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The drive to
Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another
spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an
altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’) has, as its
backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. Thajwas
Glacier as seen from
SonamargThe 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.
Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several
mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and
Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to
Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan
Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.
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.
Another view of Sonamarg Sonamarg's Importance Is Two Fold:
It is the starting point of a major trek passing several
mountain lakes - Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and
Gangabal. One trek leads all the way to the Amarnath cave . The
other reason for Sonamarg's importance lies in the fact that it
is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar
to Leh .
Walks From Sonamarg
One of the most popular short walks from So namarg
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 the 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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Nilagrad
A mountain river mSonamarg Rivereets 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.
EXCURSIONS
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.
HOW TO REACH THERE
Air: Sonamarg is in Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh
Highway, 81-km from Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Badgam
District, connecting the capital city with all the major cities
in India.
Rail: The nearest Railhead is at Jammu and from there National
Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
Road: Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to
Taxis ply on National Highway NH1A. It takes around 10 to 12
hours to cross this mountainous road, which crosses some
beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir
Valley with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar and
Anantnag, which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands. Taxis
and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at
pre-fixed rates. Assistance is available at Tourist Reception
Centre, Srinagar.
WHERE TO STAY
Sonamarg has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types,
which are open only during summer months. JKTDC has a Dak
Bungalow and number of Huts, which are available on hire. The
tariffs depend on the type of accommodation to be hired.
Accommodation needs to be booked well in advance from Srinagar.
Tourists are advised to contact Manager Tourist Reception centre
Jammu/Srinagar for booking and tariffs |