Sonamarg - India HillTop Trips - Cool and pleasant weekend trips

The Hill Resort

Sonamarg is situated at an altitude of 2,740 m in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The name Sonamarg means 'Path of Gold'. It is last major town in Kashmir before the Zoji La and Ladakh and is a trekking base, especially useful for those heading to Gangabal Lake. It's name may derive from it's past importance as a feeder to the Great Silk Road, or more likely, because of it's carpet of spring flowers. It is believed that the legendary spring has the power to turn anything into gold. This valley by the Sindh river has beautiful forests of silver fir and blue pine.

Activities

Sonamarg means meadows of gold. It is one of the beautiful places, ideal for adventure sports and other fun activities. Sonamarg offers some scenic treks for the intrepid traveler. Hiking is another exciting activity that one can enjoy in Sonamarg. Trekking enthusiasts can opt for trekking trails from Sonamarg to Vishansar and Krishnasar. Fishing another exciting activity that you can enjoy on the Sind River. You can fish for trout and mahseer.

At the Sind River that flows through Sonamarg you may indulge in trout and mahseer fishing. The adventure seekers may opt for trekking trails from Sonamarg to lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. Nichnai Pass is the vintage point to view the breathtakingly beautiful lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. Adding to the beauty of Sonamarg is the Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake. You may check out the Krishnasar Lake for trout fishing.

Sonamarg and the areas around it have a number of trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure-seeking tourists. A spur of the Thajiwas range divides the Sonamarg valley. This spur is covered with pine, fir, and birch trees and has a number of camping sites nearby. On the other side of the spur, one can find a number of waterfalls and the Thajiwas glacier. Trekking routes from Sonamarg lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4080 m), Krishansar (3810 m), and Gangabal (3658 m). Other important lakes worth visiting in this area are the Gadsar Lake (which has abundant snow trout) and the frozen Satsar Lake (which is surrounded by alpine flowers and trees). Travelers can also trek to Baltal, which 15 Km from Sonamarg. This valley is at the foot of the Zoji La Pass, which is the gateway to the land of Ladakh. Trekkers can also go up to Leh, the stark but enchanting rooftop of the world, by crossing the Zoji La Pass.

Elevation

Sonamarg - 2,740 m.

Location Details

Sonamarg is situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level. The hill resort of Sonamarg lies 80 Km northeast of Srinagar in the Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir.

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How to Reach There and Distances

Sonamarg is about 93 Km from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Leh road. Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (J&K SRTC) buses are available from Srinagar. Private buses also operate on this route. Alternatively, it can also be approached by hired taxi or car.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

Climate

The weather is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild, one can get by with thick cottons. But the place receives heavy snowfall in December-February. The best time to visit Sonamarg is during the summers.

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Tourist places near Sonamarg

Places to see

Krishnasar and Vishansar Lake

Krishnasar Lake, one of the most mesmerizing lakes in the chain of many Himalayan lakes, is a good spot for picnics. The place is surrounded by dense alpines and provides a cool and peaceul atmosphere at a height of 3801 m above sea level. People enjoy trout fishing and other water activities here. Vishansar is another popular lake.

Zoji La

It marks the boundary between Kashmir and Ladakh entering the Zanskar. It is at an height of 3,529 m and 13 Km from Sonamarg. From Zoji La the road descends to Mianmarg meadow, rich in rare Alpine flora and then on to Dras.

Gadsar lake and Satsar lake: stocked with snowtrout, glacier fed and surrounded by alpine flowers and trees.