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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.
The Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740m, Sonamarg is the last major point
in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into
Ladakh . At the pass the green, lush Kashmiri landscape
abruptly switches to the barren, dry landscape of Ladakh.
Sonamarg is thus not only a good base for treks but also
a jumping off point for trips into Ladakh.
The name means 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could
be due to the profusion of flowers that carpet the
meadow in the spring it is also possible that the name
derives from Sonamarg's strategic trading position in
the days when this was a major route into central Asia.
The Sindh River meanders along here and abounds with
Trout and Mahseer.
Walks From Sonamarg
Oneof the most popular short walks from Sonamarg and a
major attraction during the summer months is the 4-km
route to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of the
Sonamarg glacier. A path leads up to the Shakhdar hill,
overlooking the glacier from the northeast. It is
dangerous to climb the steep slope leading up to the
glacier. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas
glacier. Often in early summer one will meet groups of
Gujar passing through Sonamarg on their way to the
alpine meadows for the summer.
Thajiwas Glacier
A
paradise on Earth, the name "Sonamarg" itself signifies
its beauty: The Golden Meadow. Set in a backdrop of snow
capped mountains and bright flowers, this place is sure
to get your energy flowing.
Sonamarg, which means 'meadow of gold' has, as its
backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. the
Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and
mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. In
late April when Sonamarg is open for road transport, the
visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all
over like a white carpet. Ponies can be hired for the
trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during
the summer months. However, there is need for some
stricter regulation to save the environment of the area
from over tourism. Litters such as plastic bottles,
etc., are strewn all over along the track.
It offers many adventurous routes with amazing green
water & frozen lakes around and Thajiwas glacier is a
one such major tourist attraction in the region. Located
7 km from Sonamarg, it is an ideal spot for enjoying a
sledge ride on the snow even in mid-summer. The nearby
area is perfect camping site too.
Baltal
This beautiful meadow is right at the foot of the Zoji
La pass and thus is the final place in Kashmir. The
river from the foot of the Amarnath glacier meets the
Indus near Baltal. It stands at a height of 2,743m and
during the Amarnath pilgrimage there are tents set up
here. It is possible to walk to the Amarnath cave, more
usually approached from Sonamarg, in one day. Check
about conditions before departing, though. The weather
can be treacherous and at other times melting snow and
ice make the route very dangerous. There's now a jeep
road most of the way to the cave. The turn off to Baltal
is at 94-km on the Leh road, and then it's 3-km or so
downhill.
Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake
There is a lake in every corner of the Himalayas and
there is one at Sonamarg also. The road proceeds from
Sonamarg to Bisansar Lake via Nichinai Pass. Crossing
the river at Nichinai Pass stands the Bisansar Lake at
an altitude of 4, 084m, with its its lovely natural
beauty. Beside the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an
altitude of 3,801m, popular for Trout fishing.
Nilagrad
A mountain river meets the Indus at the Baltic colony,
Nilagrad, 6-km away from Sonamarg. The water of the
river is reddish in colour. The Baltic thinks the water
has curative power of many diseases. Inhabitants of the
colony visit this place every Sunday to bath in the
river.
HOW TO REACH THERE
Air: Sonamarg is in Srinagar District on the Srinagar
Leh Highway, 81-km from Srinagar. The nearest airport is
in Badgam District, connecting the capital city with all
the major cities in India.
Rail: The nearest Railhead is at Jammu and from there
National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with
India.
Road: Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on National Highway NH1A. It takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountainous road, which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag, which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands. Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance is available at Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.