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Sonamarg - The
Meadow of Gold.
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 meadow
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.
How to get there
Sonamarg is situated at a distance of 84 kms from Srinagar, on the
Srinagar-Ladakh Road. kashmirtourism.com operates regular buses as
well as sightseeing buses during the season. The route passes
through the picturesque town of Ganderbal (21 kms), Kangan (40 kms)
and Gund of the
Sindh
Valley,
before reaching the resort. Spectacular views of the Harmukh range
dominate the horizon all along the route.
Tourist
Information & Assistance
The Tourist Office at Sonamarg is within the premises of the Tourist
Complex, behind the cafeteria. Tourists are advised to visit the
office for information and assistance. In particular, trekking trips
into the mountains should be undertaken only after consulting the
Tourist Office at Srinagar or Sonamarg for safety and feasibility.
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