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Sonamarg in Shrinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Written by Sudhir Kumar

Sonmarg nestled amidst the green valleys and golden meadows of Kashmir is a wonderful tourist destination. Located on the banks of the Indus River, the green valleys of Sonmarg covered by dense woodlands of pine and fir trees is the dream destination of tourists. The name Sonmarg signifies ‘golden road’ and the tourists who take a tour to Sonmarg will truly agree that the journey to Sonmarg valley is equally exciting and wonderful.

About Sonamarg :

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.

Tourist Attractions in Sonamarg :

Nilagrad : Nilagrad is a Baltic colony, situated about 6 kms. away from Sonamarg where a mountain river meets the Indus river. The water of the river is reddish in colour and is believed to have curative power of many diseases. The various people visit this place on Sunday to bath in the river.

Yousmarg : Yousmarg is the famous picnic spot located near Sonamarg. Yousmarg is known for its green pastures, pines and firs.

Nichnai Pass : Nichnai Pass is the vintage point to view the breathtakingly beautiful lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal.

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.

Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake : Bisansar and Krishnasar are the two beautiful lakes added to the beauty of Sonamarg. The Bisansar Lake is situated at an altitude of 4084 m, while crossing the river at Nichinai Pass, with its its lovely natural beauty. Beside the lake is the Krishnasar Lake situated at an altitude of 3801 m, and famous for trout fishing.

Kheer Bhawani : Sonmarg road passes through the village of Ganderbal. 5km from Ganderbal is the shrine of kheer bhawani at a village called Tulmul.(Tulmul means “of great value”).The sacred spring at the templessymbolizes godess ragnya Devi.It is believed that MahaRagnya appeared before ravana after his devotion to the Goddess.Ravana got image of goddess installed in Ceylon.It is said that when Ravana finished his worshipgoddes accepted his offer of Kheer(Rice Pudding)sincethen goddess is called Kheer Bhawani.Due to Ravan’s licentious life MahaRagnya commanded Hanuman to shift his image from Ceylone and place itat Tulmul.An annual festival,Jesht Ashtami,is held during May-June,when according to beliefs,the goddess changes the colour of the water.A trip to this temple will be worthwhile.

Mansbal Lake : 32km from Srinagar,off the Sonmarg-Ganderbal road,this 4km long and 1.2 km wide lake is famous for water nuts,lotus roots ‘nadru’and lotus flowers that blossom in early july.Manas means mountains and bal a lake side.This lake serves as home to many aqatic birds,making it a bird watchers paradise.
It is considred the deepest lake in Kashmir as deep as 12.8 m at some places .The beautiful shikaras floating over the lake offer a wonderful ride.A well laid park in front of the lakes makes it a pleasurable picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.

Narang Ruins : Ancient ruins of shrines near Wangath 50 km from Srinagar west of Kangan. Some of these temples were built by Jaluka son of Ashoka in 3rd century while others are dated to pre-Korakota periods.The Vishnu temple at the site is said to be constructed by emperor Lalityaditya.

Gangabal Lake : The famous Gangabal ts from Sonmarg across the Sind river with the steep Nichnai Pass at 4080 m. Rough trek af 15 km from Sonmarg will certainly make you stop of the first visible campsite in the area. Passing via Vishansar Lake at 3680 m and further to Krishansar Lake at 3819 m (14km), a marvelous campsite urges you to stop overnight. A 23 km trek to Gadsar
Lake, 3900 m, passes through steep climbs followed by a rapid descent, whereafter the magical Gadsar Lake appears, mostly full of broken glacier masses. A trek of 17 km via Satsar Lake, 3600 m, passes through Gangabal valley, where the view of Harmukh Peak is breathtaking.Few kilometers walk will take you to Gangabal Lake 3570 m at the foot of Harmukh. A plain campsite amidst the valley is an unforgettable experience.

From Gangabal, a 17 km tough descend leads to Naranag ruins.5km further down is Wangat 2050 m, from where a metal road leads back to Sonmarg via Kangan and to Srinagar .You can easily hire a registered guide and ponies from Sonmarg for this 4to6 days Gangabal trek which is open for the trekkers and explorers throughout mid Summer.

Amarnathji Yatra : Baltal,15 km from Sonmarg at an altitude of 2743 m,is the base camp of Amarnathji yatra.The meandering trek of 14 km from Baltal, leads to Holy Cave.You can easily return the same day by early evening to Baltal where ample tents are available at affordable cost. Ponies and dandies are available at the fixed rates from registered ponywalas and dandiwalas
respectively at Baltal. Medical facilily, telecommunication and other necessary amenities are available at Baltal during the yatra period organized efficiently by the concerned state authoriies. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and some private companies now operate Helicopter Services for Yatris from Baltal and Srinagar during the yatra period at reasonably fixed rates. The advance reservation for helicopter service is recommended, however the confirmation of the flights entirely depends on the weather conditions and the technical feasibility of the choppers. The state government schedules Amarnathji Yatra every year from end June to mid-August.

During the Yatra period yatries must carry adequate packed dry eatables, warm clothes, rain proofs, prescribed medicine and sturdy pair of shoes. A set of oxygen inhalers to be carried along is highly recommended, as the presence in high altitude during yatra causes breathlessness to even normal and healthy pilgrims particularly at the Holy cave.

Adventure Activities in Sonamarg :

The Sindh River that flows through the Sonamarg is bountiful with Trout and Mahseer. So here, one can enjoy the trout and mahseer fishing. In the Krishnasar Lake also you can enjoy the trout fishing. Sonamarg also offers various trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure lovers. The adventure seekers may opt for trekking trails from Sonamarg to lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. In particular, trekking trips into the mountains should be undertaken only after consulting the Tourist Office at Srinagar or Sonamarg for safety and feasibility.

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.

Location: 81-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Altitude: 2,740m
Best Time To Visit: In Summer : May To September

About the author

Sudhir Kumar

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