Sonamarg is a mesmerizing hill station in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg literally means ‘the meadow of gold’ and with snow-capped mountains set against a spectacular blue sky, it is as close to heaven as it can get. The Sindh River flows through the valley. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during summer.
Sonamarg is also the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes — Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. It is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar–Leh Road passes. Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave, during Sawan Purnima.
Sonamarg which means meadow of gold has its own charm . Snow masked Thajiwas glacier is one of the most enchanting tourist place of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located 3km from the town. It is at an altitude of 9,186 feet. It is a lovely vantage point to observe snow and the picturesque Kashmir Valley.
Zoji La is a high mountain pass located in the Dras, near Ladakh, at an altitude of 3528 m above the sea level. Connecting Kashmir to Dras and Suru Valley, it is known as one of the world’s most dangerous mountain roads.
A little outside Sonamarg, Vishansar Lake is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake. It is a sparkling blue lake surrounded by lush green meadow, alpine flowers and white and silver mountains at a tantalizing distance.
White water rafting is one of the popular things to do in Sonamarg. One can go for a long rafting expedition starting from Baltal and ending at Shutkari Bridge at Sonamarg.
Nilagrad River is a highly revered river, located 6km from Sonamarg. The reddish water of the river is believed to have medicinal properties which make it a popular tourist attraction.
Described as heaven on Earth, Kashmir offers some of the most exciting treks in India. This Great Lakes Trek is definitely one of them, though lesser known. Surrounded by sheer beauty, the trek begins at Sonamarg.
Baltal is known for its scenic views. The tents available here are affordable and tourists need to either trek or hire ponies to reach the cave. Tourists can also take helicopter services from Baltal that will drop the yatris till Panjtarni which is 5 km from the cave in just 7 minutes.
Considered a highly sacred place by the Hindus, known as Harmuk Ganga at a height of 3570 m above sea level is Gangabal trek. The lake is known a large population of fish, the rainbow trout fish being the star of the lake.
Located at a height of 3801 m above sea level, Krishnasar Lake is one of the most mesmerizing lakes in Sonamarg. Surrounded by dense alpines, the place offers cool and pleasant atmosphere. The lake is popular for trout fishing while people also enjoy other water activities here.
With plenty of trekking trails traced on the map of this town, Sonamarg is a delight for trekkers. Challenging mountain ranges, pristine lakes and plateaus make the region of Sonamarg suitable for all types of treks.