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Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet
another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated
at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’) has,
as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The
Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with
trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to
Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the
summer months.
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
Sonmarg, on the Srinagar-Leh highway is approximately 110 kms
from Srinagar and the road to Sonmarg passes through the
famous Jawahar tunnel. Buses and private taxis can be hired
from Srinagar.
Trekking View
Thajiwas (3km):
The whole mountain range here is covered by glaciers. Water
falls from these in silver sheets. A forest rest house and a
tourist hut between Sonamarg and Thajiwas have excellent
views.
The Lakes:
The loveliest of the high altitude Himalayan lakes are
Vishansar and Krishnasar. The translucent waters of these
lakes are speckled with ice flakes, and the occasional trout
that pops up now and then.
Gangabal
Also called Harmukh Ganga, it is sacred to Hindus. It can be
reached from Sonamarg via Krishnasar and Vishansar - a trek
through enchanting scenery.
Zoji-La Pass
20 kms east of Sonamarg lies the gateway to the Ladakh
plateau, the Zoji-La Pass at 3,540 m.
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