Sonamarg

Sonamarg is a picturesque hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, located 80km northeast of Srinagar. At an elevation of around 2800 km from sea level, Sonamarg is known for its snow-laden fields, surrounded by majestic glaciers and serene lakes which casts subtle spells on travelers Best Time to Visit Sonamarg

Sonamarg is enveloped by the great Himalayan glaciers – Kolhoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier – and gives rise to the famous Three Sisters of Kashmir Valley.

Towering over this charming hill town are the peaks like Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, Machoi Peak, and Sirbal Peak which make Songamarg a popular place for adventure sports tourism.

Best Time to Visit Sonamarg

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Season in Sonamarg (March till June, Temperature 15°C to 30°C)

Winter Season in Sonamarg (October to February, Temperature -2°C to 12°C)

Sonamarg remains inaccessible during winters as the NH1D connecting it to the nearby places closed down due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.

Sonamarg acts as the base camp for the trekking routes which lead to the mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Kishansar.

The Sonamarg Valley is divided into two halves by the Thajiwas range – on one side is the fir-covered Thajiwas spur popular for its camping site.

The other side houses some stunning waterfalls and the Thajiwas glacier which is the prime attraction of this place.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Sonamarg

Are you interested in capturing views of the best attractions in Sonamarg? Take a look at all the surreal places to visit in Sonamarg that this beautiful city has been hiding from all along.

Make sure you include them all on your Sonamarg tour itinerary.

1. Satsar Lake!

Located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir and at an enthralling elevation of 3,610 meters. Satsar Lake is one of the best places to visit in Sonamarg.

Literally translating into seven lakes, this beautiful conflux houses seven clustered alpine lakes that are interconnected to each other in a cascading formation.

Location: Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir

2. Gadsar Lake!

Set at a stunning height of 5,000 meters with the breathtaking Himalayas in the backdrop, Gadsar Lake is one of the best places to visit in Sonamarg  Best Time to Visit Sonamarg in April for those who want to witness a frozen paradise.

Much famed as the Lake of Flowers or the Yemsar Lake.it literally translates into the lake of fishes as it serves as a proud home to not only the endangered brown trout fishes but also the breathtaking alpine meadows, wildflowers, and floating icebergs.

Location: Kashmir Valley, Ganderbal, Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

3. Gangabal Lake!

A cascading river at the foothills of Mount Harmukh, Sonamarg sightseeing is so not complete without including a visit to the mesmerizing Gangabal Lake.

Drawing its resources from the natural springs and glaciers, Gangabal Lake is one of the best places to visit in Sonmarg in June for those who’re looking forward to enjoying the best of trekking in the heart of Kashmir.

Location: Kashmir Valley, Ganderbal, Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir

4. Baltal Valley!

Serving as a perfect base for travelers to embark on the famous Amarnath Yatra, Baltal Valley is one of the best places of interest in Sonamarg.

Set along the banks of River Sindhi, it offers breathtaking views of the snowbound mountains at a distance of just 15 kilometers from the town of Sonamarg.

Location: Near Zoji La Pass, Sonmarg, 191203, Jammu and Kashmir

5. Krishnasar Lake!

Literally translating into the “Lake of Krishna”, and set at an elevation of 3801 meters. Krishnasar Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sonamarg.

An ideal paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, the lake also attracts a lot of travelers who are interested in trout fishing and angling.

Location: Near Nichinai Pass, Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir

6. Thajiwas Glacier!

Opening up umpteen number of opportunities for hiking, trekking, and camping, Thajiwas Glacier is one of the best Sonamarg attractions that one must not miss during their trip to Kashmir.

Home to a stunning glacier, refreshing meadows, and numerous waterfalls. Thajiwas Glacier is every bit of a stunner and a true Kashmiri delight to experience.

Location: Forest Block, Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir 191203

7. Vishansar Lake!

Also known as the “Lake of Vishnu”, the Vishansar Lake is one of those places to visit in Sonamarg .which holds great significance in the cultural heritage of Kashmir.

Located at an elevation of about 3,710 meters, it is one of the famous oligotrophic lakes (lakes that contain a high amount of oxygen) that one must visit on their Kashmir holiday.

Location: Near Nichnai Pass, Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir

8. Zoji-La Pass!

Located high on the Indian National Highway 1D, Zoji La is one of the highly perched, and dangerous yet thrilling mountain passes in Kashmir. It not only connects Srinagar to Leh but it is one of those thrilling tourist places in Sonamarg that takes you a step closer to the Himalayas.

Location: 1 Indian National Highway, Srinagar District, Sonamarg 191203, Jammu and Kashmir

9. Yusmarg!

Set at an altitude of about 7,500 ft. and located in the heart of the Pir Panjal mountain range, Yusmarg is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit near Sonamarg. Much famed as the “Meadow of Jesus”.

Yusmarg is the place to be for those who just want to be surrounded by peace and quiet in a faraway place.

Location: Near Chanapora Bypass Road, Srinagar 190015, India

Distance From Sonamarg: 138 Km

10. Nilagrad River!

Considered to be revered highly in the state of Kashmir for having miraculous healing powers, the Nilagrad River is one of the most fascinating places to see in Sonamarg.

High on nature and medicinal benefits, no place is close to heaven as much as the Nilagrad River is. From the pine trees to the gushing rivers, and from the alpine meadows to the rolling hills.

The environs of the Nilagrad River will leave no stone unturned in casting a magical spell on you Best Time to Visit Sonamarg is from March to September.

Location: Ganderbal District, Sonamarg, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Top Things to Do in Sonmarg

1:whitewater Rafting

River rafting in Kashmir is one of the top adventure activities that adventure lovers from across the world visit this destination.

The valley of Kashmir is crossed through many rivers like Lidder and Sindh on the stretches of which the adventure of river rafting can be greatly enjoyed.Some of the top tourist destinations in Kashmir like Pahalgam and Sonamargoffer an ideal place for river rafting on Grade I to III rapids.

There are a few stretches on both Lidder and Sindh rivers with Grade IV rapids for adventure enthusiasts.

2:Trekking

Kashmir, which has been called the Paradise on Earth, is also home to numerous treks on its alpine meadows and lakes making it a favorite destination in India for trekkers.

We offer the best Kashmir trekking experience for you with our specially designed trekking tour packages.

Trek to the alpine lakes like Gangabal, Gadsar, Tarsar & Marsar, Great Lakes, and the ancient villages tucked away in the mountains like Naranag with our best trekking tour packages for Kashmir.

We also ensure the best camping sites on the lush and sprawling meadows of Kashmir to add to your adventurous experience Best Time to Visit Sonamarg is from March to September.

3:  Camping

Beautiful Valleys, meadows, and lakes in Jammu and Kashmir offer a host of outdoor activities to adventure lovers.

Camping in Jammu & Kashmir is amongst the best activities that can also be enjoyed by family vacationers at some of the popular tourist attractions.

The Kashmir region of the union territory stretches from the golden meadows of Sonamarg and the picturesque valley of Pahalgam.The Great Lakes in the midst of high Himalayan peaks, offers ample opportunity for camping and adventure enthusiasts.

4: Fishing & Angling

Kashmir is often dubbed the angler’s paradise. The glacial and snow-fed streams offer great options for fishing in Kashmir.

Water bodies of all sizes and types in the region are well-stocked with Rainbow trout and German brown trout fishes, thus, anglers from around the world throng Kashmir.

Around 61 beats are open for fishing & angling in Kashmir during the season. Each beat is about 3 to 4 km long and is connected with a motorable road, except for Vishansar and Gangabal lakes, as one has to trek to reach these destinations.

Top Fishing & Angling Destinations

• Lidder
• Erin
• Ferozpur
• Sindh Doodh Ganga
• Daksum
• Noobug
• Aharbal
• Krishen Ganga
• Hirpur
• Kokernag
• Verinag
• Sukhnag
• Krishansar and Vishansar Lakes
• Gangabal Lake

Mesmerized much? There are numerous spectacular places to visit in Sonmarg on a trip. Customize amazing Kashmir tour packages and experience the beauty and natural charm of Sonmarg on your next trip to this Himalayan paradise. Mesmerized much?

There are numerous spectacular places to visit in Sonmarg on a trip. Customize amazing Kashmir tour packages and experience the beauty and natural charm of Sonmarg on your next trip to this Himalayan paradise.

What is the Speciality of Sonamarg?

Sonamarg provides trekking routes leading to Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake in the Himalayas, which are stocked with snowtrout and brown trout. The Sind River meanders here and abounds with trout and mahseer. Ponies can be hired for a trip up to Thajiwas glacier, in the summer.

What is famous in Sonamarg in Kashmir?

1. Zojila Pass. 178. Scenic Drives. ...
2. Thajiwas Glacier. 243. Geologic Formations. ...
3. Gangabal Lake. Bodies of Water. By carlospenagal. ...
4. Gadsar Lake. Bodies of Water. By sriram_rajagopal. ...
5. Baltal Valley. Valleys. By RinaHazra. ...
6. Vishansar Lake. Bodies of Water. ...
7. Krishnasar Lake. Bodies of Water. ...
8. Satsar Lake. Bodies of Water.

Why is it called zero point in Sonamarg?

It takes tourists about 1.5 hours to reach here from Yumthang Valley, which is 25 km away, and about 3 to 3.5 hours from Lachung. After reaching here, there are no civilian roads beyond and that is why it is called Zero Point.

What is Sonamarg also called?

Sonamarg, which means 'meadow of gold' has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river.

Why is Sonamarg called gold meadow?

This town lies in the heart of a beautiful valley that is carved by the River Sind. The literal translation of Sonamarg is “meadows of gold” and the town holds strong to the tag with the numerous Alpine trees and the towering Himalayan mountains.

What is the name of mountain in Sonamarg?

Sirbal Peak is a mountain with a peak elevation of 5,235 metres (17,175 ft), in the Ganderbal district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in the vicinity of Sonamarg. Sirbal Peak is part of the Himalaya Range, and is located between Sonamarg and Baltal.

Can we see snow in Sonamarg?

Winter Season (October to February, Temperature -2°C to 12°C) During the winter months, Sonmarg becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. However, those who want to sight snowfall can visit at the beginning of December or in March.

Which is the famous Glacier in Sonamarg?

Thajiwas Glacier

Thajiwas Glacier is a natural beauty. Large expanse of snow dotted with snow covered trees.

Which time is best to visit Sonamarg?

April to June

Sonmarg is a year-round destination, but April to June is the ideal time to visit. You're most likely to find an explosion of wild flowers carpeting the valley. The months of July and August sees heavy pilgrim traffic for the Amarnath Yatra.

How many days required in Sonamarg?

2 Days is an ideal time for visiting Sonamarg but if you were short on time, you can easily make it a day trip as well. Public transport is also easily available.

What is the climate in Sonamarg?

Cloudy with showers in the afternoon. POP 60%. Rain: ~1 mm. Cloudy with showers in the afternoon.

Is Gulmarg colder than Sonamarg?

Ski-resort Gulmarg was the coldest place in Kashmir by recording 0.6 °C maximum temperature while the minimum temperature recorded here was minus 2.0 °C. The ski-resort in north Kashmir recorded four inches of fresh snowfall, while Sonamarg recorded four inches.

Which is better Gulmarg or Sonamarg?

Gulmarg is way better than Sonamarg. Gulmarg has lots of activities to do whereas Sonamarg doesn't have anything apart from the lookout.

Is Sonamarg closed in winter?

Sonamarg in January

It is one of the best times to see extreme snowfall and windy landscapes. But you can go only as far as Gagangir as the road to Sonamarg remains closed in winter.

Is there ice in Sonamarg in May?

Yes it will be. Also you can enjoy snow activities at Gulmarg gondola 2nd phase.

Which river is at Sonamarg?

Nilgrad River at Sonamarg of District Ganderbal district is well connected by road network. It is located about 91 km from Srinagar, about 383 km from Jammu.

Which valleys are in Sonamarg?

The beautiful Baltal Valley is nestled along the banks of the Sindh River near Sonamarg. This valley lies on the foot of Zoji La – the high mountain pass in the Himalayas of Kashmir. The reason behind the popularity of this valley is that it is a major camping ground for pilgrims of the famous Amarnath Yatra.

Which place is known as Golden Crown of Kashmir?

Breng Valley

Breng Valley (The Golden Crown of Kashmir) is located in Anantnag district in the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Which is the biggest meadow in Kashmir?

Gulmarg is amongst one of the most prominent meadows of Kashmir, also widely called as the Meadows of Flowers. The place is visited every year by a large number of tourists from around the globe.

How to Reach Sonamarg in Srinagar?

Sonamarg is a hill station, located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Widely known as meadow of gold, Sonamarg has its own charm and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar. The place is also popular among adventure lovers and offers individuals an opportunity to indulge in many exciting adventure sports. Those wondering about how to reach Sonmarg from Srinagar, can look upto various options such as flights, buses, or cabs. Also the place is not that far from Srinagar as the Srinagar to Sonamarg distance is 79.6km and it takes around one and a half hours to reach the place.