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Jammu and Kashmir
Sonamarg
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| At an altitude of 2,740 meters, Sonamarg, the meadow of gold, lies in
the heart of a gorgeous valley carved by the river Sindh. |
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Overview
At an altitude of 2,740 meters, Sonamarg, the meadow of gold, lies in
the heart of a gorgeous valley carved by the river Sindh. From
snow-blanketed reaches the river surges through a gorge, then winds
at leisure through the flower-strewn meadow. Lofty peaks, with
flanks sparkling with glaciers that skim down almost to the camping
sites, encircle Sonamarg. A thick forest cover of sycamore, alpine
flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. Sonamarg offers adventure in
the form of treks, sledging, angling, alpine skiing and white water
rafting.
Landmarks
Thajiwas (3km)
The whole mountain range here is covered by glaciers. Water falls
from these in silver sheets. A forest rest house and a tourist hut
between Sonamarg and Thajiwas have excellent views.
The Lakes
The loveliest of the high altitude Himalayan lakes are Vishansar and
Krishnasar. The translucent waters of these lakes are speckled with
ice flakes, and the occasional trout that pops up now and then.
Gangabal
Also called Harmukh Ganga, it is sacred to Hindus. It can be reached
from Sonamarg via Krishnasar and Vishansar - a trek through
enchanting scenery. The ice-fed Gadsar Lake is in the vicinity.
Zoji-La Pass
20 kms east of Sonamarg lies the gateway to the Ladakh plateau, the
Zoji-La Pass at 3,540 m.
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Baltal (15km)
Baltal, which lies at the foot of the Zoji-La pass, the sacred cave
of Amarnath is a one-day journey. Near Baltal is a vast camping
ground.
Ancient Monuments
8 km to the east of Wangat, high up in the valley are traces of
temples near Narennag spring. A vast pool scooped out of stone lies
between two groups of temples, which are 90 m apart.
Accommodation
Sonamarg has a number of hotels and lodges, which are open only
during summer months. JKTDC has a Dak Banglow with huts available on
hire. Tourists are advised to contact Manager, Tourist Reception
Centre, Jammu/Srinagar for booking and tariffs.
How to Get There
Air : The nearest Airport is in Badgam District.
Rail : The nearest Rail junction is at Jammu.
Road : Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway is approximately 110 kms from
Srinagar on the National Highway 1A. The 10 to 12 hour journey
passes through the famous Jawahar Tunnel. Buses and private taxis
can be hired from Srinagar. The J&K Road Transport Corporation runs
sightseeing buses to Sonamarg from Srinagar. The route first passes
Ganderbal, 21 km from Srinagar, a camping ground on the banks of the
Sindh Nallah with two tourist huts. 6 km beyond Ganderbal is Wayil,
where the road crosses the river Sindh. A PWD rest house is also
located here. 19 km further is Kangan, another beautiful spot with a
PWD and Tourist Rest House. Harmukh Range Camping Area at Margund is
beyond Kangan. Gund is the last big village on the way to Sonamarg.
From here the road is hilly and winding. Assistance is available at
the Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar
Compiled by Puneet Sachdeva
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Editor: Romola Butalia Site Presented by Media Trails © India Travelogue
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