Tourist Places To Visit In Sonamarg

Sonamarg, located at the bank of Nallah Sindh is around 87 kilometers north-east from Srinagar. Perched at 2,800 m above sea level, it is a popular tourist destination in the vicinity of popular peaks like Kolhoi Glacier, Machoi Glacier,  Kolhoi Peak, Sirbal Peak and Machoi Peak. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains against an indigo sky, the town is also addressed as 'meadow of gold'. Sonamarg has a great many tourist places to see, as explained below. You must not miss the Thajiwas mountains and glaciers, or the many pretty lakes that make Sonmarg even more beautiful. 

Located at an altitude of 9,186 feet and around 3 kilometers away from Sonamarg, Thajiwas glacier is a must see tourist place. It boasts of lush green meadows making it a picturesque affair. Thajiwas is popular among trekkers who have a liking for skidding on glacial surfaces. And of course for the lovers of nature photography. The local inhabitants of this place comprise of the Gujjar tribe.

A sparkling blue lake surrounded by green meadows is the perfect recipe for a beautiful day. Head to the Vishansar lake, located at an altitude of 3,710 meters, to make the most of Sonamarg. Surrounded by snow capped mountains the landscape is speckled with numerous waterfalls. The width of the lake is around 0.6 kilometers and even though it's not advisable to swim, you can surely enjoy a lazy afternoon fishing for trouts.

Located on the Indian National Highway 1D, Zoji La Pass is at an altitude of 3,528 meters above sea level. The pass offers a beautiful view of surrounding snow covered peaks. It is advisable to travel down the pass with an experienced driver as certain parts can make for a dangerous ride. Also, remember that the pass is closed for tourists during the months of winter. The Zoji La Pass is around 25 km away from Sonamarg and a rented taxi or bike will serve the purpose to get there.

Located at a height of 3,710 meters above the sea, Krishansar Lake is a hidden treasure in Sonamarg. It is considered as one of most beautiful lakes in Jammu And Kashmir and lies just a kilometer away from Vishansar Lake. Visit during the summer months to enjoy a pleasant breezy picnic by the shore.

The Nilagrad river interestingly has somewhat reddish water. This clear mountain spring, which later merges with the Indus river, is said to carry curative properties. Naturally, the locals gather to take therapeutic dips every Sunday. Join them and get a dose of good health in the lap of nature.

Located around 13 km away from Sonamarg, Nichinai Pass serves as a prominent base for the trekking circuit. As the pass is 4,139 meters above the sea level, you will be able to experience an amazing view of low lying regions. It also serves as the main route to many destinations across the valley.

An hour's drive from Srinagar, the Baltal Valley serves as the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra and is an ideal site for camping. You don't need to carry the equipment as you can rent it here. The Baltal Valley is a green expanse surrounded by snowy peaks and is a picturesque place to be.

With an amazing view of the mountain ranges, Yusmarg is an ideal picnic spot for tourists in Sonamarg. Local legend has it that Jesus stayed in the valley for a while; thus the name Yusmarg (The Meadow of Jesus). Perched in the Pir Panjal range with the Doodganga river flowing next to it, you surely wouldn't want to miss this experience.

When in Sonmarg during the trekking season, then do chase this trek. Leading up to the Gangabal Lake, you will walk through some of the most beautiful sceneries available to mankind. The lake itself is a sacred Hindu site, popular to the natives by the name of Harmuk Ganga. The rainbow trout fish in this lake is its star attraction for people to see. You can visit here between July and October for the best views and March onwards for great fishing.

Satsar Lake means ‘seven lakes.’ It is so named for the drainage of seven natural beautiful alpine reservoirs into one cascade. Satsar is the gem of Ganderbal near Sonmarg, and attracts tourists for its beauty as well as tranquil charm. You get to sit by the lake and zone out into an alternate world or hold your beloved’s hand and take a walk. Quietly. Contemplatively. Happily.

Another lake you must not miss in Sonmarg is the Gadsar Lake. It is located 5000 m above sea level, making it a unique place in the lap of the Himalayas. When you visit during spring (April-May), you get to see the frozen beauty of this water body in all its glory. While June onwards the thawing paves the way for a pristine free flowing lake. Here the brown trout fish live in abandon, and locals make a good fishing zone out of it.