Sonamarg

Short Descr
Sonamarg is situated at an altitude of 2,740 m in the state of Jammu & 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.

Long Descr

Elevation
Sonamarg - 2,740 m.

Location Details

How to Reach There and Distances
Sonamarg is about 93 km from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Leh road. Jammu & 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.

Best Season to Visit/Weather

To visit Nearby Places
Places to see
Some entertainment
Trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4084 m), Krishansar (3810 m) and Gangabal (3658 m).

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, glacierfed and surrounded by alpine flowers and trees.

Baltal
It is 15 km north of Sonamarg. This valley is at the foot of Zojila, a day's journey from the sacred cave of Amarnath.