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Sonamarg - The Meadow of Gold.
The drive to 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.
Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave, during Sawan Purnima. For details about the yatra, refer to the Amaranathji Yatra Link.
How to Reach Sonamarg
Sonamarg is situated at a distance of 84 kms from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Ladakh Road. kashmirtourism.com operates regular buses as well as sightseeing buses during the season. The route passes through the picturesque town of Ganderbal (21 kms), Kangan (40 kms) and Gund of the Sindh Valley, before reaching the resort. Spectacular views of the Harmukh range dominate the horizon all along the route.
Tourist Information & Assistance
The Tourist Office at Sonamarg is within the premises of the Tourist Complex, behind the cafeteria. Tourists are advised to visit the office for information and assistance. In particular, trekking trips into the mountains should be undertaken only after consulting the Tourist Office at Srinagar or Sonamarg for safety and feasibility.