Sonamarg means ‘ meadow of gold ‘ has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. the Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. In late April when Sonamarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to “Thajiwas glacier” a major attraction during the summer months. Sonamarg an alpine valley is situated at the bank of Nallah Sindh, it is a popular tourist destination, nestled with in the imposing Himalayan peaks. Sonamarg had historical significance and was a gateway on ancient Silk Road along with Gilgit connecting Kashmir with China and other Gulf countries.
Adventure Sonamarg:
Rafting: A scending Sind river make Sonamarg ideal for River Rafting . Rafting competition are held during summer by the authorities .
Paragliding: The ideal winds & slopes make Paragliding most exiting & adventures for professional in Sonmarg.
Trekking: From Sonamarg, trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake, stocked with Snowtrout and Brown trout and Satsar, glacier-fed and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers.
Places to visit:
Thajiwas: Thajiwas glacier at an altitude of 9,186 feet is a striking silvery scene set against emerald meadows and a clear blue sky. In summers, you can take a half-day hike to numerous waterfalls around this glacier. Ponies are available upto the glacier from sonmarg camp sites in thajiwas area make it a prime location for school camps & trekkers during summer. It provides a chance to enjoy Sledge ride on the snow even in mid summer.
Island Retreat Park: 4 km from the main Sonmarg, a delta amidst sind river on sonmarg road is a common stop over for visitors the wooden bridge over roaring river leads to the Park making it a memorable scene & Mighty Peaks creates Splendid Environment.
Nilgrath Village: 4 Km ahead of Sonamarg on Leh Road has major habitation of Dards .The mixed Kashmri & Dard Culture make s people of this village slightly different from the rest. Their livelihood most depends on labour works & Tourism.
Baltal: 15 km 2743 M 15 km north of Sonamarg on the Sind River at the base of Zojila pass This little valley is only a day’s journey away from and provides a shorter high-altitude alternate route to the sacred cave of Amarnath. Baltal serves as the base camp for pilgrims on their onward journey to Amarnath Caves, 14 km away. The site is seen with pitched tents meant for the pilgrims to spend the night. Renowned for its scenic beauty, Baltal meadows offers tent accommodation for the pilgrims and tourists. Both pony rides & helicopter services are available to the holy Amarnath Caves. Helicopter passengers have to disembark at Panjtarni and foot it, or take a pony ride, to the cave, 5 km away. For the hikers, the 14 km distance from Baltal to Amarnath takes about 4 hours on a winding steep trail. Basic facilities like Medical, Free Langers, Telecommunication & other necessary are available Enroute to Cave.