Sonamarg, at an
altitude of 3,000 metres above sea level, 87 km north-east of
Srinagar. The drive to Sonamargh is though yet another spectacular
facet of country side in Kashmir, this time in Sindh Valley. The
Sindh Valley is the largest tributary of the valley of Kashmir. It
is upwards of sixty miles long, and valley and deep rock-girt
gorge to open grassy meadow land and village-dotted slopes.
Sonamarg, which means ' meadow of gold ' has, as its backdrop,
snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. the Sindth meanders along
here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught
in the main river.Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas
glacier a major attraction during the summer months.
The climate of Sonamarg is very bracing; but the rainfall is
frequent though not heavy, except for two or three days at a
time in July and August with fine spell in between from Sonamarg,
trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4084 msl),
Krishnasar (3810 msl) and Gangabal (3658 msl). Other lakes in the
region are Gadsar, stocked with snowtrout and Satsar, glacier-fed
and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers.
A close by excursion is to Baltal, 15 km north of Sonamarg. This
little valley lies at the foot of the Zojila, only a day's journey
away from the sacred cave of Amarnath. Trekkers can also reach the
starkly splendid roof-top of the world – Leh, by crossing over the
Zijila Pass .
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.
HOW
TO REACH THERE
Air: Sonamarg
is in Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh Highway, 81-km from
Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Badgam District, connecting
the capital city with all the major cities in India.
Rail: The nearest Railhead is at Jammu and from there
National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
Road: Every sort of transport to suit every budget from
Buses to Taxis ply on National Highway NH1A. It takes around 10 to
12 hours to cross this mountainous road, which crosses some
beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir
Valley with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar and
Anantnag, which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands. Taxis and
other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed
rates. |