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Sonamarg - Introduction
Beat the heat at the adventure destination of Sonamarg. The meadow of Gold, Sonamarg is one of the many famous adventure destinations of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is a major gateway to Ladakh besides being a popular base for adventure sports. The spectacular valley of Sonamarg derives its name from a legend. As per the legend there is a well in the Sonamarg valley whose water can turn anything into gold. The other possible reason for the name Sonamarg could be its location on the route to Central Asia. Sonamarg is in fact wrapped in sycamore, alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine.
Sonamarg - Location
Sonamarg is situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level. The adventure destination of Sonamarg lies 80 km northeast of Srinagar in the Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sonamarg - Adventure
At the Sind River that flows through Sonamarg you may indulge in trout and mahseer fishing. The adventure seekers may opt for trekking trails from Sonamarg to lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. Nichnai Pass is the vintage point to view the breathtakingly beautiful lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. Adding to the beauty of Sonamarg is the Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake. You may check out the Krishnasar Lake for trout fishing.
Sonamarg and the areas around it have a number of trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure-seeking tourists. A spur of the Thajiwas range divides the Sonamarg valley. This spur is covered with pine, fir, and birch trees and has a number of camping sites nearby. On the other side of the spur, one can find a number of waterfalls and the Thajiwas glacier. Trekking routes from Sonamarg lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4080 m), Krishansar (3810 m), and Gangabal (3658 m). Other important lakes worth visiting in this area are the Gadsar Lake (which has abundant snow trout) and the frozen Satsar Lake (which is surrounded by alpine flowers and trees). Travelers can also trek to Baltal, which 15 km from Sonamarg. This valley is at the foot of the Zoji La Pass, which is the gateway to the land of Ladakh. Trekkers can also go up to Leh, the stark but enchanting rooftop of the world, by crossing the Zoji La Pass.
Sonamarg - Sites to Visit
The spectacular Sonamarg has several sights, sounds and smells to offer to its tourists. Amongst the many spots worth visiting is the Nilagrad. Nilagrad is a colony of the Baltics where a small stream meets the River Sindh. The Baltics believe that the reddish color of water is due to its curative properties and bathe in the river every Sunday
Sonamarg - Sites Near By
Baltal is an excellent excursion option from Sonamarg. In close vicinity is a camping base.
At a distance of 20 kms from Sonamarg is the Zoji-la pass at an altitude of 3540 m which heads towards the Ladakh plateau
Further ahead of Sonamarg you may travel to the holy cave of Amarnath. During the auspicious Sawan Purnima, pilgrims flock to the holy cave via Sonamarg.
Yushmarg is another picnic spot in close proximity to Sonamarg. Yushmarg is renowned for its green pastures, pines and firs.
The glaciers at Thajiwas are not to be missed on your trip to Sonamarg. The miniature plateaus, snowfields, pines and islets add to the charm of Thajiwas. Thajiwas is a short and interesting walk from Sonamarg
Sonamarg - How to Reach
Sonamarg lies on the Srinagar Leh Highway, which is easily accessible through buses and taxis. The railway station at Jammu is the nearest to the adventure destination of Sonamarg and caters to the rail transportation. Further the National Highway Number 1A links the Kashmir valley. The airport closest to Sonamarg is in the Badgam District.
Sonamarg - Where to Stay
While at Sonamarg you may reside in any of the hutments run by the Jammu and Kashmir tourism development Corporation. You may even opt for the Tourist Bungalows, hotels and lodges in Sonamarg. Many of the accommodation options available in Sonamarg are restricted to the summer months only
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