Sonamarg or sonmarg, as the name suggests, is famous as the ‘Meadow of Gold’. An endless stream of stunning flowers and undulated trekking routes are its attractions. Sonamarg has to be in every visitor’s list of places to visit in Kashmir for its mesmerizing aura and breathtaking views. Snow-clad mountains, green grasslands and ponies to ride on, this place is what they call, ‘Jannat’ or heaven. Sonamarg is also one of the base points for starting the Amarnath Yatra. River rafting, zorbing, trekking are the various events conducted around the popular tourist spots. Sonamarg is inaccessible in winters due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. It is a place where you will feel most alive. Moreover, the Sindh River which flows through Sonamarg will take you to the recesses of feeling otherwise impenetrable.
The best season to visit Kashmir would be in summer when the valley is blooming with variegated flowers.
HOW TO REACH:
• By Air: Srinagar airport is located at a distance of 70 km from Sonamarg and you can taxi from the airport and reach easily.
• By Bus: Take a bus till Srinagar and then you can take a connecting bus till Sonamarg.
• By Train: Jammu is the nearest railway station.
PLACES TO STAY:
HOTEL COUNTRY INN & SUITES, HOTEL SNOWLAND , HOTEL FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, HOTEL DIVINE INN, HOTEL GLACIER HEIGHTS, HOTEL NAMROSE , HOTEL VILLAGE WALK, HOTEL SHEEN SONMARG.
Places to visit in Sonamarg:
Some of the popular places to visit here are as follows.
1. Thajiwas Glacier
This glacier is situated about 3 km away from the city center. This is one of the best places in Sonamarg featured with a stunning glacier, the refreshing meadows, and numerous waterfalls. This opens up umpteen numbers of opportunities for activities and adventures like hiking, trekking, and camping.
2. Zoji-La Pass
If you’re looking for a thrilling mountain pass in Kashmir, Zoji La pass is the one, located about 9 km from Sonamarg. This thick snow-covered pass is an important link between Kashmir and Ladakh; it was once captured by Pakistan and later re-captured by the Indian army. The natural beauty of the place takes you a step closer to the Himalayas.
3. Vishansar Lake
Also known as the “Lake of Vishnu”, this lake has great significance in the cultural heritage of Kashmir. This sparkling blue lake is located at about 3,710 meters above the sea level, surrounded by lush green meadow, alpine flowers and white and silver mountains at the back. This oligotrophic lake is a habitat for a number of rare species of fish.
4. Nilagrad River
This River is one of the most fascinating places to see in Sonamarg for its amazing natural beauty. People also have faith in the miraculous healing power of the river water to cure diseases. The unique combination of nature and medicinal benefits has made the place fascinating to the tourists.
5. Krishnasar Lake
This natural lake is located more than 3500m above sea level and is one of the most attractive lakes in Sonamarg. It is surrounded by dense alpine trees, lush greenery that offers a cool and pleasant atmosphere to the people who come here to enjoy water activities and trout fishing.
6. Baltal Valley
The valley is situated along the banks of river Sindhi and quite popular among the visitors for its breath-taking scenic beauty. People interested in embarking on the famous Amarnath Yatra can take helicopter services or ponies from here to reach the next stop. This is a popular place among trekkers and here one can hire a tent and camp outside.
7. Gadsar Lake
Gadsar Lake is situated at 16,400 feet above sea level and remains frozen throughout the year. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered mountains, thick forest, wildflowers and attracts a number of tourists and trekkers every year to enjoy the beauty of nature.
8. Gangabal Trek
Visit to Kashmir cannot be completed without viewing the fascinating Gangabal Lake. This is about 3570 m above sea level and surrounded by natural springs and glaciers. June is the best month of the year to experience the natural beauty of this area at its peak. The lake is known for having a good population of fish, especially the rainbow trout fish, and people can enjoy fishing here
