basic. There are homestays and government rest houses, no hotels and few shops; mobile signal is weak.
- Rules: photography near army posts and the Line of Control is restricted. Stay on the roads and paths your hosts show you.
Best time to visit Machil
- June to September: the pass is open and the pastures are green.
- October: possible until the first snow on Zamindar Gali.
- November to May: snow usually cuts Machil off by road.
Nights are cold at this height even in July; bring warm layers.
A Machil trip with Via Kashmir
We plan Machil only as a private trip: a driver who knows the Z-Gali road, the e-pass handled step by step, the pass and the permit status checked the day before, and a homestay night in the valley. It fits a 3 to 4-day Kupwara circuit with Lolab valley and Keran. Send your dates and group size through the form for a fixed, itemised quote.
Plan your Machil trip
Send your dates and group size. We check the e-pass status and Zamindar Gali, and quote the cab and homestay.
Further reading from Kashmir Pulse
- Lolab Valley: Kashmir's Most Beautiful Valley That Tourism Forgot
Lolab Valley in Kupwara district sits 100 km north of Srinagar and has none of the trappings of a tourist destination: no pony wallah...
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Machil valley?
In Kupwara district in north Kashmir, beyond the Zamindar Gali pass, close to the Line of Control.
Is Machil open for tourists?
Yes, with a Kupwara e-pass, in the summer months. Access depends on the security situation, so check before you go.
How do I reach Machil from Srinagar?
Drive to Kupwara (about 90 km), then about 32 km up to Zamindar Gali and 15 km down into Machil. Plan 5 to 6 hours in all.
How high is Zamindar Gali?
About 3,150 m (around 10,300 ft).
Is there a hotel in Machil?
No. There are village homestays in Machil and Pushwari and government rest houses. Facilities are simple.
Can I visit Machil in winter?
Usually not. Snow on Zamindar Gali cuts the valley off by road for much of the winter and spring.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked November 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.