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. Assistance is available at
Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar
