Sonamarg
''Sonamarg is one of the most popular hill stations in India, which is largely frequented by travelers from all over the world. The spectacular scenic beauty and the impressive edifices make this destination a major tourist spot.
If you drive your way to Sonamarg through the Sindh Valley, then you can enjoy the amazing view of the snow clad mountains standing tall tearing the clear blue sky. You will definitely enjoy the view of the meandering rivers through the valleys and its breathtaking beauty.
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This golden meadow is about 100 kms from Srinagar. A gushing river Sindh is the highlight of this meadow, flowing down from snowy heights into the dense woodlands of fir and silver birches. Glaciers pour down this river from Himalayas on to the many camping sites in Sonamarg. Also famous for trout fishing.
The glaciers, waterfalls and placid lakes add some more beauty to this tranquil valley. Situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level, at the foot of the Zojila pass, Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh. It is a perfect place for the excursionists.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best months for a visit to Sonamarg in Kashmir are from April to June. The visitors after coming here can explore the beauty of this place and many other interesting places fully.
PLACES AROUND SONAMARG
Nilagrad - Nilagrad is the place where confluence of a mountain river and Indus river takes place. The amazing thing about this place is that the water here in the river is of pure red color, which makes for a colorful sight.
Krishnasar Lake - Situated at a height of 3801 m above sea level, Krishnasar Lake is one of the most mesmerizing lakes in the chain of many Himalayan lakes. There will see travelers from all over the state coming here and enjoying themselves.
Baltal - Baltal is extremely stunning grassland which is situated right at the foot of Zoji la pass, adjacent to Ladakh territory. Baltal is more famous for its closeness to Amarnath cave. There is a walk to the cave which is approximately 5 km away from here. During the Amarnath yatra, many pilgrims set up camps here to rest.
Yushmarg - If one can take some time out, then take tour of Yushmarg in daytime. Buses on conducted tours run to Yushmarg thrice a week. 47-km southwest of Srinagar amidst pines and firs lies the vale - Yushmarg (2,700m) at the slope of the Pir Panjal ranges. Its is a beautiful pasture as well as a nice picnic spot.
Zoji-La Pass - It is perched at an altitude of 3540 m at about 20 km east of this hill station. This is the “Gateway to Ladakh”.
Scenic Spots - Sonamarg is a place of enchanting beauty. When the snow-capped peaks are caressed by sunlight they turn into a golden color.
Satsar Lake - This lake is located on the periphery of Sonamarg at an altitude of 3600 m above sea level. Tourists can reach this lake by an adventurous trek from Sonamarg. The lake is surrounded by trees and alpine flowers.
CLIMATE
Winters stay from November to March when snowfall is common. This is the time when skiers crowd the place over. In summers, the average temperature is 20 degrees; time to visit the place and immerse in the bounty of Nature. Monsoons that last from July to September are not sever but can still pose challenges for trekkers for the slippery hilly terrains.
HOW TO REACH THERE
Air: Srinagar Airport which is also referred to as Sheikh ul Alam Airport formally is the nearest airport, 70 Km away from Sonmarg. Flights from Shimla, Delhi, Chnadigarh and Mumbai are awailable. Hiring Taxis and cabs from here to the hill station is a norm.
Rail: Nowgam Railway Station, also known as Srinagar Railway Station is the nearest one to Sonamarg but not well connected with rest of the India. Instead Jammu Tavi Railway Station is much preferred being well linked with major cites of India.
Road: Through road, most of the nearby cities are well connected, especially Srinagar and Jammu.
Fast Facts about Sonamarg
State: Jammu & Kashmir.
District: Srinagar
Major Importance: Meadows, Mountains, Alpine Flowers, Pine and Fir Forests
Languages: Kashmiri and Hindi
Season: May To September, November To February
Don't Miss: Thajwas, River Sindh, Vishansar and Kishansar and Zojila Pass
Altitude: 2,740m
Pincode: 191203
STD code: 0194
Distance Charts to Sonamarg
Srinagar to Sonamarg
79 KM
Anantnag to Sonamarg
131 KM
Gulmarg to Sonamarg
125 KM
Kokernag to Sonamarg
156 KM
Pahalgam to Sonamarg
174 KM
SONAMARG PHOTO GALLERY
Sonamarg
Sonamarg
Sirbal
Himalayas view
Sonamarg valley
Tajiwas glacier
Tajiwas parking
Sonamarg