Gulmarg Versus Sonamarg
Overview
Kashmir has a bunch of hill stations that are flooded by tourists throughout the year. These towns are filled with immense natural beauty with towering mountains in the backdrop. Two of the towns that top the list of the most visited places of Kashmir are Gulmarg and Sonmarg. With their own charm and uniqueness, they both give a tough competition in terms of adventure activities available and sightseeing tours.
Gulmarg, popular as a winter destination, is a renowned town. Consisting of alpine regions and lush meadows, the town is thronged with thrill-seekers all around the year. On the other hand, Sonmarg is popular for various high-altitude lakes and passes that can be explored mostly in summer.
Both of them offer city tours to different temples and shrines. The answer to the question, Gulmarg or Sonmarg: which is better?, depends on you. You have to pick the one that suits your desired itinerary and preferences.
Here, to solve the baffling question, we have done a brief comparison between the two places. From different places to visit and things to do in both the cities, necessary information is being given. Take a look!
A Brief Comparison
Gulmarg
- Gulmarg is popular for its snow slopes, formed from December to March and lush vistas in Summer, from May to September.
- Things to do in Gulmarg include skiing, snowboarding, sledging, trekking, ATV rides, etc.
- In Gulmarg, you can’t miss the Gondola Rides as the aerial views are breathtaking.
- The town has developed a lot in recent years with greater infrastructure and facilities.
- The total distance between Srinagar and Gulmarg is 50 kilometres, taking an hour and a half to reach. It is far more accessible in case of emergencies.
Sonmarg
- Sonmarg contains alpine lakes being tucked in by glaciers and snow-capped mountains. They often freeze in winter, from December to March.
- Sonmarg is more of a summer attraction and is every trekker’s bliss with famous treks like Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and Thajiwas Glacier trek beginning from the town.
- It is the camp base for the holy Amarnath Yatra, starting in June until August.
- The place is better- suited for those seeking a serene atmosphere for camping, picnics, strolls, etc.
- The total distance between Sonmarg and Srinagar is about 80 kilometres and takes more travel duration to complete the journey.
Popular Kashmir Tours
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Which is Cheaper: Gulmarg or Sonmarg?
Without beating around the bush, Gulmarg is more expensive. Sonmarg is a pocket-friendly and cheaper destination to travel to.
The reason behind Gulmarg being high-end is the advanced infrastructure seen in the town. The resorts available here are luxurious and charge higher rates. Even the restaurants are premium and overpriced sometimes.
Sonmarg, on the other hand, has many economical guesthouses and hotels where you can afford a big spacious room at lower rates. Eateries are found for great meals. Lastly, even the activity charges are higher in Gulmarg than Sonmarg.
However, the cost of the trip to either town depends on your spending speed. You surely can have a budget-friendly trip to both Gulmarg and Sonmarg. Advance booking and travelling in “off-season” is one way to go.
Essential Comparison
- Accommodation cost: Hotels in Gulmarg are priced around INR 5000-15000, depending on their location and facilities. Comparatively, Sonmarg has hotels that offer spacious rooms at INR 2000-3000 with comfortable beds and premium facilities.
- Activities cost: Activities such as Gulmarg Gondola ride costs you around INR 1800 and packages for skiing in Gulmarg start with as minimum as INR 5000. Activities in Sonmarg are relatively cheaper with skiing available at INR 3000 per day and river rafting costs you INR 2000-2500.
- Transportation cost: The cab charges of intercity transfer from Srinagar to Gulmarg is around INR 1500-3000 depending on the type of vehicle you are picking. Since Sonmarg is further than Gulmarg from Srinagar, the cab booong will cost you around INR 2000-4000.
Introduction
Gulmarg
Gulmarg, located at a distance of about 50 kilometres from Srinagar, is one of the most popular towns to Jammu and Kashmir. While people do come here in summer as well to explore different sightseeing spots, the best time to visit Gulmarg is in winter. The temperature remains between 0°C to -5°C. From December to March, Gulmarg experienced heavy snowfall, resulting in the formation of thick snow slopes.
Snow conditions as excellent as those of Switzerland offer various activities like skiing, sledging, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice-skating and snowmobiling. You can plan an enjoyable trip with your family to Gulmarg this year. Gulmarg Gondola should be the prime highlight of your journey.
For a more cost-friendly trip to Gulmarg, you can come here in off-season as well, such as spring and autumn when the crowd has subsided and hotels and transportation are accessible at lower costs.
Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is only 60 kilometres from Gulmarg . You can book your plane tickets and reach the airport and then continue your journey to the town via cab or taxis. Gulmarg had many luxurious hotels and resorts and restaurants with excellent service.
Sonmarg
Sonmarg is a popular town of Kashmir, located at a distance of about 80 kilometres from Srinagar. The town has gained popularity for being home to endless water bodies including Sindh river and lakes like Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Gadsar Lake, etc.
The best time to visit Sonmarg is generally Summer when different outdoor activities are available to indulge in. Summer, lasting from May to September, is the time when the sought-after Kashmir Great Lakes Trek starts from the Shitkadi village. Other activities to do in Sonmarg in Summer are water-based such as river rafting, boating, fishing, etc.
To enjoy snow sports, December to February is the suitable time, although you should prepare well for the extreme cold conditions. The spring and autumn season is the perfect choice for a serene trip as well as for those under budget-constraints.
You can visit Sonmarg, by first reaching Srinagar. Book your plane tickets to Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport or Srinagar Airport and then Sonmarg is only 80 kilometres away, easily accessible via Taxis and cabs. There are many hotels in Sonamarg, both for those on a budget and for those who don’t have any restrictions on their spending. Advance booking will give you lower rates on both accommodation as well as transport.
What to See in Gulmarg?
Khilanmarg
located in the Baramulla district of Kashmir, Khilanmarg is a scenic valley, about 6 kilometres from Gulmarg.
The valley is filled with endless greenery in summer, offering opportunities for camping, picnics and nature walks. In winter, it is covered in white snow and hence an attraction for skiing for beginners.
Private vehicles are not allowed inside the valley. You have to either trek there or take a pony ride.
Maharani Temple
Maharani Temple is a spiritually significant place of Gulmarg. Built by Mohini Sisodia Bai, wife of Raja Hari Singh, the place is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Shakti.
It is in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir People often come here to offer prayers and seek blessings of the deity.
It is open throughout the year. Few Bollywood songs were shot here in the 90s.
Baba Reshi Shrine
Baba Reshi Shrine is a sacred Dargah of Gulmarg. It is the shrine of Baba Payamuddin, found in the Rambod village.
The village is believed to be the same people where Baba Reshi performed many miracles to heal people. He even gave lessons on Quran and Islam, enlightening the locals.
In winter, the area around the shrine becomes a skiing hub for beginners as the slopes formed here are smooth. Snowboarding and sledding is popular as well.
St Mary's Church
The Victorian marvel is one of the most famous attractions of Gulmarg. Older than 110 years, the Church is often visited by tourists to admire the architecture style.
The green roof and glass windows are the prime highlights. Although it is a year round attraction, the church stands like a white snowy chapel in winters as heavy snowfall is experienced here.
You can spend an hour or two exploring it and around.
Strawberry Valley
Strawberry valley is a wide area in Gulmarg, responsible for the abundant cultivation of strawberries in India.
Hundreds of acres of area is assigned for Strawberry cultivation alone. A better time to visit Strawberry Valley is in autumn when the cultivation season is going on so that you can pluck some and relish.
You can also come here in winter via snowshoeing as the small hike is a popular one.
What to See in Sonamarg?
Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier is only 3 kilometres from the main town of Sonmarg. Thajiwas Glacier trek is a short yet fun hike to do in the hill station.
Although, you don’t get to go all the way to Thajiwas Glacier, the Snow Point is the final point up to which tourists are allowed. In winter, people often come here to enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding and sledging.
You can play with snow here, making snow castles and snowmen.
Zoji La Pass
located at an altitude of 3538 metres, it is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The bike or car ride on this pass is nothing but an adventure. The drive itself is enough to add it to the itineraries.
The pass is located on the Srinagar-Leh Pass( NH1). The highlight of the pass is the unparalleled views it gives that of Zabarwan Valley, Karakoram range, Himalayas, etc. Acclimatisation is crucial before visiting Zoji La Pass.
Fish-Point
Fish Point is one of the thriving places to visit in Sonmarg. From the name, you can decipher that it is a popular fishing spot.
Located near Sindh river, it beams with varieties of trout fishes like Himalayan trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. The water level in the streams goes up in September and October. Catching the fish becomes quite easier and more accessible.
Obtain permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department before the fishing trip.
Sarbal
Sarbal is a scenic village of Sonmarg that can be visited all year round. It is an ideal place to explore the traditional life that locals live.
You’ll realise that they are completely away from the modern world, still preserving their heritage, language and beliefs. There are many short trekking trails here at Sarbal which end up in beautiful spots.
Other recreational activities include photography, sightseeing, star-gazing, etc.
Table Top
Table Top is known to give a panoramic view of the Sonmarg town. It seems like the point where the earth meets the sky.
You can access the flat ground or Table Top via an hour hike. The trails are clear and easy to navigate. The best thing to do here is click postcard perfect pictures of the surroundings as the sights are mesmerising.
Carry a picnic here and set it up for some tranquillity and fun.
Things to do Gulmarg
Gondola Ride
Gulmarg Gondola is one of the largest and highest cable car rides in the world. The ride gives you access to two of the highest ski resorts of Asia, Kongdoori ( Phase 1) and Apharwat peak ( Phase 2 ).
The entire ride is of half an hour or forty five minutes maximum. Starting from the Gulmarg base, the ride goes to an altitude of more than 13,000 feet. Via online websites, you can book the passes in advance.
The Gondola ride can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Trek to Alpather Lake (summer)
Alpather Lake trek is a summer trek, best done from June to September. As the name suggests, the final destination is the stunning Alpather Lake, which is a visual treat.
The total distance covered in the round trip is about 13 kilometres taking 7-8 hours. Alpather lake is located on a height of 14, 403 feet, requiring acclimatisation.
At the lake, you can even spot animals like deer, ibex and eagles.
Skiing & Snowboarding (winter)
Visit Gulmarg in winter, from December to March for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Gulmarg is a globally-renowned skiing destination.
There are many skiing slopes in Gulmarg that are perfect for beginners as well as advanced skiers like Gulmarg Golf Course, Khilanmarg, Kongdoori, Apharwat Peak, Mary’s Shoulder and Baba Reshi Shrine.
Rent the skiing and snowboarding gears and avalanche safety gears from rental shops.
Things to do Sonmarg
Trekking
Sonmarg is a well-done attraction for trekking. The most popular trek to do in Sonmarg is Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Taking visitors to more than 5 lakes and three passes, the 7-9 day trek is a lifetime adventure.
Other ones are Thajiwas Glacier trek, Baltal Valley trek, etc. Along with trekking, don’t miss camping and stargazing at night.
Carry all the trekking and camping gears such as a sturdy tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag.
Sledging
In winters, tourists often enjoy a less challenging yet enjoyable sport of sledging. Gliding down a snow slope on a wooden board is fun for each age group.
It is kid-friendly as well with fur seats on the boards. The activity is quite cheaper and can be enjoyed under INR 500-1000 per head.
Places to visit in Sonmarg for sledging are Thajiwas Glacier, Sonmarg meadows etc. December to March is the ideal time for the activity.
Skiing
Skiing in Sonmarg is a popular activity to do in Kashmir. After Gulmarg, Sonmarg is the next choice for skiing among adventure buffs.
Ski slopes that are found for a long distance of about 10 kilometres with powdery white snow offer perfect skiing conditions.
Throughout winter, the town is buzzing with skiers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced individuals. You can rent the equipment and safety gear from different ski rental shops found nearby.
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