Surrounded by soaring sharpened peaks and sound of silence, Sonamarg is a strip-town spoiling an otherwise gorgeous alpine valley. Sitting across the Kargil–Srinagar road, it makes a possible trekking base or a meal-stop before or after crossing the nerve-jangling Zoji La pass at 3529m. It's also a staging point for Yatra-hike pilgrims en route to Amarnath’s holy ice lingam via Baltal Camp, a summer-only spur of tents around 15km east.
An easy way to savour the spectacular scenery is walking up the parallel valley to the fingertips of Thajiwas Glacier. Walking takes around an hour starting along the track between the Hotel Glacier Heights and the Army camp through a zone of newly developing buildings then curling left around the forest ridge. But the toil is worthy a shot. A more obvious and far busier route starts from around 83Km where you could alternatively engage small horses or take a taxi roughly half-way. Remember, private cars are not permitted.
While, traversing through the 'Meadow of Gold', Sonamarg Hill Station in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, it is not difficult to lose track of time in the scenic beauty of nature's artistry. Try to peek into the valley and depth of it along with gravity would seem to be drawing. The pointed conifers make the whole mountain appear pointing towards sky trying to attain some more height in the process. The white of snow matched with brown patches of earth has no match, when it comes to subtle yet sublime color of landscape.
Some of these most delicate details are intricately woven in this valley. These elements are divine enough to put you in a kind of trance, as momentary as it might be. Situated at an altitude of 2800m, the place is surrounded by numerous five-thoudsander peaks, which only furthers the enigma of the meadow and the valley. And you will visit the valley to witness this wonder of Nature in Sonamarg.
Once upon a time, the place acted as a part of the Ancient Silk Route, but now the place is primarily known for the adventure opportunity, as well as watching various glaciers taking its shapes naturally, high altitude lakes, Indus River, and many other wonders to get indulged in.
Tourist Attractions
In India, one way or the other, meeting Divine is inevitable, which is why people sometimes actually choose hills to recuperate, spiritually and bodily. Sonamarg is no different in this aspect, whether divine sought after places of worship, nature or just any visual representation that mind believes into.
Amarnath: The place is worshipped by millions of devotees of Lord Shiva, who are ready to trek through the rocky terrain in harsh weather condition to pray at Amarnath located 15 km farther. Shiva lingam from ice gets formed naturally in winters, which attract startling numbers of Shaivites to witness this natural phenomenon.
Charari-Sharief: 13 Km from Yushmarg and there is another place to bow your head in reverence and prayer to Sheikh Noor-ud-din. Shrine of this patron saint of Kashmir, who is also known as Nund Rishi is located in the tranquility of this valley.
Buddhist Temples - Ashoka and his descendants are credited with flourishing and spreading the teachings of Buddhism in the world. Jaluka, son of Ashoka is known to have built temples associated with this religious faith, ruins of which could be seen 17 Km from Gangabal.
Gadsar Lake: At more than 5000m, it is amongst the highest lakes. As the beauty of Himalayan range is reflected in its waters, stubbornness to see it after a wearing trek proves worthy. Trout fishing is another activity to enjoy here.
Gangabal Lake: River Jhelum would have been grateful to this lake if personified for being its source. Located at Harmukh peak at 3750m, the lake is often referred to as Harmukh Ganga. An annual fair also adds to its fame in addition to the angling activity.
Vishansar Lake: From April to June, this lake could be easily trekked to, accessible via Nichinai Pass, which itself is at an altitude over 4000m.
Satsar Lake: Any alpine beauty can be put to shame, when compared to this lake and region that surrounds it. At 3600m, the place is as much a charmer as a trekker could expect.
Krishansar Lake: Not more than even one kilometer away from Lake Vishansar is another gift of nature, situated at an altitude of 3710m. This lake is also popular for conservation of Himalayan trout.
Baltal: Though, more of a camping site, it is used by devotees on Amarnath Yatra or pilgrimage. Trekkers trekking to Zojila Pass have to come here at, Balta, as it is at its base. At shores of river Sindh, the place has calming effect.
Zoji La: One of the most dangerous mountain passes of Kashmir Valley, Zoji La is at an altitude of 3465m. Surrounded by the Nature-only-elements, it is an absolute trekker-challenge.
Nichinai Pass: Coming to this mountain pass, which is located at an altitude of 4139m give a clear sight of lakes Vishansar and Krishnasar, a feat for trekkers.
Nilagrad River: A Mountain River, which later joins Indus River at Baltic Colony, it flows at some small distance from Krishnasar Lake and Vishansar Lake.
Thajiwas Glacier: This is a major tourist attraction for those who do hot fear heights. Trekking to this is an adventure but ponies are also available to view this glacier.
Yushmarg: Views of dense forests and snow-peaks are constant company at this place which is very much enjoyed for picnic. Tatta Kutti Peak and Sang Safed Peak are add-ons for the joy while picnicking here.
Places around Sonamarg
If Sonamarg travel is wished to be extended to nearby places, following places are ready to enthrall tourists at any given point of time-
Pahalgam - A hill station at 45 Km from Sonamarg, it is among celebrated health resorts. Amarnath temple, where ice stalagmite form natural Shivalinga, is at 6 Km from here.
Srinagar - A hill station of reputation, the capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir is an unrivalled beauty of Himalayas. River Jhelum and its houseboats are quite a time-maker here.
Gulmarg - This meadow of flower is more popular with snow adventurers rather than floriculturists being a ski heaven. The population of the place keeps on fluctuating due to the harsh winters.
Things to do
Trekking to the wild and uninhibited aspect of this region of Jammu & Kashmir is the most common activity in Sonamarg for the various picturesque destinations such as mountain lakes, rivers, glaciers, peaks and valleys.
When trekking takes to the renowned lakes, being ready with angling gears is natural for the lovers of sport of fishing. Trout fishes in the lakes provide a great fun and the sport is very much enjoyed by the tourists. The River Sindh also houses Mahaseer in addition to trout will make angling a great way to pass time while on Sonamarg holidays.
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.
Best time to visit
Observing all the seasons of Sonamarg it could be easy to deduce that best time to visit the place is from April to October to those, who like cool atmosphere but not frigid. The later could be experienced and enjoyed in the winters here.
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