LOCATION

Sonamarg is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level amidst the Himalayan range. Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar. The weather in Sonamarg is alpine. Summers (April–June) are mild and winters are cold (November–February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December–February.

VISITING TIME

The best time to visit Sonamarg is during the summers.

TOURIST SPOTS

Some of the highest mountain ranges of the world rub shoulders with Sonamarg. When the mellow rays of the sun caress the snowcapped mountains, they turn golden, which gives Sonamarg (golden meadow) its name. The road leading to Sonamarg from Srinagar offers magnificent views of snow-clad ranges and attractive meadows. The traveler is captivated by these natural wonders. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of Sonamarg, by walking through its quiet meadows and flower-carpeted fields.

ADVENTURE

Sonamarg and the areas around it have a number of trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure-seeking tourists. A spur of the Thajiwas range divides the Sonamarg valley. This spur is covered with pine, fir, and birch trees and has a number of camping sites nearby. On the other side of the spur, one can find a number of waterfalls and the Thajiwas glacier. Trekking routes from Sonamarg lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4080 m), Krishansar (3810 m), and Gangabal (3658 m). Other important lakes worth visiting in this area are the Gadsar Lake (which has abundant snow trout) and the frozen Satsar Lake (which is surrounded by alpine flowers and trees). Travelers can also trek to Baltal, which 15 km from Sonamarg. This valley is at the foot of the Zoji La Pass, which is the gateway to the land of Ladakh. Trekkers can also go up to Leh, the stark but enchanting rooftop of the world, by crossing the Zoji La Pass.

HOW TO REACH