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. 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.
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.
Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave, during Sawan Purnima. For details about the yatra, refer to the Amaranathji Yatra Link.
How to get there
Sonamarg is situated at a distance of 84 kms from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Ladakh Road. kashmirtourism.com operates regular buses as well as sightseeing buses during the season. The route passes through the picturesque town of Ganderbal (21 kms), Kangan (40 kms) and Gund of the Sindh Valley, before reaching the resort. Spectacular views of the Harmukh range dominate the horizon all along the route.
Sonmarg Tour Packages
Places To Visit In Sonmarg
Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier exemplifies the charm of Sonmarg. Located at a distance of 3 kms from the town, it is the most easily accessible glacier in the region. Confined to gentle ice-slopes in the summers, Thajiwas Glacier dwindles in the valley of Sonmarg.
A great asset to Jammu & Kashmir tourism, the glacier entails delight to the adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The campsite on the foot of the glacier makes it an idyllic base for trekkers. A ride up the hill on ponies or a leisure walk can lead up to best Sonmarg tourist place to visit. With its intrinsic natural beauty and exceptional vistas,Thajiwas glacier beckons enthusiasts across the world.
Baltal
Baltal takes credentials for being an exceptional camping site for Amarnath pilgrims on the foothills of Zojila Pass. It is located 15 kms away from Sonmarg and on the humble banks of River Sindh. Baltal valley radiates serenity and tranquility, and takes great pride in being the shelter for the avid pilgrims. A horde of multi-hued camps pitched throughout the valley offers a breathtaking view of the place. The tranquil ambiance propounds unmatched divinity, which in turn invigorates and inspires devotees to carry on their journey to the sacred Amarnath cave. An essential Sonmarg tourist place to visit, Baltal valley redefines Jammu & Kashmir tourism.
Gangbal Lake
The Gangabal Lake braces spectacular view and exceptional serenity. Situated on the foothill of Mount Haramukh, it is a high altitude lake. Also known as Harmukut Ganga, Gangabal is considered as sacred as Haridwar. A haven for trekkers, the alpine lake and its scenic surroundings offer immense delight. The lake is also quite popular as a venue for open brown and rainbow trout fishing. The best view of the lake can be attained from the Zach Pass perched on the opposite hill. Amongst the best Sonmarg tourist places to visit, this sparkling lake open venture for thriving Jammu & Kashmir tourism.
Naranag
Although a desolate village, Naranag is a trekker’s paradise. It bridges several trekking routes and provides a picture perfect land for exciting camping. A trek from Sonmarg to Gangabal that culminates in Naranag is distinctly popular. A clear water stream that flows beside the relics of a granite temple complex offers a scenic view. A less explored destination, Naranag though has the potential to become one of the hottest destinations that will enrich the memories of travel enthusiasts and adventure aficionados.
The splendid Naranag is indeed one of the best Sonmarg tourist places to visit. Its popularity also contributes to Jammu & Kashmir. An asset to Jammu & Kashmir tourism, Naranag casts spell over visitors, and provides respite from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.
SONAMARG
Sonamarg The best thing about Kashmir valley is that each region and area has some tourist resort and each region has a lavish beauty even if it is not a known a tourist spot. You travel to North, South, East, West or Centre; your journey will never go waste. It is situated on the Srinagar-Leh highway. It is situated at a distance of about 100 km from Srinagar; at an altitude of 9,200 ft. The region literally means the meadow of Gold.
Sonamarg is the home of many famous and beautiful glaciers, one of which is the Thajwas glacier. The glaciers are however receding now due to global warming. Still the place receives a heavy snowfall during winters and therefore it remains cut off from the rest of the valley during that time. This is the prime reason of it not witnessing such huge rush of tourists; otherwise it is probably the most beautiful place in Kashmir. The meadow is set with the backdrop of imposing snow-clad mountains. Tarns arising from the glaciers, forming springs and fast flowing rivers adorn the already beautiful meadow.
The route from Srinagar to Sonamarg is equally enthralling and beautiful. The drive goes along a furious hilly river, Sindh overlooking a splendid green valley. The drive is dominated by the superb views of majestic Harmukh range that leaves the traveller fascinated. During summers, beautiful flowers sprout giving it even more charm and beauty. The meadow, sprinkled with flowers, surrounded by mountains, carved by River Sindh and encircled by still lakes and great glaciers with thick alpine forests makes it a wonderland of beauty.
Apart from leisure trips, Sonamarg is also famous for trekking and other adventure sports. Rafting in River Sindh is the prime interest here. The water of the river is fast and hence provides the real excitement during the adventure. Sonamarg is the basecamp for the famous Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and many other treks into the mighty range of the Himalayas. Many beautiful alpine lakes that include Kishansar, Vishansar, Gangabal and Naranag can be accessed from here. It is also another basecamp for the annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave.
SONAMARG is accessible by road from Srinagar and the entire journey takes around 3 hours. The road is hilly but beautiful. It is prone to landslides at places but overall the drive is safe. However the best time to visit it is during the summer months from May to June. The roads are clear, the atmosphere is spectacular and the place looks heavenly. It is advisable to carry some warm clothing with you as the temperature sometimes dips too low even during summer.
From sonamarg, you can visit many places of interest. Baltal the first stop for Amarnath Yatra is 15 km away, Amarnath cave is 22 km, Zojila Pass 9 km and Gangaballake is 40 km away from Sonamarg.