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The Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740m, Sonamarg is the last major point in the Kashmir
valley before the Zoji La pass into
Ladakh . At the pass
the green, lush Kashmiri landscape abruptly switches to the barren, dry
landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg is thus not only a good base for treks but
also a jumping off point for trips into Ladakh.
The name means 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could be due to the
profusion of flowers that carpet the meadow in the spring it is also
possible that the name derives from Sonamarg's strategic trading position
in the days when this was a major route into central Asia. The Sindh River
meanders along here and abounds with Trout and Mahseer.
Sonamarg's Importance Is Two Fold:
It is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes -
Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One trek leads all the
way to the Amarnath
cave . The other reason for Sonamarg's importance lies in the fact
that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from
Srinagar to
Leh .
Walks From Sonamarg
One of the most popular short walks from Sonamarg and a major attraction
during the summer months is the 4-km route to Thajiwas, a small valley at
the foot of the Sonamarg glacier. A path leads up to the Shakhdar hill,
overlooking the glacier from the northeast. It is dangerous to climb the
steep slope leading up to the glacier. Ponies can be hired for the trip up
to Thajiwas glacier. Often in early summer one will meet groups of Gujar
passing through Sonamarg on their way to the alpine meadows for the
summer.
Nilagrad
A mountain river meets the Indus at the Baltic colony, Nilagrad, 6-km
away from Sonamarg. The water of the river is reddish in colour. The
Baltic thinks the water has curative power of many diseases. Inhabitants
of the colony visit this place every Sunday to bath in the river.
Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake
There is a lake in every corner of the Himalayas and there is one at
Sonamarg also. The road proceeds from Sonamarg to Bisansar Lake via
Nichinai Pass. Crossing the river at Nichinai Pass stands the Bisansar
Lake at an altitude of 4, 084m, with its its lovely natural beauty. Beside
the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of 3,801m, popular for
Trout fishing. 
Baltal
This beautiful meadow is right at the foot of the Zoji La pass and thus
is the final place in Kashmir. The river from the foot of the Amarnath
glacier meets the Indus near Baltal. It stands at a height of 2,743m and
during the Amarnath pilgrimage there are tents set up here. It is possible
to walk to the Amarnath cave, more usually approached from Pahalgam, in
one day. Check about conditions before departing, though. The weather can
be treacherous and at other times melting snow and ice make the route very
dangerous. There's now a jeep road most of the way to the cave. The turn
off to Baltal is at 94-km on the Leh road, and then it's 3-km or so
downhill.
Yushmarg
If one can take some time out, then take tour of Yushmarg in daytime.
Buses on conducted tours run to Yushmarg thrice a week. 47-km southwest of
Srinagar amidst
pines and firs lies the vale - Yushmarg (2,700m) at the slope of the Pir
Panjal ranges. Its is a beautiful pasture as well as a nice picnic spot.
Air: Sonamarg is in Srinagar District on the
Srinagar Leh
Highway, 81-km from Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Badgam District,
connecting the capital city with all the major cities in India.
Rail: The nearest Railhead is at Jammu
and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with
India.
Road: Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to
Taxis ply on National Highway NH1A. It takes around 10 to 12 hours to
cross this mountainous road, which crosses some beautiful spots and the
famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Bus service is
available from Srinagar
and Anantnag, which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands. Taxis and
other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates.
Assistance is available at Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.
Sonamarg has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types, which are open only during summer months. JKTDC has a Dak Bungalow and number of Huts, which are available on hire. The tariffs depend on the type of accommodation to be hired. Accommodation needs to be booked well in advance from Srinagar. Tourists are advised to contact Manager Tourist Reception centre Jammu/Srinagar for booking and tariffs.
Srinagar
: 81-km
Baltal: 98-km
Yushmarg: 34-km