Sonamarg or Sonmarg, also known as Sonamarag in Kashmiri, is a small hill station in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located about 80 kilometers northeast of the capital city, Srinagar. Sonamarg is a delight to watch for anyone who loves to see silver snowall in paradise. A must-visit place on the iternary of tourist, Sonmarg experiences winter from November to March. As a gateway on the ancient SilkRoad, it connects jammu kashmir with Tibet.
Sonmarg, which means “Meadow of Gold” is situated at a height of 2,730 meters and is surrounded by numerous high mountains like Sirbal Peak, Kolahoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, and Machoi Peak. Machoi Glacier is very near to Sonmarg and a must-visit place for any tourist. The town is known for its alpine meadows that bloom in the summer as well as rivers and lakes. Sonamarg is the birthplace of 3 rivers, namely the Lidder, Sind, and Neelum. Tourism in Sonamarg has centered around trekking routes leading to Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake, all located in the Himalayas.
Sind river is an ideal place for those who love angling. A major attraction during summer for tourist is horse riding for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier. Sonmarg is the staging point for trek to the annual Amarnath cave temple. Also worth visiting is the Baltal valley 15km east of Sonamarg, on the foot of the ZojiLa pass. Trekkers can also reach Leh, capital of Ladakh by crossing the Zoji La pass. Ideally suited for river rafting tournaments, Sonamarg is a must-visit place for adventure seekers. It is accessible only by road from Srinagar 85 km away. There are numerous places worth visiting such as Nilagrad river, Vishansar Lake, Satsar Lake, Yusmarg, For nature lovers, Sonmarg offers the chance to unwind amidst its scenic vistas.
Ideally suited for extended weekend visits Sonmarg is an ideal honeymoon destination for newlywed couples. Sonamarg is a striking silvery scene set against emerald meadows and blue sky and is an all-time favorite place for mountain photography. Tourists also come to take a dip in the Nilagrad river, which is red in color, and its water is said to have medicinal properties. Sonmarg is also famous for its walnuts a must-buy thing for tourists. Hotels and resorts in Sonmarg provide tourists with luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. Restaurants serve delicious Kashmiri cuisine at reasonable prices.
