Sonamarg is situated at a height of 2740 m in the state of Jammu
and Kashmir. Sonamarg is a small and beautiful hill resort.
Sonamarg literally means the 'Meadow of Gold' and is known so
due to the flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring. In the
earlier days, Sonamarg lies on the main trading route into
central Asia. Sonamarg is the last major point in the Kashmir
valley before
the Zoji La pass into Ladakh. At the pass, the green and lush
Kashmiri landscape changes to the barren and dry landscape of
Ladakh. The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh.
Valley which presents another face of the countryside in Kashmir
and has snowy mountains in its backdrop. Sonamarg is the main
base for the treks that passes along several mountain lakes like
the Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg
is also the major point for the drive to Ladakh across the Zoji
La pass. Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to
the holy Amarnath cave. 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. The best time to visit
Sonamarg is from April to June.
The Meadow
Of Gold
At a height of 2,740m, Sonamarg is the last major point in the
Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh . At the pass
the green, lush Kashmiri landscape abruptly switches to the
barren, dry landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg is thus not only a
good base for treks but also a jumping off point for trips into
Ladakh.
The name means 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could be due
to the profusion of flowers that carpet the meadow in the spring
it is also possible that the name derives from Sonamarg's
strategic trading position in the days when this was a major
route into central Asia. The Sindh River meanders along here and
abounds with Trout and Mahseer.
Walks From Sonamarg
One
of the most popular short walks from Sonamarg and a major
attraction during the summer months is the 4-km route to
Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of the Sonamarg glacier. A
path leads up to the Shakhdar hill, overlooking the glacier from
the northeast. It is dangerous to climb the steep slope leading
up to the glacier. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to
Thajiwas glacier. Often in early summer one will meet groups of
Gujar passing through Sonamarg on their way to the alpine
meadows for the summer.
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
There is a lake in every corner of the Himalayas and there is
one at Sonamarg also. The road proceeds from Sonamarg to
Bisansar Lake via Nichinai Pass. Crossing the river at Nichinai
Pass stands the Bisansar Lake at an altitude of 4, 084m, with
its its lovely natural beauty. Beside the lake is the
Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of 3,801m, popular for Trout
fishing.
Baltal
This
beautiful meadow is right at the foot of the Zoji La pass and
thus is the final place in Kashmir. The river from the foot of
the Amarnath glacier meets the Indus near Baltal. It stands at a
height of 2,743m and during the Amarnath pilgrimage there are
tents set up here. It is possible to walk to the Amarnath cave,
more usually approached from Pahalgam, in one day. Check about
conditions before departing, though. The weather can be
treacherous and at other times melting snow and ice make the
route very dangerous. There's now a jeep road most of the way to
the cave. The turn off to Baltal is at 94-km on the Leh road,
and then it's 3-km or so downhill.
Yushmarg
If one can take some time out, then take tour of Yushmarg in
daytime. Buses on conducted tours run to Yushmarg thrice a week.
47-km southwest of Srinagar amidst pines and firs lies the vale
- Yushmarg (2,700m) at the slope of the Pir Panjal ranges. Its
is a beautiful pasture as well as a nice picnic spot.
Thajiwas
Thajiwas is located after a short and interesting walk from
Sonamarg. Thajiwas is known for the glaciers. The miniature
plateaus, snowfields, pines and islets adds to the charm of
Thajiwas.
How to reach Sonamarg
By Air:
The nearest airport is located in Badgam District,
connecting the capital city with all the major cities in India.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Jammu and from there
National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
By Road:
Sonamarg is situated on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, about 84 kms.
from Srinagar. The National Highway NH1A connects Srinagar and
Anantnag with Sonamarg. |