Ganderbal: The iconic Zojila Pass is witnessing a new trend among tourists travelling between Kashmir and Ladakh, with visitors increasingly stopping at the high-altitude pass to enjoy the landscape, sip hot tea and capture photographs and videos.
Located at around 14,649 feet above sea level, Zojila is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. The stretch also remains particularly cold, and even during the summer months, tourists can encounter rain and chilly conditions at the pass.
A signboard reading “I Love Zojila”, installed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), has become a popular spot for tourists to stop and take pictures.
During a recent visit, tourists travelling towards Ladakh and Srinagar were seen spending time at the point, clicking photographs, recording reels and enjoying hot tea and snacks at temporary stalls operating along the route.
“We stayed here for almost half an hour just to capture photographs and videos. The view is beautiful and this is something we will remember,” said Rahul Sharma, a tourist from Delhi, who was travelling towards Ladakh with his friends.
Another tourist, Neha Verma from Jaipur, said the journey through Zojila was an experience in itself.
“The road looks challenging and at some places it feels adventurous, but the mountains and the landscape are breathtaking. We stopped here for tea and Maggi and really enjoyed the weather,” she said.
For Arjun Mehta from Mumbai, the stop at Zojila offered an opportunity to experience the mountain landscape up close.
“We had planned only a short stop, but after seeing the view and the ‘I Love Zojila’ sign, we stayed longer for pictures and videos. The cold weather and mountains make this place special,” he said.
Tourists said that although the Zojila road is considered one of the more difficult stretches on the Srinagar–Ladakh route, the dramatic mountains, winding road and changing weather make the journey memorable.
