Baltal Valley

Overview

Baltal valley is a rather offbeat tourist destination of Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.  However, in recent times, the meadows, Sindh river and mountains have attracted a number of visitors to this valley. It is located at an altitude of about 2,743 meters, about 15 kilometers from the capital city of Srinagar. 

Here, the tourists get a perfect blend of sightseeing in and around while enjoying a bunch of outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, photography and pony rides. Other than the valley itself, a number of major attractions of Sonmarg lie in proximity including Thajiwas Glacier and Amarnath Caves. 

Summer is generally the ideal time to plan a trip to Baltal Valley, Sonmarg given the comfortable weather and accessible routes. With the help of Cliffhangers India, visit the valley where we organise mostly everything for you including hotels, city transfer and a lot of activities and sightseeing.

Here’s detailed information regarding the same. Take a look! 

Key Highlights

  • Breathtaking scenery: The beautiful scenic sights found at the Baltal Valley will surely be the biggest highlight of your trip. Places like Sindh river are perfect to spend some time in the lap of nature. Given the natural beauty seen here, it is every photographer’s delight. 

  • Adventurous activities: While the entire town of Sonmarg is filled with a number of treks, visit Baltal valley for more peaceful and less-congested trails. Other than trekking, enjoy river rafting, boating, fishing and photography at the Sindh river and nearby waterfalls.  

  • Summer getaway: If you are looking to escape the scorching heat of Northern India, visit the Baltal Valley, Sonmarg.  In summer, the pleasant weather with cool breeze is conducive to sightseeing and offers a relaxing and rejuvenating time. Temperature is moderate and you can have a memorable experience here. 

  • Nearby attractions: Baltal valley, being only 15 kilometers away from Sonmarg, is close to many other attractions as well. Visit Amarnath Caves to witness the magnificent Ice Lingam formed in the month of June to August. To enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Sonmarg town, trek to the Thajiwas Glacier. More to add to the itinerary are Zojila Pass and Nichnai Pass. 

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Best Time to Visit Baltal Valley

The best time to visit Baltal valley is from May to September. During this time of the year, the temperature fluctuates between 20°C to 30°C, keeping the weather warm and pleasant.

An insignificant temperature drop is seen at nights, ranging between 15°C to 18°C. However, it does feel very cold. It is still lovely and comfortable with a general cover up. The reason why Summer is the most convenient time for a Baltal valley is the accessibility of the routes and local attractions.

The Srinagar-Leh Highway is open and well-maintained by BRO, providing easy access to the valley and the nearby sightseeing spots like Amarnath Caves, Thajiwas Glacier, Nichnai Pass and Zojila Pass. Not only are these destinations still convenient to reach, the trekking trails are open and easily navigated by adventure buffs. 

The valley remains closed for the rest of the year due to heavy snowfall experienced throughout the Sonmarg town. The roads are inaccessible as well as are covered with thick white snow. Irrespective of the season of your trip, take a quick check on the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.  

Things to do in Baltal Valley, Sonmarg

Trekking

Sonmarg is a well-known spot for trekking and hiking. In the town, Baltal Valley is home to a number of long as well as short trekking expeditions. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a breathtaking adventure that takes you through pristine meadows and serene lakes.

It starts from the main city centre and after trekking for about 2 days, and covering 15 kilometres, the Baltal Valley awaits you.

Along with trekking, don’t miss camping and stargazing at night. The trekkking is operational in the summer season.

Make sure you have acclimated well before visiting the alpine regions.

Make sure to carry a first aid kit containing basic medicines.  

Camping

Camping in Sonmarg is for adventure enthusiasts. If you are trekking in the valley for a few days, you’ll naturally get to camp beside lake sides and near glaciers.

However, if you are here just for sightseeing and still want to spend a night under the clear, starry sky, the meadows here are the perfect spot.

You can pitch your tents in meadows of Baltal Valley or near Sindh river. At night, you can light a bonfire and enjoy food and conversation with fellow tourists.

Wake up to a beautiful scenic sight. Carry a sturdy tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Both summer camping and snow camping are possible in the valley. 

Photography

Baltal Valley in the Meadow of Golden Light is every photographer’s bliss.

If you are in Kashmir for your passion of photography, it is the ideal destination.

However, coming to Baltal Valley in autumn will pay off. The brown leaves, scattered colours make things more beautiful.

Bring premium gear like camera, lens, tripod, etc. 

Pony Ride

A more exciting way to explore the Baltal Valley is via pony riding. In the valley, you are taken to the green meadows, local villages and banks of rivers. This is one the famous activities to do in Sonmarg Kashmir.

The duration of the ride lasts from an hour to an entire day and so does the price range. 

Some visitors even book the ride all the way from the Sonmarg meadow. You can book pony rides via online websites or visit the nearby bus station and a number of vendors offer it.

The best time for pony riding in Baltal Valley is from June to September when the routes are clear and accessible.

Trout Fishing

The perfect spot for trout fishing in Baltal Valley is at the Sindh River. Different varieties of trout are found in the river such as brown trouts, rainbow trouts, Himalayan trouts.

Other than the river, tourists can also visit different lakes like Gangabal Lake, Vishansar Lake,etc.

The best time for fishing is the post monsoon period in months like May and June and August and September. 

Before visiting these spots for fishing, you need to get a permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department.

Carry all the necessary fishing gears like reel, baits, pole, etc.

Taxi Fare From Srinagar to Baltal

The taxi fare from Srinagar to Baltal is INR 4000 per day and the taxi fare from Srinagar to Sonmarg is 3000. Contact Cliffhangers India to book a ride and choose among different models we offer in Sedans and SUVs.

This base price includes everything from fuel cost, driver’s expenses to any other additional cost.

You will be in company of a local and experienced driver, acting as your hired guide as well. Visit our online website https://cliffhangersindia.com/kashmir-taxi-service/  or directly call or message us at +91 88993 66900. 

Places to Visit Near Baltal Valley

Amarnath Cave

The Amarnath cave or as it is popularly known as Amarnath Temple is certainly a very popular religious place located near the valley.

It is about 14 kilometres away from Baltal. Located in the Anantnag district, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Amarnath Yatra is the most auspicious journey pilgrims often undertake. It takes place from June to August.

During the same time, the naturally formed ice lingam is formed at the temple and is the prime attraction there. 

Starting from Pahalgam, it is a long trek of about 46 kilometers to Amarnath Caves.

You can surely undertake the trek. However, ponies and helicopter services are available as well. Since it is at an altitude of about 12,760 feet, acclimatisation is required. 

Thajiwas Glacier

Thajiwas Glacier is one of the top places to visit near Baltal Valley, Sonmarg. They are separated by a distance of about 19 kilometres.

Wherever you are in Sonmarg, you can easily spot it. People often enjoy the thrill of trekking without getting tired.

It is an easy journey of 6 kilometres to be done in 4-5 hours including the exploration. You can also hire a pony to get there. Summer is a suitable time for the trek. 

However, due to the short distance and accessibility, people do it even in winter.

Some small shops can be seen around where you can get refreshments.

Camping is a popular activity that tourists often do at Thajiwas Glacier. 

Zojia Pass

Zojila Pass is only 4 kilometres from Baltal Valley. It is one of the highest passes of Jammu and Kashmir, located at an altitude of about 11,575 ft in the Drass valley.

Zojila Pass serves as an important link between Kashmir valley and Ladakh region as it connects both of them.

It is every trekker’s paradise with many hiking trails offering stunning sights.

It must be visited by every adventure buff as the high location is enough to fill your body with much-needed doses of dopamine. 

Due to its location on Srinagar-Leh Highway, it is often the most-picked route for bike trips.

It is at a distance of about 25 kilometres from the town of Sonmarg. 

Nichnai Pass

Nichnai pass, a popular mountain passage of Kashmir, is located close to the Baltal valley. It is about 18 kilometers from the main town of Sonmarg.

The pass is a basecamp for a number of treks leading to alpine lakes like Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar lake and Gangabal Lake.

You can also undertake the Nichnai Pass, from Shitkadi village, taking about 6-8 hours. 

At the pass, tourists often enjoy food with a panoramic view in front of them.

They pitch tents and camp for the night. Acclimatise before visiting here to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). 

Distance From Sonmarg to Baltal

The total distance between Sonmarg and Baltal Valley is only 15 kilometres away. The route between the main city centre and the valley is in good condition. Tourists can easily hire a taxi or cab to reach the valley in about half an hour. 

Some visitors plan the drive to Baltal directly from Srinagar, which is about 100 kilometres away. While you can surely go for taxis or cabs, available in Srinagar for booking, a bike trip on the Srinagar -Leh Highway to reach the valley is highly suggested. 

As you ride on the majestic highway, you are taken aback by the gorgeous sights of Sindh river with towering mountains in the backdrop. Before planning the drive or ride, take a quick update regarding the road conditions to avoid unnecessary traffic and delay. 

FAQ's

Sonmarg is about 15 kilometers far from Baltal Valley. While some people choose to trek, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach there. 

While both the routes lead to the final destination of the Amarnath Caves, the Amarnath Yatra through Baltal Valley is way better than from Pahalgam. The Yatra is only 13-14 kilometres from the valley and takes a day or two. From Pahalgam, pilgrims have to cover up to 45 kilometers. The shorter routes and availability of amenities make a path more chosen. 

Arrive at the Srinagar Airport and reach the main centre of the capital city. From Srinagar, The valley is about 100 kilometers away and you can get there through a booked taxi or cab. 

Srinagar is 100 kilometers far from Baltal valley and easily accessible via taxi or cabs. 

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