Sonamarg - Fast Facts

 

Altitude                      2,740

Languages                 Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri

Best time to visit      May -August

Sonamarg is a wonderful destination for an intrepid traveler, who is looking for 'meadows of gold' (this is what Sonamarg means) and exciting places for adventure sports. Perched at an altitude of about 2,740 metres above sea level Sonamarg is a scenic tourist attraction located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is at a distance of about 80 kilometres from Srinagar.

Sonamarg, at an altitude of 3,000 metres above sea level, 87 km north-east of Srinagar. The drive to Sonamargh is though yet another spectacular facet of country side in Kashmir, this time in Sindh Valley. The Sindh Valley is the largest tributary of the valley of Kashmir. It is upwards of sixty miles long, and valley and deep rock-girt gorge to open grassy meadow land and village-dotted slopes.

Sonamarg, which means ' meadow of gold ' has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. the Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river.Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months.The climate of Sonamarg is very bracing; but the rainfall is frequent though not heavy, except for two or three days at a time in July and August with fine spell in between. From Sonamarg, trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4084 msl), Krishnasar (3810 msl) and Gangabal (3658 msl). Other lakes in the region are Gadsar, stocked with snowtrout and Satsar, glacier-fed and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers.

A close by excursion is to Baltal, 15 km north of Sonamarg. This little valley lies at the foot of the Zojila, only a day's journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath. Trekkers can also reach the starkly splendid roof-top of the world – Leh, by crossing over the Zoji La pass.

 

Tourist places in and around Sonamarg

At a time when mercury rises in the plains of India, it is soothing cool in the upper reaches.Sonamarg is a perfect tourist destination for summer. The lush meadows and snow capped peaks in the backdrop offer magnificent views. Sonamarg is a complete scenic destination in itself. There are a number of places that one can visit when in Sonamarg. There are a number of waterfalls in and around Sonamarg that you can visit. Gadsar Lake and Satsar Lake are two beautiful lakes that you can visit. The lakes are surrounded by tress and flowers. Nilgrad and Nichnai Pass are other two beautiful places that you can visit.

Some of the places around Sonamarg that you can visit are Thajiwas, Baltal, Zoji-la pass and Yushmarg.

Sonamarg is not only about scenic beauty but the place also offers some wonderful treks and hiking opportunity. Sonamarg offers some of the finest treks in the area that take you to many beautiful spots. You can trek to Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal lakes from Sonamarg.

Sonamarg also offers wonderful opportunity for fishing. The Sind River provides a wonderful opportunity for trout and mahseer fishing.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. 

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.

 

Getting there and accommodation

One can reach Sonamarg by road through the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Srinagar is the nearest airport and the nearest railhead is Jammu.

Tourist lodges run by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation are ideal places to stay in Sonamarg. You may also stay at tourist bungalows and hotels in Sonamarg.While at Sonamarg you may reside in any of the hutments run by the Jammu and Kashmir tourism development Corporation.  Many of the accommodation options available in Sonamarg are restricted to the summer months only.
Things to keep in mind

Woolen clothes are a must on your tour to Sonamarg. It is essential to gather information about the nearby areas and climate of the region. If you plan to travel to interior areas of Sonamarg, it is necessary to take permission from the authorities.

Adventure Tours of India offers complete information on adventure travel in India. There are a number of adventure tours on offer from Adventure Tours of India that you can book online. To book an adventure tour in India, all you need to do is just fill up the form given below.

eat the heat at the hill resort of Sonamarg. The meadow of Gold, Sonamarg is one of the many famous hill resorts 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.BSonamarg - Adventure Travel 

At the Sind River that flows through Sonamarg you may indulge in trout and mahseer fishing. You may check out the Krishnasar Lake for trout fishing. Sonamarg offers number of trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure-seeking tourists. The adventure seekers may opt for trekking trails from Sonamarg to lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal.

 

Sonamarg - Tourism Places 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 aproximity to Sonamarg. Yushmarg is renowned for its green pastures, pines and firs. 

The glaciers at Thajiwas are not to be missed on your Travel to Sonamarg. The miniature plateaus, snowfields, pines and islets add to the charm of Thajiwas. Thajiwas is a short and interesting walk from Sonamarg in Jammu Kashmir.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                       HOME