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 medow 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.
Accommodation in Sonamarg is available in J&K TDC’s Huts and Tourist Bungalows. In addition, there are some private hotels, among which the Hotel Glacier is the best known. Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold) is a trekker’s heaven that has adventurous routes with beautiful green water & frozen lakes around which makes trekking in sonamarg full of adventure. Sonamarg Best Place For Trekking & River Rafting. 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.
History
Sonamarg had historical significance and was a gateway on ancient Silk Road along with Gilgit connecting Kashmir with China and other Gulf countries. The Zojila pass lies 15 kilometers east and is one of the highest passes for road transport. It still is a base camp for Ladakh on NH 1D, and is strategically important for Indian army who holds control over this part of Kashmir.
Tourism
Sonamarg, which means ‘ meadow of gold ‘ has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. the Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. In late April when Sonamarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months. However, there is need for some stricter regulation to save the environment of the area from over tourism. Litters such as plastic bottles, etc., are strewn all over along the track.
A breathtaking view of Himalayas from Sonamarg valley
A beautiful view of mountains from Sonamarg valley
The climate of Sonamarg is very bracing; but the rainfall is frequent though not heavy, except for two or three days at a time in July and August with fine spell in between. From Sonamarg, trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake, stocked with Snowtrout and Brown trout and Satsar, glacier-fed and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers.
A close by excursion is to Baltal, 15 km north of Sonamarg. This little valley lies at the foot of the Zojila, only a day’s journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath is a base camp for Amarnath yatra. Trekkers can also reach the starkly splendid roof-top of the world Leh, by crossing over the Zoji La pass.
At Sonamarg the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department is organising river rafting tournaments yearly, which has recently seen the participation of teams abroad. A large number of Hindi movies have been pictured in the serene beauties of Sonamarg.
Sind River
Sind River a natural hatchery of Trout, here angling is great fun, provided the permission is obtained from the fisheries department. Ascending river makes Sonamarg ideal for River Rafting, it is done in full swing by youths,corporate executives and even old members with their families at different levels in the Sind river Arrangements can be done through travel agents in Srinagar or Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA). More adventure sports like Paragliding is getting lots of takers during Summer.More assistance is available at the tourist office.The rugged countryside market makes one feel the thrill of adventure. Island retreat, a park amidst river Sind enroute Sonamarg , is a real treat as a short stopover. The roaring Sind creates a constant cool breeze; it is hard to get off from such heavenly environs. Sonamarg (The meadow of gold) is known from its trekking treks and river rafting, we offer river rafting packages in sonamarg at very reasonable budget.