Sonmarg, which means "Meadow of Gold," is a beautiful vicinity in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Placed at an altitude of approximately 9000 ft, it's far surrounded by majestic mountains, lush, inexperienced meadows, and glowing rivers. Let's take an adventure through some of the most lovely places to visit in Sonmarg.
Apart from these beautiful places to visit in Sonmarg, there are numerous things to do in Sonmarg. You can indulge in trekking, camping, fishing, and photography. For adventure seekers, activities like river rafting and sledding are available exclusively in its best time to visit in Sonmarg, which is from August to October. The serene environment also makes it a great place for meditation and relaxation.
Top 14 Best Places to Visit in Sonmarg
1. Zoji La Pass
2. Zero Point
3. Thajiwas Glacier
4. Sarbal Village
5. Table top
6. Baltal
7. Dras
8. Kargil Warfare Memorial
9. Satsar Lake
10. Gangabal Lake
11. Vishansar Lake
12. Krishansar Lake
13. Nilagrad River
14. Gadsar Lake
1. Zoji La Pass
Distance from Sonmarg: 23 km
Travel Time: 50 Minutes
Zoji La Pass is an excessive-altitude mountain bypass that connects Kashmir to the beautiful location of Ladakh. It is situated at an altitude of 11,575 feet. The pass offers breathtaking views of snow-protected mountains and deep valleys. The street to Zoji Los Angeles can be quite slim and difficult, so it's best to tour with an experienced guide.
2. Zero Point
Distance from Sonmarg: 25 km
Travel Time: 1 Hour
Zero Point is placed simply beyond Zoji La Pass. It's a famous spot in which visitors can enjoy snow all 12 months spherically. You may play in the snow, take a sleigh ride, and click on a few top-notch images. It's a great area to take damage and experience some snacks for the duration of your experience.
3. Thajiwas Glacier
Distance from Sonmarg: 3 km
Travel time: 15 Minutes
Thajiwas Glacier is one of the most famous attractions in Sonmarg. Located at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, this glacier is a short trek or pony ride away from Sonmarg. The path to Thajiwas Glacier is decorated with beautiful meadows and crystal-clear streams. It’s a brilliant location to experience the snow and the lovely mountain scenery.
4. Sarbal Village
Distance from Sonmarg: 2 km
Travel time: 10 Minutes
Sarbal is an old-fashioned little village located near Sonmarg. It is nestled deep in the forest by the Sind River. This village offers a non-violent retreat with its picturesque surroundings. The traditional Kashmiri homes and the serene surroundings make Sarbal a must-visit place for those searching for tranquility.
5. Table top
Distance from Sonmarg: 1 km
Travel Time: 5 Minutes
Table Pinnacle is a lovely point of view in Sonmarg. It can be reached by taking a quick, but steep, trek. The flat piece of land at the top gives a breathtaking view of the entire Sonmarg valley. It's relatively advocated to take a nearby guide along, as the vicinity is understood for its natural world, inclusive of bears.
6. Baltal
Distance from Sonmarg: 15 km
Travel time: 30 Minutes
Baltal is a scenic valley positioned on the banks of the Sind River. It's an important camping site for pilgrims heading to the Amarnath Cave. The valley is surrounded by towering mountains and has a peaceful ecosystem with its colorful tents and delightful landscapes.
7. Dras
Distance from Sonmarg: 60 km
Travel Time: 2-3 Hours
Dras is called the second-coldest-inhabited place in the world. It's a small city located approximately 60 km from Sonmarg. The journey to Dras is packed with breathtaking views, and it passes through Zoji La Pass and Baltal. Dras is likewise recognised for its lush green scenery and serene surroundings.
8. Kargil Warfare Memorial
Distance from Sonmarg: 60 km (in Dras)
Travel time: 2–3 Hours
The Kargil War Memorial is located in Dras and is a tribute to the squaddies who misplaced their lives for the duration of the Kargil struggle. The memorial is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers. Site visitors pay their respects and learn about the records of the battle.
9. Satsar Lake
Distance from Sonmarg: 12 km (trek)
Trek Time: 1-2 Days
Satsar Lake is a collection of seven alpine lakes positioned at an altitude of about 12,000 ft. The trek to Satsar Lake is difficult but profitable, with lush green meadows and stunning mountain views. The serene splendor of the lakes makes it an excellent spot for tenting and enjoying nature.
10. Gangabal Lake
Distance from Sonmarg: 25 km (trek)
Trek Time: 2-3 Days
Gangabal Lake is located at an altitude of 11,729 feet on the Harmukh peak. It's one of the resources of the Jhelum River. The lake is known for its clean, blue waters and delightful surroundings. It is a famous spot for trekkers and nature lovers.
11. Vishansar Lake
Distance from Sonmarg: 35 km (trek)
Trek Time: 3-4 Days
Vishansar Lake is located at an altitude of 13,500 feet. It is also known as the Lake of Vishnu. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountains and green meadows. The trek to Vishansar Lake is a bit tough, but it gives breathtaking views and is a danger to experiencing the natural beauty of Kashmir.
12. Krishansar Lake
Distance from Sonmarg: 35 km (trek)
Trek Time: 2-3 Days
Krishansar Lake, positioned close to Vishansar Lake, is another stunning alpine lake. The clear blue waters of the lake mirror the surrounding mountains, creating a magical environment. It is an extraordinary spot for fishing and tenting.
13. Nilagrad River
Distance from Sonmarg: 6 km
Travel time: 20 Minutes
The Nilagrad River is known for its reddish waters, which can be believed to have medicinal properties. The river flows via lush green meadows and pine forests, making it a superb spot for a picnic. The serene and delightful environment across the river is ideal for a calming day out.
14. Gadsar Lake
Distance from Sonmarg: 41 km (trek)
Trek Time: 3-4 Days
Gadsar Lake is located at an altitude of 12,470 feet and is also referred to as the "Lake of Flowers" due to the beautiful wildflowers that surround it. The lake is a bit hard to attain; however, the trek gives a number of stunning views of the Kashmir Valley. The crystal-clear waters of Gadsar Lake and its tranquil environment make it a have-to-go area for adventure lovers.
Conclusion
Sonmarg is a paradise on the planet with its enthralling landscapes, majestic mountains, and serene lakes. Whether you're looking for adventure or tranquilly, Sonmarg has something to provide for absolutely everyone.
From the challenging treks to non-violent picnics via the river, each moment spent in Sonmarg might be a memorable one. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the best places to visit in Sonmarg with Capture A Trip !
