Day 56 - Sonmarg

Sonmarg or Sonamarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means 'Meadow of Gold'. This name was given to the place as it is completely covered with a sheet of flowers during spring that appear gold in colour and also for being a decisive trading position, which makes it the main route into Central Asia. The falling sunlight on the high mountain peaks in the city also turns it golden in colour. The place has alpine weather conditions with pleasant summers and heavy snowfall in winter.  Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport to Sonamarg is located at Srinagar, at a distance of 70 kms away. Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flights.

By Rail: The nearest major railhead is at Srinagar, which is 70 kms away. One can reach Sonamarg from railway station by taxis or buses.


Best time to visit: April to November


Languages spoken: Hindi, Kashmiri and Urdu.


Must eat: Qabargah, Kaanti (lamb pieces in red hot gravy, usually eaten as a snack and not part of the main course), Modur Pulaav (Sweet Pulao, usually as a dessert)


Famous Restaurants: JKTDC Restaurant, Glacier Heights, Snowland.


Places you must visit:

Krishnasar Lake is one of the most mesmerizing lakes in Sonamarg. Surrounded by dense alpines, the place offers cool and pleasant atmosphere. The lake is popular for trout fishing while people also enjoy other water activities here.



Nilagrad River is a major attraction known for its reddish water. According to the locals, the water has curative power of various diseases.



Thajiwas glacier is a one of many adventurous routes with amazing green water & frozen lakes around.It is an ideal spot for enjoying a sledge ride on the snow even in mid-summer. The nearby area is perfect camping site too.



 Zoji-la pass is the gateway to the Ladakh plateau. Situated at a height of about 3,528 m above sea level, the pass connects Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, Kashmir Valley to its south and Ladakh to its North. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the scenic beauty.




Gangabal lake, also known as Harmuk Ganga at a height of 3570 m above sea level is a popular attraction in Sonamarg. It is considered sacred place by Hindus. Also a popular spot for rainbow trout fishing.

Nichnai Pass, located at an elevation of around 4,139 m, is a trekking base. Lakes such as the Vishansar and Krishnasar can be seen from this pass. 

Yushmarg is counted among the famous picnic spots of Jammu and Kashmir. This place is surrounded by dense forests and offers amazing views of the snow-capped mountains.



Gadsar Lake is located 5,000 m above sea level, in the Himalayan Ranges. It is considered as one of the highest altitude lakes in the Kashmir region. This lake is famous as trekking base, which can be reached through the alpine trek. Brown-trout fishing is a popular activity among the tourists visiting this lake.



Satsar Lake is at a height of 3,600 m above sea level. The whole region is surrounded by trees and beautiful alpine flowers.



Satsaran Pass, also known as the Satsaran Gali Pass, is at a height of 3,680 m above sea level.