Sadhna pass, also known as Sadhna Top and previously called Nastachun is a mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located in the Himalayas and connects Karnah tehsil in the Kishanganga valley of Kupwara district with the Kashmir Valley. It is approximately 48 km away from the town of Kupwara. It is located in the vast Shams Bari mountain range at about above sea level. The pass is best known for a mythological legend of Blind and Deaf Fairies, and for its association with Bollywood actress Sadhana.
Etymology The pass was originally called Nasta Chun, meaning "cut nose", but came to be popularly referred to as the Sadhna pass or Sadhna Top after a 1960s visit by Bollywood actress Sadhana Shivdasani.
Climate Sadhna Pass is notable for its elevation and challenging weather conditions, particularly during the winter months when heavy snowfall can lead to the pass being closed. Due to its strategic location and scenery, it has gained attention as both a transportation route and a destination for travelers and adventurers.
Transport Sadhna Pass lies on NH701, and the pass plays a role in connecting various regions in Jammu and Kashmir, while also offering a glimpse of the natural landscapes that characterize this part of India.
Tunnel Sadhna Pass Tunnel, once completed, will turn the avalanche-prone route, which gets closed during the winter snowfall, into a safer and faster all-weather geostrategic road. The contract for the preparation of DPR for 6 km long tunnel was awarded in March 2026.Govt pushes Sadhna Tunnel project for better road connectivity in J&K, tribuneindia, 23 Mar 2026.
See also
Tunnels in North West India
References
Climate