Sonamarg, on the Srinagar-Leh highway is approximately  110
kms from Srinagar and the road to Sonmarg passes through the famous Jawahar
tunnel. Buses and private taxis can be hired from Srinagar.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.
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Visa Info Passport Info 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.
HOW TO GET THERE
Sonamarg is situated at a distance of 84 kms from Srinagar, on the
Srinagar-Ladakh Road. J&K SRTC operates regular buses as well as
sightseeing buses during the season. The route passes through the picturesque
town of Ganderbal (21 kms), Kangan (40 kms) and Gund of the Sindh Valley,
before reaching the resort. Spectacular views of the Harmukh range dominate
the horizon all along the route.
TOURIST INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
The Tourist Office at Sonamarg is within the premises of the Tourist
Complex, behind the cafeteria. Tourists are advised to visit the office
for information and assistance. In particular, trekking trips into the
mountains should be undertaken only after consulting the Tourist Office
at Srinagar or Sonamarg for safety and feasibility.
Situated at 9,000 kms. above sea level, Sonamarg is one of the smallest
resorts in Kashmir, lying in the heart of a gorgeous valley carved by
the river Sindh.. Also known as "Golden meadow", this place
gets its name 'Son' meaning golden, from the bloom of yellow crocuses
that fill this valley in the spring. It can be reached by roads, which
runs through the picturesque Sind valley flanked on one side by the
densely populated slopes and many varieties of alpine flowers.
A gushing river is the highlight of this meadow, flowing down from
snowy heights into the dense woodlands of firs and silver birches. Glaciers
pour down from this stream from the Himalayas on to the many camping
sites in Sonmarg. A thick forest cover of sycamore, alpine flowers,
silver birch, fir and pine, Sonamarg offers adventure in the form of
treks, sledging, angling, alpine skiing and white water rafting.
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.
Few world famous landmarks of sonmarg are:
THAJIWAS (3km):
The whole mountain range here is covered by glaciers. Water falls from
these in silver sheets. A forest rest house and a tourist hut between
Sonamarg and Thajiwas have excellent views.
THE LAKES:
The loveliest of the high altitude Himalayan lakes are Vishansar and
Krishnasar. The translucent waters of these lakes are speckled with
ice flakes, and the occasional trout that pops up now and then.
GANGABAL
Also called Harmukh Ganga, it is sacred to Hindus. It can be reached
from Sonamarg via Krishnasar and Vishansar - a trek through enchanting
scenery.
ZOJI-LA-PASS
20 kms east of Sonamarg lies the gateway to the Ladakh plateau, the
Zoji-La Pass at 3,540 m.Sonamarg
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