“Meadow of gold”, Sonamarg is a heaven on earth which you should visit at least once in your lifetime. A beautiful hill station located in Jammu and Kashmir, it is located 80 kms from the state capital Srinagar. It was a getaway on the ancient Silk Road that connected Kashmir with Tibet. With snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, the places to visit in Sonamarg include glaciers, lakes, valleys and historic sites.
The lakes of Sonamarg are home to fish like snow trout, brown trout and mahseer, making it one of the famous Kashmir tourist places for fishing. Also, it is one of the amazing places for camping in India, where you can set up a camp and enjoy stargazing.
You can also make a small stop at Katra. It is a beautiful base before starting the arduous Vaishno Devi trek. Book affordable hotels in Katra to get a good rest before your journey.
Best Places to Visit in Sonamarg
1. Thajiwas Glacier
Situated at an altitude of 9,186 ft., Thajiwas Glacier is one of the easily accessible glaciers in Sonamarg. With stunning views of the Zanskar Range, emerald meadows and a clear blue sky, the route is filled with numerous waterfalls, pine forests and icy streams, making it a beautiful journey.
It is one of the best places to visit in Sonamarg to connect with nature and experience solitude. The best time to visit the glacier is during the summer season, when the weather is pleasant and the hike is less difficult than during the monsoon and winter seasons.
2. Baltal Valley
Located 15 km north of Sonamarg, Baltal Valley is dotted with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and glaciers, offering breathtaking views. The valley is also a base camp site for pilgrims going towards the Amarnath Cave and Zoji La Pass.
The journey towards the valley is filled with the mesmerising beauty of the Sindh River flowing along the Srinagar- Leh Highway. While exploring the valley, you can enjoy sightseeing, photography and camping. However, the valley is open only for 6 months from April to September, making it one of the best places to visit in Sonamarg during the summer season.
3. Gangabal Lake
Also known as Haramukh Ganga, Gangabal Lake is situated at the foothills of Haramukh Mountain. You can reach the lake via Ganderbal and Naranag, followed by a 15 km trek route via Vishansar and Krishnasar Lake. The trek is filled with wild Himalayan flowers, stunning views of majestic peaks, including Mt. Hurmukh in the Pir Panjal range and Mt. Nangaparbath (naked mountain) in the Karakorum range. During your journey, you also get to witness the nomadic lifestyle of Gujars and Bakarwals.
The lake is home to different types of fish, including rainbow and brown trout, making it one of the best places to visit in Sonamarg for fishers.
4. Zoji La Pass
The Zoji La Pass connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh at an altitude of 11,500 ft. above sea level. The pass is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows and rugged terrain, offering picture-perfect views of the mighty Himalayas. Despite its challenging terrain, it is one of the significant mountain passes in India that holds great historical importance as a military route and connectivity. The pass is closed during the winter due to the heavy snowfall, disrupting the road between Srinagar and Leh.
Also, since the pass is situated at a very high altitude, it is recommended to acclimatise before heading towards the pass.
5. Zero Point
As the name suggests, the Zero Point is located beyond the roads, which are often closed due to heavy snowfall during the winter. The point is just 24 kms away from Sonamarg, and it takes an hour to drive through rocky and narrow roads to reach this breathtaking place. It is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains on one side and a deep valley that flows crystal clear water from the Sindh River.
It also acts as a boundary between Kashmir and Ladakh, situated on the Zojila Pass at an altitude of 11,646 ft.
6. Krishnasar Lake
One of the most beautiful lakes to visit in Sonamarg, Krishnasar Lake is situated at an altitude of 3801 m. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains set in the backdrop, adding a spellbinding view to the place. It is home to brown trout, one of the salmonid fish.
The best time to visit the Krishnasar Lake is during the summer season (June-September).
7. Gadsar Lake
An amazing alpine lake that falls along the trail of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Gadsar Lake is one of the best places to visit in Sonamarg for adventure lovers. Located at an altitude of 3600 m, the water of the lake is glacier-fed fed which comes from the mountain situated in its background. The name Gadsar comes from two Kashmiri words, Gad, meaning fish, and Sar, meaning a lake, which literally translates to the lake of fish.
According to some mythological legends, the lake is also known as Yemsar (the lake of death), making it one of the sacred places to visit in Sonamarg.
8. Nichinai Pass
Located at a distance of 18 kms from Sonamarg Bus Station, Nichinai is a scenic short trek in the Kashmir Valley. It serves as a significant base for the trekking circuit in Sonamarh and as the main route to many places to visit in Sonamarg. The pass offers a gateway to treks towards high altitude lakes like Krishnasar, Vishansar, Gadsar Lake and Gangabal Lake.
The Nichinai Pass Trek starts from Shitkadi, 13 kms away from the pass and takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach the snow-covered terrains with stunning views. The trek may become extremely difficult due to low oxygen levels; therefore, it’s recommended to hire a tourist guide and carry essential items like drinking water and warm clothes.
9. Sonamarg Market
One of the best places to visit in Sonamarg for shopaholics, the Sonamarg market is situated at the base of Thajiwas Glacier. The market is filled with handmade souvenirs and traditional handicrafts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Some of the popular items that you can take home from the market include shawls, pashminas, carpets, wooden handicrafts and local spices.
Places to Visit Near Sonamarg
1. Srinagar
Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, famous for its vibrant lakes and gardens with the beautiful mountain ranges in the backdrop. Shikaras and houseboats in Dal Lake attract visitors from around the world. You can enjoy a memorable experience of shopping, eating and staying in a houseboat while enjoying the sparkling views of blooming lotus flowers.
The city is the main transit hub to explore places to visit in Sonamarg and you can reach the city by flights, trains, buses or taxi. The affordable hotels in Srinagar are perfect for you to take a halt before beginning your journey towards Sonamarg.
Places to Visit in Srinagar: Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Tulip Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Nigeen Lake.
2. Jammu
Jammu is a gateway that connects the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. Surrounded by hilly terrains, tourist places include religious sites, serene lakes, massive gardens, historic monuments and vibrant bazaars. The most popular places to visit in Jammu are the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.
While visiting the city, you can find various budget-friendly hotels in Jammu, offering a comfortable and relaxing stay with modern amenities.
Places to Visit in Jammu: Vaishno Devi temple, Amar Mahal, Jama Masjid, Shri Ranbireshwar Temple, Bagh-E-Bahu and Raghunath Temple.
3. Pahalgam
Pahalgam, popularly known as the crown of Kashmir, is one of the most amazing places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the banks of the Lidder River at an altitude of 2200 mts, in the Anantnag district. It boasts lush green meadows, trails and water streams, perfect for a pause from daily hustle and bustle.
Moreover, Pahlgam is also the base of the popular Amarnath Temple Yatra, attracting both devotees and tourists. You can book your stay in hotels in Pahalgam.
Places to Visit in Pahalgam: Aru Valley, Lidder River, Sheshnag Lake, Betaab Valley, Baisaran, Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, Golf Course and Chandanwari.
4. Gulmarg
Gulmarg is heaven for ski lovers during the winter season. During the spring and monsoon months, the place is filled with vibrant and colourful flowers. Gulmarg is also known for its Gondola rides, which are the second world’s second-highest rides. It is one of the best hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir for a relaxing getaway.
You can easily find hotels in the region offering comfortable, affordable stays with amenities like Wi-Fi, restaurants, parking, and more.
Places to Visit in Gulmarg: Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, St. Mary’s Church, Gulmarg Gondola Ride, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Golf Course and Strawberry Valley.
Thus, while looking for an escape from city chaos or a thrilling adventure, the places to visit in Sonmarg offer breathtaking views, a peaceful atmosphere and adventurous activities for you to have a memorable time. Also, do check out the Kashmir itinerary for a hassle-free trips to the valley.
