Location
: Situated in the state of
Jammu
& Kashmir.
Altitude : 2,740 m
Major Importance : Hill Station
Best time to Visit : May To June in the Summers.
The Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740 m, Sonamarg in the state of Jammu & Kashmir 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 passage to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet
another bewitching facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude
of 2,740 m, Sonamarg in Kashmir is framed by snowy mountains against a
sapphires sky. Sonamarg literally means the 'Meadow of Gold' and although
this could be due to the profusion of flowers that wraps the meadow in the
spring it is also possible that the name originates from Sonamarg's decisive
trading position in the days when this was a main route into central Asia.
The Sindh River flows through the place and is bountiful with Trout and
Mahseer.
Sonamarg is the base of a major treks 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.
Arriving At Sonamarg
By Flight : 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.
By
Trackways : The nearest Railhead is at Jammu and from there National
Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
By Roadways : Every sort of transport to suit every budget
from Buses to Taxis ply on National Highway NH1A. 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.
The Major Fascination At Sonamarg
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.
Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake : These are two
beautiful lakes added to the beauty of Sonamarg. On the way from Sonamarg to
Bisansar Lake via Nichinai Pass, stands the Bisansar Lake at an altitude of
4, 084m, while crossing the river at Nichinai Pass, with its its lovely
natural beauty. Beside the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of
3,801m, famous for Trout fishing.
