Location
: Situated in the state of
Jammu
& Kashmir.
Altitude : 2,740 m
Major Importance : Hill Station
Best time to Visit : May To June in the Summers.
Sonamarg - The Meadow of Gold.
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.
Sonamarg - How to Reach
Sonamarg lies on the Srinagar Leh Highway, which is easily accessible through
buses and taxis. The railway station at Jammu is the nearest to the adventure
destination of Sonamarg and caters to the rail transportation. Further the National
Highway Number 1A links the Kashmir valley. The airport closest to Sonamarg
is in the Badgam District
Tourist Information & Assistance
The Tourist Office at Sonamarg is within the premises of the Tourist Complex,
behind the cafeteria. Tourists are advised to visit the office for information
and assistance. In particular, trekking trips into the mountains should be undertaken
only after consulting the Tourist Office at Srinagar or Sonamarg for safety
and feasibility.
The Major Fascination At Sonamarg
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 : These are two beautiful lakes
added to the beauty of Sonamarg. On the way from Sonamarg to Bisansar Lake
via Nichinai Pass, stands the Bisansar Lake at an altitude of 4, 084m, while
crossing the river at Nichinai Pass, with its its lovely natural beauty. Beside
the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of 3,801m, famous for Trout
fishing.
Book
a tour to Sonamarg 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.
By
Trackways : The nearest Railhead is at Jammu and from there National Highway
NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
By Roadways : Every sort of transport to suit every budget
from Buses to Taxis ply on National Highway NH1A. 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.
The Major Fascination At Sonamarg
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 : These are two beautiful
lakes added to the beauty of Sonamarg. On the way from Sonamarg to Bisansar
Lake via Nichinai Pass, stands the Bisansar Lake at an altitude of 4, 084m,
while crossing the river at Nichinai Pass, with its its lovely natural beauty.
Beside the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of 3,801m, famous for
Trout fishing.
