Sonamarg Sightseeing

Fast Facts
Location: 81-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Altitude: 2,740m
Languages: Kashmiri and Hindi
Don't Miss : Thajwas, River Sindh, Vishansar and Kishansar and Zojila Pass
Famous For: Meadows, Mountains, Alpine Flowers, Pine and Fir Forests
Best Time To Visit: May To September, November To February

Sonamarg (Meadow of gold) is a trekker's heaven and has adventurous routes with beatiful green water and frozen lakes around. The vale is believed to be bestowed with mystical water which turns everything into enternal riches. High altitude makes it cold even during summers. It is advisable to always carry warm clothes and rain proofs.

Sonmarg is synonymous with quiet meadows and flower-carpeted fields surrounded by amazing glaciers, miniature plateaus, snowfields, pines and islets. The entire region, 80 km from Srinagar, has some of the highest mountain ranges of the world. These snow clad peaks when reflect the golden rays of the sun, give a sparkling effect to the entire valley. This is the reason why the hill station is named Sonmarg or Sonamarg. The word Sonamarg literally means 'the Meadow of Gold'.

The glaciers, waterfalls and placid lakes add some more beauty to this tranquil valley. Situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level, at the foot of the Zojila pass, Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh. It is a perfect place for the excursionists.

Sonamarg road passed trhough the village of Ganderbal, which also leads to manasbal lake. This lake serves as home to many aquatic birds makig it a bird watchers paradise.

5 km from Ganderbal is the village of Tulmul where the shrine of Khir Bhawani is situated. The sacred spring symbolizes goddess Ragnya Devi. An annual festival, Jesth Ashtami is held during May June, when according to beliefs, the goddess changes the colour of the spring water. A trip to this temple will be worthwhile.

Attraction

Gangabal Trek
The famous Gangabal trek starts from Sonamarg across the Sind river with the steep Nichnai Pass at 4080 m. Rough trek of 15 km from Sonamarg will certainly make you stop at the first visible compsite in the area. Passing via Vihansar Lake at 3680 m and further to Krishansar lake at 3819 m a marvelous campsite urges you to stop overnight.

A 23 km trek to Gadsar lake, 3900 m , passes through steep climbs followed by a rapid descent, whereafter the magical gadsar lake appears, mostly full of broken glacier masses. A trek of 17 km via Satsar lake, 3600 m passes through Gangabal valley, where the view of Harmukh Peak is breathtaking. Few kilometers walk will take you to gangabal Lake 3570 m at the foot of Harmukh. A plain compsite amidst the valey is an unforgettable experience.

Amarnathji Yatra : - Baltal Route
Best time to visit : April to October
Baltal, 15 km from Sonamarg at an altitude of 2743 m , is the base camp of Amarnathji yatra . The meandering trek of 14 k from Baltal leads to the Holy Cave . You can easily return the same day by early evening to Baltal where ample tents are available at affordable cost. Panies and Danies from Baltal can also be hired at fixed government rates. Now operate Helicopter Services for Yatris from Baltal and Srinagar during the yatra period

Krishnasar Lake
Situated at a height of 3801 m above sea level, Krishnasar Lake is one of the most mesmerizing lakes in the chain of many Himalayan lakes. There will see travelers from all over the state coming here and enjoying themselves. Most of them will be engaged in Trout fishing which has made this lake a famous excursion spot.