Sonamarg is
situated at a height of 2740 m in the state of Jammu and
K ashmir.
Sonamarg is a small and beautiful hill resort. Sonamarg
literally means the 'Meadow of Gold' and is known so due
to the flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring. In
the earlier days, Sonamarg lies on the main trading
route into central Asia. Sonamarg is the last major
point in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into
Ladakh. At the pass, the green and lush Kashmiri
landscape changes to the barren and dry landscape of
Ladakh. The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh.
Valley which presents another face of the countryside in
Kashmir and has snowy mountains in its backdrop.
Sonamarg is the main base for the treks that passes
along several mountain lakes like the Vishansar,
Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also
the major point for the drive to Ladakh across the Zoji
La pass. Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the
yatra to the holy Amarnath cave. The Sindh River that
meanders through the valley abounds with trout and
mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to
Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction
during the summer months. The best time to visit
Sonamarg is from April to June.
The Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740m, Sonamarg is the last major point
in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into
Ladakh . At the pass the green, lush Kashmiri landscape
abruptly switches to the barren, dry landscape of
Ladakh. Sonamarg is thus not only a good base for treks
but also a jumping off point for trips into Ladakh.
The name means 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could
be due to the profusion of flowers that carpet the
meadow in the spring it is also possible that the name
derives from Sonamarg's strategic trading position in
the days when this was a major route into central Asia.
The Sindh River meanders along here and abounds with
Trout and Mahseer.
Walks From Sonamarg
One of the most popular short walks from Sonamarg and a
major attraction during the summer months is the 4-km
route to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of the
Sonamarg glacier. A path leads up to the Shakhdar hill,
overlooking the glacier from the northeast. It is
dangerous to climb th e
steep slope leading up to the glacier. Ponies can be
hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier. Often in
early summer one will meet groups of Gujar passing
through Sonamarg on their way to the alpine meadows for
the summer.
Nilagrad
A mountain river meets the Indus at the Baltic colony,
Nilagrad, 6-km away from Sonamarg. The water of the
river is reddish in colour. The Baltic thinks the water
has curative power of many diseases. Inhabitants of the
colony visit this place every Sunday to bath in the
river.
Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake
There is a lake in every corner of the Himalayas and
there is one at Sonamarg also. The road proceeds from
Sonamarg to Bisansar Lake via Nichinai Pass. Crossing
the river at Nichinai Pass stands the Bisansar Lake at
an altitude of 4, 084m, with its its lovely natural
beauty. Beside the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an
altitude of 3,801m, popular for Trout fishing.
Baltal
This beautiful meadow is right at the foot of the Zoji
La pass and thus is the final place in Kashmir. The
river from the foot of the Amarnath glacier meets the
Indus near Baltal. It stands at a height of 2,743m and
during the Amarnath pilgrimage there are tents set up
here. It is possible to walk to the Amarnath cave, more
usually approached from Pahalgam, in one day. Check
about conditions before departing, though. The weather
can be treacherous and at other times melting snow and
ice make the route very dangerous. There's now a jeep
road most of the way to the cave. The turn off to Baltal
is at 94-km on the Leh road, and then it's 3-km or so
downhill.
Yushmarg
If one can take some time out, then take tour of
Yushmarg in daytime. Buses on conducted tours run to
Yushmarg thrice a week. 47-km southwest of Srinagar
amidst pines and firs lies the vale - Yushmarg (2,700m)
at the slope of the Pir Panjal ranges. Its is a
beautiful pasture as well as a nice picnic spot.
Thajiwas
Thajiwas is located after a short and interesting walk
from Sonamarg. Thajiwas is known for the glaciers. The
miniature plateaus, snowfields, pines and islets adds to
the charm of Thajiwas.
How to reach Sonamarg
By Air:
The nearest airport is located in Badgam District,
connecting the capital city with all the major cities in
India.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Jammu and from
there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley
with India.
By Road:
Sonamarg is situated on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, about
84 kms. from Srinagar. The National Highway NH1A
connects Srinagar and Anantnag with Sonamarg. |