Sonmarg or Sonamarg, hill station located at an altitude of 2730m above sea level is one of the popular tourists destinations at Kashmir. Sonmarg literally translates to “Meadow of Gold”. This place got its name due to the breathtaking views of the valley with serene lakes, glaciers and many more. I have not visited Switzerland but i can safely say that Sonamarg can be called Switzerland of India. Read more to know more about my experience at Sonamarg.
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How to get to Sonamarg
Sonamarg is in Kashmir and is at a distance of 80 kms from Srinagar, summer Capital of Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It takes around an hour and a half to reach by road. There is no railway station at Sonmarg. Nearest railway station is at Jammu which is around 300 kms from Sonmarg. There are multiple buses, cabs available to reach Sonamarg from Srinagar and Jammu. Road to Sonmarg is extremely beautiful and offers breath taking views.
Best time to visit Sonamarg
Sonmarg is a destination which can be visited year round and offers varied activities depending on your interests all through the year. However April to June is the best time of the year for sightseeing and to see the valley come to life with beautiful wild flower blossoms.
If you are looking to trek at Sonamarg then avoid visiting between July to September. During this period, Sonamarg receives enormous amount of rain and may not be suitable for trekking.
If you are interested in snow activities and would like to visit glaciers then November to March is the best period to visit Sonmarg. Temperature falls below zero degree and offers breathtaking views.
A Day in my life at Sonamarg
We visited Sonamarg in December during peak winter. I always wanted to experience snow fall hence choose to visit Kashmir in Winter. Kashmir din’t disappoint me. Sonamarg had received heavy snowfall and the views of the valley were breathtaking. Road to Sonamarg from Srinagar is picturesque. We were welcomed by friendly locals at Sonamarg. Best way to explore Sonamarg when there is heavy snowfall is to opt for tanga service.
Friendly locals guided and helped us cross Sindh river on Ponies. Locals at Sonamarg informed us that river rafting is one of the famous adventure activity during summer.
Sonamarg is trekkers paradise. Sonmarg offers trekking routes to Gadsar Lake, Gangabal lake, Vishansar lake and Krishnasar Lake. Famous Amarnath yatra starts from Sonmarg. Zoji pass or Zojila pass was closed due to heavy snowfall. If you are keen to trek to Zojila pass then spring is the best time to visit. Zojila pass is the gateway to Ladakh.
Locals are extremely friendly. As the temperature was extremely low, our guide offered us Kangri to warm ourselves. Kargri is a basket made of bamboo filled hot embers. To beat the extreme winters, locals use kangri/Kangeri/kangadi beneath their traditional clothing to keep themselves warm.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable and warm clothes as temperatures might be extremely cold.
- It is better to wear clothes in layers to beat the cold.
- Saree might not be comfortable while riding on a pony.
- Locals are helpful and friendly. Ask for help if you feel uncomfortable in extreme conditions.
- It is better to carry an ID card with you while travelling in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Make sure to try Kashmiri Kahwa tea.
- Snow shoes and snow jackets can be purchased/rented at Sonmarg.
Super ya