Sonmarg Tour & Travel Guide

The Golden Meadow Gateway to Silk Route

Literally meaning “Meadow of Gold”, Sonmarg was the gateway of the Silk Road, which connected Kashmir with Gulf countries and China. This quaint town of Jammu & Kashmir is an abode for nature lovers. Lakes, glaciers, valleys and high mountain passages have called tourist from far & near. Globe totter’s delight, Sonmarg is a perfect honeymoon destination in India.

Nature is blessed with abundance here. The gleaming silver glaciers against the backdrop of lush green meadows and clear blue sky, mesmerizes the onlooker to his heart’s content. One such is the Thajiwas glacier. This glacier is an indispensable part of this zone’s popular trekking circuit. Covered with snow, mostly throughout the year, this humongous glacier enchants everyone with its amazing beauty. Many frozen lakes and lush green pastures create a picturesque surroundings around the Thajiwas glacier. At an altitude of 9,186 feet this is a must visit. A half-day hike to the waterfalls around this glacier in summer is a delight in nature’s lap. If you love trekking do not miss and even if you do not want to walk long, pony ride is a relief. Tourist love to camp and enjoy sledge rides here. The journey might be difficult and the roads & terrains not easy but the views are hypnotizing enough to sway you off your feet. Sonmarg has some of the most beautiful valleys of India. Baltal Valley is one to name. Perched on the banks of River Sindh, Baltal Valley lies on the foot of Zoji La pass in the Himalayas of Kashmir.

This valley is a major camping ground for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. Sindh's non-stop rumbling waters, terrains draped in lush greens grass and traces of snow, make this valley a paradise for nature lovers. The wonderful panorama of overlapping snow-cladded mountains, far & near is a visual delight. The breathtaking terrains and serene location of Baltal make it a loved trekking and camping site. Treks are frequently organized to this valley, in summers, from Pahalgam. Being a preferred base for Amarnath Yatra, this place experiences a footfall of around 40,000 devotees who start their holy journey from here to the most revered cave of Lord Shiva.

Not to miss, Sonmarg is the home to some of the most beautiful high mountain passes that are dream destinations of trekkers and mountaineers. Zoji La Pass (at an elevation of 11575 feet), Satsaran Pass (at an elevation of 3680 meters) and Nichinai Pass (at an elevation of 4139 meters) are those mesmerizing passes that have captured the heart & soul of every person visited. Treks to high altitude lakes like Krishnasar and Vishansar are conducted through Nichinai Pass. The stunning vistas from all these passes worth the effort. Sonmarg is also a place with beautiful lakes. Treks and day picnics to Gingival Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Gasser Lake, and Sitar Lake are very popular. At a short distance from Sonmarg, there is Yusmarg, a perfect place for a perfect day picnic in the lap of unadulterated nature. When here in Sonmarg, don’t forget to visit a walnut orchard and enjoy some too!