Languages Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri
Best time to visit April-June
Location
Sonamarg is situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea
level. The adventure destination of Sonamarg lies 80 km
northeast of Srinagar in the Srinagar District of Jammu and
Kashmir.
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.
The everlasting Thajiwas glacier, 3km from Sonamarg, provides
a chance to enjoy sledge ride on the snow even in mid Summer.
Ponies are available up to the glacier from Sonamarg. Superb
campsites in Thajiwas area makes ita a prime location for
school camps and trekkers during the Summer. Sind River is a
natural hatchery of Trout, where angling is great fun provied
the permission is obtained from the fisheries department.
Ascending river makes Sonamarg ideal for River Rafting, which
is done in full swing by youths, corporate executives and even
old members with their familes at different levels in the Sind
River Arrangements can be done through travel agents in
Srinagar or Sonamarg Development Authority. More adventure
sports like Paragliding is getting lots of takers during the
Summer. Assistance is available at the tourist office at
Sonamarg.
The rugged countryside market makes one feel the thrill of
adventure . Island retreat a park amidst river Sind enroute to
Sonamarg. is a real treat as a short stopover. The roaring
Sind created a constant cool breeze , it is hard to get off
from such heavenly environs.
Sightseeing
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.
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.
From Gangabal , a 17 km tough descend leads to Naranag, where
ruins of Buddhist temples, built by Jauka , son of Ashoka and
also by King Lalitadatya are still present. 5 km fruther down
is Wangat 2050 m, from where a metal road leads back to
Sonamarg via Kangan and to Srinagar.
You can easily hire a registered guide and ponies from
Sonamarg for this 4 to 6 days Gangabal trek which is open for
the trekkers and explorers throughout mid Summer.
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
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.