Sonamarg, which is also known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, is located in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir and is no less than heaven on earth. It is home to some of the most important peaks like Amarnath peak, which is a pilgrimage destination, Kalhoi peak and Sirbal peak. Sonamarg is 85 kilometres from Srinagar and the drive there is extremely fascinating as the moving landscape is full of high mountains and packed with snow. The pine forests and green valley are incomparable. To see the true beauty of the place, you must visit Sonamarg in spring when the whole valley turns into a carpet of flowers
This place is also a destination for trekkers as it is right next to Zoji la from where you can reach high altitude trekking points. Adventure seekers usually go to Pahalgam and Thajiwas Glacier from here. From Sonamarg, you can also go to the holy shrine of Lord Shiva at Amarnath. Apart from this, you can also go skiing, rafting, etc. The best time to visit Sonamarg is in summer from May to June and in winter from November to April, if you can bear the cold temperatures
Things to do in Sonmarg include
Zojila Pass
This pass is an important link between Ladakh and Kashmir. The snow-capped mountains leave everyone in awe. Earlier, this pass was captured by the Pakistanis, but later India waged a war and recaptured it.
The war has increased the influx of tourists as this is the highest country where a war has taken place and tanks have been brought to such highlands
Zoji la Pass is 9 km from Sonamarg and is at an altitude of 11,500 ft. above sea level. This pass lies between Kashmir and Dras. The Dras valley is a beautiful grassland and the pass is covered with snow
Nilagrad River
Located 6 km from Sonamarg, Nilagrad River is considered a picnic spot where you can sit in the sun and spend some quality time amidst nature. The river bank is the best place to sit and relax
The colour of the water is red, and that is something very special. The water is considered sacred and is said to have some medicinal properties. People from many places come here to take a bath in the water. The river flows down to join the Indus later on
Once you reach here, you can also see the Krishnasar and Vishansar rivers nearby. The river Nilagrad will mesmerise you with the immaculate beauty of nature.
Thajiwas Glacier
This place is full of surprises for trekkers and adventure seekers. It is also considered an asset to Jammu and Kashmir. To see the real beauty of the place, you need to trek from Sonamarg to the glacier.
The glacier is just 7 km away from Sonamarg town. If you want to see the real beauty, you should trek from Sonamarg and experience the frozen lake at the top, which is surrounded by lush green vegetation. The glacier is surrounded by alpine trees and there are many small and large waterfalls along the way, making it very pristine. You can also go skiing and sledding here
Krishnasar Lake
This lake is located at an altitude of 3801 m and is one of the best lakes in Kashmir that you should see. The lake is surrounded by lush green trees and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains makes it look even more divine
Krishnasar Lake has always been a major tourist destination in Sonamarg and people from all over the world come here to enjoy the sight. Apart from the beauty of nature, you can also indulge in activities like fishing and trout fishing here. The lake is full of trout, a type of salmon fish.
The best time to visit the lake is in summer. In winter, the temperature drops to freezing point and the lake also freezesover Vishansar Lake
Located near Sonamarg, it stretches a long way and is considered very important for the Kashmiri Pandits. In winter, the lake turns into ice, but in summer, the green grass, vegetation and sky are reflected in it. It is also the source of the river Nelum, which flows in a northerly direction. The lake has been attracting tourists for a long time. If you are a backpacker and want to camp at the lake, all you need is a tent. Staying in close proximity to such a pristine body of water is a great feeling.
The lake is considered to be the lake of Lord Vishnu and is therefore considered important by the Kashmiri Pandits. It is the best destination for adventure seekers and anglers.