|
 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.
The Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740m, Sonamarg is the last major
point in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass
into Ladakh . At the pass the green, lush Kashmiri
landscape abruptly switches to the barren, dry
landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg is thus not only a
good base for treks but also a jumping off point for
trips into Ladakh.
The name means 'Meadow of Gold' and although this
could be due to the profusion of flowers that carpet
the meadow in the spring it is also possible that
the name derives from Sonamarg's strategic trading
position in the days when this was a major route
into central Asia. The Sindh River meanders along
here and abounds with Trout and Mahseer.
Walks From Sonamarg
 Oneof
the most popular short walks from Sonamarg and a
major attraction during the summer months is the
4-km route to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot
of the Sonamarg glacier. A path leads up to the
Shakhdar hill, overlooking the glacier from the
northeast. It is dangerous to climb the steep slope
leading up to the glacier. Ponies can be hired for
the trip up to Thajiwas glacier. Often in early
summer one will meet groups of Gujar passing through
Sonamarg on their way to the alpine meadows for the
summer.
Nilagrad
A mountain river meets the Indus at the Baltic
colony, Nilagrad, 6-km away from Sonamarg. The water
of the river is reddish in colour. The Baltic thinks
the water has curative power of many diseases.
Inhabitants of the colony visit this place every
Sunday to bath in the river.
Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake
There is a lake in every corner of the Himalayas and
there is one at Sonamarg also. The road proceeds
from Sonamarg to Bisansar Lake via Nichinai Pass.
Crossing the river at Nichinai Pass stands the
Bisansar Lake at an altitude of 4, 084m, with its
its lovely natural beauty. Beside the lake is the
Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of 3,801m, popular
for Trout fishing.
Baltal
 This
beautiful meadow is right at the foot of the Zoji La
pass and thus is the final place in Kashmir. The
river from the foot of the Amarnath glacier meets
the Indus near Baltal. It stands at a height of
2,743m and during the Amarnath pilgrimage there are
tents set up here. It is possible to walk to the
Amarnath cave, more usually approached from
Pahalgam, in one day. Check about conditions before
departing, though. The weather can be treacherous
and at other times melting snow and ice make the
route very dangerous. There's now a jeep road most
of the way to the cave. The turn off to Baltal is at
94-km on the Leh road, and then it's 3-km or so
downhill.
Yushmarg
If one can take some time out, then take tour of
Yushmarg in daytime. Buses on conducted tours run to
Yushmarg thrice a week. 47-km southwest of Srinagar
amidst pines and firs lies the vale - Yushmarg
(2,700m) at the slope of the Pir Panjal ranges. Its
is a beautiful pasture as well as a nice picnic spot |
