SONAMARG Location : 110 km from Srinagar, At a Height of 2,740 m Known As : The Golden Meadow Famous For : Meadows, Mountains, Alpine Flowers, Pine and Fir Forests Major Attractions :Thajwas, River Sindh, Vishansar and Kishansar and Zojila Pass

Srinagar Getting There

Gulmarg Patni Top

Pahalgam Kargil

Sonmarg - Golden Meadows

The hill resort of Sonmarg is located at an altitude of 2,740 meters above sea level and at a distance of 110 kilometers from Srinagar. The road that approaches to this hill resort is also a Srinagar – Leh national highway and passes along the gushing Sindh River on one side and on the other mountains covered by the fir and alpine forests. Beauty of this place is beyond the imagination of human mind and the charm bestowed on this land by the gods, attracts the senses of every visitor. Surrounded by the snow peaked mountains and thick fir and alpine forests, the fresh mountainous air rejuvenates the soul of one and all. Plan a tour to this hill resort and you will find that, this place is really hard to beat.

Origin of Its Name

Impressed by the yellow crocus flowers that are in full bloom in the spring season this place was called by the locals as Sonmarg. In, Kashmiri 'Son' means 'gold' and 'marg' means 'garden', hence jointly it means 'golden meadows'. It will be very amazing to find these flowers dotting the meadows and essence of these flowers is simply awesome. Earlier, it was believed that, there is a well in this valley containing the golden colored water and is the reason for naming this place as Sonmarg. Plan your holiday to this hill resort and you will never wish to get out from this resort of paradisaical beauty.

Attractions of Sonmarg

The Sindh river is the center of attraction for tourists visiting this place, the noise and rush of this river creates a spine chilling experience and don't dare to go close to it. There are also many streams that pour down from the mini glaciers and have the ice cold water, these streams pass through many camping sites. The mountains are full of the wild flowers, alpine flowers, fir, sycamore, silver birch and pine trees. Take a walk amidst these dense forests and virtually it will be a breath taking beauty. Go to Thajwas and you will find the pockets of this mountain range full of snow. Reach up to these glaciers and take few snaps to remember the pleasing moments rest of your life. Trek to the high altitude lakes of Krishansar and Vishansar and the serenity of the azure water lake will be a visual delight. If you have ample time visit the Zojila pass that is considered as the Gateway of Ladakh and is just 20 kilometers from Sonmarg. This is the place where you can unwind yourself in the natural setting of mountains, meadows, rivers and forests.

On Adventure Trial

Adventure Rafting

Trekking Aerosports

Skiing Golfing

Sonmarg is the best place to have the adventure sports like white water rafting in its gushing Sindh river where you can also spent some time angling for the trout fish. The trekking tour from Sonmarg to Pahalgam is most famous trek route among the veteran trekkers. Further, you can trek to the mountain lakes of Vishansar and Kishansar and return back to Sonmarg. It is also the best place where you can go for alpine skiing and sledging. In the near future there is a stock of surprises for you, so come and find out the hidden treasure of this place.

How to Find Your Feet There

The Sonmarg hill resort is accessible only by road. The nearest airport is located at Budgam and the Mini rail head is Jammu Tawi. You can hire a taxi or sumo from Srinagar to Sonmarg, the state road transport is the other option but you have to change the bus many times so the most feasible is to hire a taxi or have your own vehicle. Come to the meadows of gold and explore the nature in bewilderment.