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.
Accommodation in sonamarg is
available in
J&K TDC's
Huts and Tourist Bungalows. The tariff
is Rs. 1400/- for 2-bed room huts and
Rs. 300/- per double room in Tourist
Bungalow. In addition, there are some
private hotels, among which the Hotel
Glacier is the best known.
HOW TO GET THERE
Sonamarg is situated at a distance
of 84 kms from Srinagar, on the
Srinagar-Ladakh Road. J&K SRTC
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.
