“The Meadow of Gold”
Sonamarg is a picturesque hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, located 80km north-east of Srinagar. At an elevation of around 2,730 metres above sea level, Sonamarg is known for its snow-laden fields, surrounded by majestic glaciers and serene lakes which casts subtle spells on the travellers.
Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier which lies at a distance of 3 km from Sonamarg in Kashmir is an exquisite beauty situated 3000 m above sea level covered in snow all through the year. The glacier is a perfect spot for trekking as well as camping. One gets to experience the beauty of the glacier by trekking all the way there from Sonamarg. There is also the option of hiring a pony to get to the glacier. It remains covered in snow throughout the year.
Baltal Valley
Baltal is known for its scenic views. The tents available here are affordable and tourists need to either trek or hire ponies to reach the cave. Tourists can also take helicopter services from Baltal that will drop the yatris till Panjtarni which is 5 km from the cave in just 7 minutes.
Nichinai Pass
Standing about 4,139 meters above sea level, Nichinai Pass is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Sonamarg. The place is approximately 13 km away from Sonamarg and is a well-known pathway for trekkers. The route to Nichinai Pass heads towards Krishnasar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Gadsar Lake, and Vishansar Lake. What pulls the visitors’ attention is a frozen glacier nearby.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Described as heaven on Earth, Kashmir offers some of the most exciting treks in India. This Great Lakes Trek is definitely one of them, though lesser known. Surrounded by sheer beauty, the trek begins at Sonamarg.
Satsaran Pass
The stunning hill town of Sonamarg is home to the Satsaran Pass, also called Satsaran Gali Pass. What makes this high alpine passage so popular among tourists is its trekking base in the Kashmir valley. As you move from the route, a wonderful view of Satsar Lake can be witnessed. The route is only open from June to October.
Trekking: Sonamarg
With plenty of trekking trails traced on the map of this town, Sonamarg is a delight for trekkers. Challenging mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and plateaus make the region of Sonamarg suitable for all types of treks. Machoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, Sirbal Peak, and Kolahoi Peak are popular peaks for trekking.
White Water
White water rafting is one of the popular things to do in Sonamarg. One can go for a long rafting expedition starting from Baltal and ending at Shutkari Bridge at Sonamarg. Shutkari Bridge, a popular place in Sonamarg, is well-known for its white-water rafting. Tourists visit in droves to engage in the thrilling water rafting activity.
Amarnath
Amarnath, located in union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is hardly 600mts from Sonamarg. It is one of the most important pilgrimage in India for the worshippers of Lord Shiva. The Amarnath cave has an enshrined Shivaling formed naturally with ice, which resembles Lord Shiva. Amarnath Cave is accessible only during the Sharavan months of July-August.
Krishnasar Lake
Located at a height of 3801 m above sea level, Krishnasar Lake is one of the most mesmerizing lakes in Sonamarg. Surrounded by dense alpines, the place offers cool and pleasant atmosphere. The lake is popular for trout fishing while people also enjoy other water activities here.
Gangabal Lake Trek
Considered a highly sacred place by the Hindus, known as Harmuk Ganga at a height of 3570 m above sea level is Gangabal trek. The lake is known a large population of fish, the rainbow trout fish being the star of the lake.
Vishnasar Lake
A little outside Sonamarg, Vishansar Lake is an alpine high-altitude oligotrophic lake. It is a sparkling blue lake surrounded by a lush green meadow, alpine flowers and white and silver mountains at a tantalizing distance. The Vishansar Lake completely freezes during the winter, while during the summer, it is enveloped by lush green meadows.
Zoji-La Pass
Zoji La is a high mountain pass located in the Dras, near Ladakh, at an altitude of 3528 m above the sea level. Connecting Kashmir to Dras and Suru Valley, it is known as one of the world’s most dangerous mountain roads.
Nilagrad River
Nilagrad River is a highly revered river, located 6km from Sonamarg. The reddish water of the river is believed to have medicinal properties which make it a popular tourist attraction.