Perched at an altitude of 14,000 ft, the Margan Top has of late become a tourist attraction for being one of the most beautiful mountain tops of the Himalayan region in south Kashmir. Situated at about 35 km from Kokernag, this mountain pass is the gate way to a hidden valley called Warwan. Surrounded by beautiful meadows all around, the Margan Top boasts of a 360 degree view with Kashmir valley on one side and the Warwan valley on the other. Its name is derived from two words; Mar meaning death and Gan connoting valley. For its unpredictable weather conditions, it had been a valley of death till a road was constructed just ten years ago.
Margan Top is studded with four magnificent small lakes, together called Choharnag or four lakes. Lying at a distance of 3 km from the main road, these high altitude lakes provide a soul-soothing ambience at top of the mountain. The surrounding meadows of the Margan Top present a riot of colours during the summers when the wild flowers blossom in unison. The long and grassy expanses are home to thousands of sheep and goats who are brought here by Gujjars and Bakerwal tribesmen to graze here for some months.
Margan Top also acts as a base for some adventurous trekking routes. The trek to Botakote in Pahalgam from Margan top takes 4-5 days and is bedecked with four exquisite lakes at regular intervals. The track meanders through vast and majestic Langnai valley. Similarly, if one takes right direction, the trek to Sinthan Top takes 3-4 days and is more exhilarating as gorgeous valleys and 8 lakes welcome you during the joyous journey. You can pitch tents anywhere as the track is absolutely courteous to offer you breathtakingly beautiful campsites all over.
April-September
As a road connects the Margan Top with the Kashmir valley, the tourists throng its gorgeous environs in summers. However, as the name suggests, the weather can play spoilsport any time. Clear sky may get clouded in just a few minutes and start pouring hailstorm. There are some shelter sheds, nevertheless. If one wants to enjoy a pony ride from the nearest habitation of Mati Gawran, about 10 kms before Margan Top, he will definitely feel the abundance of natural beauty lying all along the track. The best time to visit this place is between June and September as for rest of the months, the weather here is inclement and may interfere into your merry making.
