Traversing through the ‘Meadow of Gold’ Sonamarg Hill Station in the state of Jammu & Kashmir it is not difficult to lose track of time being lost in the scenery of Nature’s artistry. Try to peek into the valley and depth of it along with gravity would seem to be drawing.The vale is believed to be bestowed with mystical water which turns everything into eternal riches. High altitude makes it cold even during summers. It is advisable to always carry warm clothes and rain proofs.Situated at an altitude of 2800 m, the place is surrounded by numerous five-thoudsander peaks, which only furthers the enigma of the meadow and the valley. Tourists swarm in the valley to witness this wonder of Nature as a part of Sonamarg tourism.
How To Reach:-
By Air:- Srinagar Airport which is also referred to as Sheikh ul Alam Airport formally is the nearest airport, 70 Km away from Sonmarg.
By Train:- Srinagar Railway Station is the nearest one to Sonamarg but not well connected with rest of the India. Instead Jammu Tavi Railway Station is much preferred being well linked with major cites of India.
By Road:- Through road, most of the nearby cities are well connected, especially Srinagar and Jammu.
Things To Do:-
Sledge rides-sledge to skate on snow from top, Sonmarg Gangabal trek, Krishnasar Lake-trout fish conservation.
Places To Visit:-
Thajiwas Glacier:- 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.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.
Buddhist Temples:- From gangabal ,a 17 km tough descend leads to naranag,where ruins of buddhist temples is built by jaluka,son of ashoka and also by king lalityadaty are still present.
Gadsar Lake:- A high altitude lake, it is becoming a popular camping site for several trekkers. The multi-hued patches of flowers, which dot the lake offer most splendid view of the region. The sparkling water of the lake also renders options of brown trout fishing. True to its names, Gadsar Lake or the Lake of fishes is acclaimed as a fine fishing spot.
Gangabal Lake:- Is a serene water body, nestled in the foothills of the Harmukh Mountain. Situated at an elevation of about 3600 metres, this high-altitude lake is about 2.5 km long and a kilometre wide.This lake is referred to as Harmukut Ganga by Hindus and is regarded as sacred as the holy city of Haridwar
Baltal:- It is located 15 kms away from Sonmarg and on the humble banks of River Sindh.Baltal near Sonmarg is the camping ground for pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra. From mid-June to August, approximately 40,000 devotees make their journey to the cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of everlasting life to his wife Parvati.
Yusmarg:- Views of dense forests and snow-peaks are constant company at this place which is very much enjoyed for picnic.Some shots of the Shahrukh Khan starrer Jab Tak Hai Jaan have been shot in the verdant surroundings of Yusmarg.
Walnut Orchards:- While in Sonmarg, don’t forget to visit a walnut orchard. See the freshly plucked walnuts drying under the sun or sample the green ones hanging from trees.
Nilagrad:- Nilagrad near Sonmarg is where a mountain river, red in colour, meets the mighty Indus River. The Baltic community that stays here believes that the waters have curative powers.It flows at some small distance from Krishnasar Lake and Vishansar Lake.
Zojila Pass:- Zoji La Pass, a high mountain passage, is situated on the national highway that connects Srinagar to Leh and lies about 10 km away from the golden meadows of Sonamarg.One of the most dangerous mountain passes of Kashmir Valley, Zoji La is at an altitude of 3465 m.
Satsar:- It is also known as Sat Sar (the seven lakes), is located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a cluster of seven interconnected alpine lakes and is set in a cascade-like formation. At 3600 m, the place is as much a charmer as a trekker could expect.
Vishansar Lake:- On translation, its name means ‘the lake of Vishnu’, which associates it with Hinduism.The lake, which freezes during the summers, is the haven for brown trout and masher fishing in summers. Attracting both fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Nichinai Pass:- Situated about 13 km away from the beautiful hill station of Sonamarg, the Nichinai Pass is a high mountain passage in the Kashmir valley. This route, at an elevation of 4139 metres above the mean sea level, commands stunning vistas of the low lying regions.It give a clear sight of lakes Vishansar and Krishnasar, a feat for trekkers.
Best Time To Visit:-
Observing all the seasons of Sonamarg it could be easy to deduce that best time to visit the place is from April to October to those who like cool atmosphere.