Sonmarg India
Situated at 9,000 kms. above sea level, Sonmarg is one of the
smallest resorts in Kashmir, lying in the heart of a gorgeous valley carved
by the river Sindh.. Also known as "Golden meadow", this place
gets its name 'Son' meaning golden, from the bloom of yellow crocuses that
fill this valley in the spring. It can be reached by roads, which runs
through the picturesque Sind valley flanked on one side by the densely
populated slopes and many varieties of alpine flowers.
A gushing river is the highlight of this meadow, flowing down from snowy
heights into the dense woodlands of firs and silver birches. Glaciers pour
down from this stream from the Himalayas on to the many camping sites in
Sonmarg. A thick forest cover of sycamore, alpine flowers, silver birch, fir
and pine, Sonamarg offers adventure in the form of treks, sledging, angling,
alpine skiing and white water rafting.
Sonmarg, on the Srinagar-Leh highway is approximately 110 kms from Srinagar
and the road to Sonmarg passes through the famous Jawahar tunnel. Buses and
private taxis can be hired from Srinagar.
Few world famous landmarks of sonmarg are:
Thajiwas (3km):
The whole mountain range here is covered by
glaciers. Water falls from these in silver sheets. A forest rest house and a
tourist hut between Sonamarg and Thajiwas have excellent views.
The Lakes:
The loveliest of the high altitude Himalayan lakes are
Vishansar and Krishnasar. The translucent waters of these lakes are speckled
with ice flakes, and the occasional trout that pops up now and then.
Gangabal
Also called Harmukh Ganga, it is sacred to Hindus. It can
be reached from Sonamarg via Krishnasar and Vishansar - a trek through
enchanting scenery.
Zoji-La Pass
20 kms east of Sonamarg lies the gateway to the
Ladakh plateau, the Zoji-La Pass at 3,540 m.
