Sonamerg

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.

Around the city, there are many places to visit like the trek to Gadsar Lake situated at 15 km from Sonamarg, featuring snowtrout,, Satsar and alpine flowers, along with a trip to frozen Satsar Lake or Baltal. Other significant places in the city of Sonamarg include the Nilagrad, a mountain river that lies 6 km from Sonamarg which meets the Indus at the Baltic Colony.

Another place is the Krishnasar Lake, which is known for its natural and untouched surroundings. The River stands at the Bisansar Lake at an altitude of 3801 m and is famous for trout fishing. The Sindh River that flows through is full of trout and mahseer. It takes about a day to reach the sacred cave of Amarnath from Zoji La pass, which is close to Sonamarg.