The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (the medow of gold) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with Trout and Mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.
Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes -Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.
Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave, during Sawan Purnima. For details about the yatra, refer to the Amaranathji Yatra Link.
Accommodation in Sonamarg is available in J&K TDC's Huts and Tourist Bungalows. In addition, there are some private hotels, among which the Hotel Glacier is the best known. Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold) is a trekker's heaven that has adventurous routes with beautiful green water & frozen lakes around which makes trekking in sonamarg full of adventure. Sonamarg Best Place For Trekking & River Rafting. The vale is believed to be bestowed with mystical water which turns everything into eternal riches. High altitude makes it cold even during summers. It is advisable to always carry warm clothes and rain proofs.
Sind River a natural hatchery of Trout, here angling is great fun, provided the permission is obtained from the fisheries department. Ascending river makes Sonamarg ideal for River Rafting, it is done in full swing by youths,corporate executives and even old members with their families at different levels in the Sind river Arrangements can be done through travel agents in Srinagar or Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA). More adventure sports like Paragliding is getting lots of takers during Summer.More assistance is available at the tourist office.The rugged countryside market makes one feel the thrill of adventure. Island retreat, a park amidst river Sind enroute Sonamarg , is a real treat as a short stopover. The roaring Sind creates a constant cool breeze; it is hard to get off from such heavenly environs.
