Sonamarg
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 meadow 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.
Sonammarg : The Golden Meadow
is at an altitude of 2740 meters and is gateway to Ladakh.It has brilliant
forests of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch,fir and pine; Sonamarg
is a place of enthralling beauty. Three lakes viz Kishensar,Vishensar and
Gangabal can be viewed from Nichnai Pass. 20 Kms east of Sonamarg is Zoji-La
Pass at 3540 mtrs which leads into Ladakh Plateau.

Sonamarg is in Srinagar District
on the Srinagar Leh Highway approx.110 Kms from Srinagar.The nearest Airport
is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.The
nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects
the Kashmir valley with
India. Every sort
of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on this Highway.
It Takesaround 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road whichcrosses
some beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley
with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar which leave at fixed
time from the Srinagar Bus stand. Taxis and other sort of transport can
be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance isavailable at Tourist
Reception Centre Srinagar.
Where to stay ?
Sonamarg has a number of
Hotels and lodges of various types which are open only during summer months.
JKTDC has a Dak Banglow and number of Huts which are available on hire.
The tarrifs depand on the type of accomodation to be hired. Accomodation
needs to be booked well in advance from srinagar. Tourists are advised
to contact Manager Tourist Reception centre Jammu/Srinagar for booking
and Tarrifs.
Lots of recreational activities
are on the offer :
Sonamarg mainly offers trekking
adventure.
Trekking can be undertaken
to Thajiwas Glacier which is very beautiful.
Sledging at the frozen Glaciers
is also offered by locals.
Angling ( a license is required)
You can take long walks
in the jungles and explore rich lora and fauna.
Sonamarg is also the base
camp to Amarnath Cave for the route of Bal Tal.
Alpine Skiing is also available
at high altitudes.
A Popular trek from Sonamarg
to Pahalgam can also be undertaken.
Prior arrangements can be
had from JKTDC at Srinagar or various tour operators in the valley.
Some probability of white
water rafting is also available downstrean from sonamarg.
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.
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