Razdan Pass
Words can’t describe this pass and pictures don’t do it justice. Razdan Pass or Razdan Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,557m (11,672ft) above sea level and 5kms from Peer Baba Dargah located in the Bandipora district of Kashmir valley. Razdan also marks a divide between the two regions as separate geographical and socio-cultural landscapes. It has one of the scariest roads in the world. The steepest part of the road is made of concrete tiles and in many places bordered by a drop of hundreds of meters unprotected by guardrails.
Due to heavy snowfall in winters, this pass remains closed for 4 months a year. So blockage of this pass cuts off the valley from the rest of Union Territory and the world, which leads to a hectic lifestyle in the Gurez Valley during these months. Once an integral part of the Silk route between Kashmir and Central Asia, it is a tenuous link today, connecting Gurez with the rest of Kashmir. Other tranquilizing spots around Razdhan Pass’s vicinity are Peer Baba and Tragbal.
Apart from the difficulties, this pass offers some breathtaking views of Harmukh Mountain. After passing the Army Camp and about 200m you would reach a spot called Shae Batteh (white stones) and these white stone spark when rubbed with each other. Here you can also enjoy the view of Zetikus zig-zag road.