The
Meadow Of Gold
Sonamarg is situated at a distance
of 84 kms from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Ladakh Road . The
route passes through the picturesque town of Ganderbal (21
kms), Kangan (40 kms) and Gund of the SindhValley, before
reaching the resort. Spectacular views of the Harmukh range
dominate the horizon. The drive to Sonamarg is through the
SindhValley 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 SindhRiver that
meanders through the valley abounds with trout. Ponies can
be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a
major local attraction during the summer months.
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.
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.
Thajiwas
Thajiwas is located after
a short and interesting walk from Sonamarg. Thajiwas is
known for the glaciers. The miniature plateaus, snowfields,
pines and islets adds to the charm of Thajiwas.
How to reach Sonamarg
By Air: The
nearest airport is located in Badgam District, connecting
the capital city with all the major cities in India.
By Rail: The
nearest railway station is located at Jammu and from there
National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with
India.
By Road: Sonamarg
is situated on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, about 84 kms. from
Srinagar. The National Highway NH1A connects Srinagar and
Anantnag with Sonamarg. |