Places to Visit in Sonmarg
Overview
Sonmarg is a renowned travel destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Located in the Ganderbal district of the valley, it attracts various tourists throughout the year.
The breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, and snow-capped mountains mesmerise travellers. In addition to scenic attractions, it offers various outdoor activities like river rafting, trekking, fishing, etc.
The town experiences comfortable weather with mild temperatures. In Sonmarg, each month has its charm. While in summer, the days are warm and balmy, it receives heavy snowfall in winter.
Irrespective of the month, you will always see visitors exploring the valley. Plan the timing of your trip to Sonmarg based on your preferences.
Needless to say, there are abundant popular places to visit in Sonmarg. They offer you the ideal blend of peace and adventure. Thajiwas Glacier, Baltal Valley, Vishansar Lake, Sarbal Village are among the most-visited ones. Don’t forget to add these and more to your itinerary.
In this blog, we have covered important information regarding some of the best places to visit in Sonmarg. It includes their location, the best time to visit, and nearby attractions, etc. Take a look!
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01. Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier is one of the prime attractions of Sonmarg. It lies at a distance of about 3 kilometres from the main town of Sonmarg. You can either trek here or hire a pony ride from the nearest bus stand.
Many scenic sights overlook the glacier, including the Sonmarg city, waterfalls, lush meadows, and more. They have beautiful hiking trails to undertake.
you can come here to experience different activities. From June to October, the snow on the glacier has melted. Picnics, sightseeing, and trekking are accessible during this time of the year.
One of the best times to visit Thajiwas Glacier is in summer. In winter, thick layers of snow cover the glacier. Activities to do at this time are skiing, sledging, building snow castles, etc.
02. Table Top
Table Top gives visitors an all-around view of the entire Sonmarg town. The wide sight is a treat to the eyes. 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. However, try to trek with a skilled local guide as the place has bears wandering in proximity. The other name, Bear Valley, comes from this fact alone.
Here, at the apex, you must sit for some time and get a holistic view. Carry a picnic here and set it up for some tranquillity and fun. It exists as one of the best places to visit in Sonmarg.
Summer, lasting from May to October is a great time for a visit, given the gentle climatic conditions.
03. Fish Point
As the name suggests, Fish Point is a well-known spot for fishing in Sonmarg. People often come here to indulge in it for fun and enjoyment. The place offers a serene ambiance.
The point resides in proximity to the Sindh River. The river is home to different varieties of trout fishes like brown trout, rainbow trout, etc. One of the best places to visit in Sonmarg for Trout fishing.
The prime time for the adventure is in summer, especially the post-monsoon season. The water level in the streams goes up in September and October. Catching the fish becomes quite easier and more accessible.
Don’t forget to get the essential fishing gear like a reel, rods, baits, etc. Before visiting the Fish Point, obtain the mandatory permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department.
04. Baltal Valley
Baltal Valley is among the most-visited places of Sonmarg, Kashmir. It lies at the foothills of Zoji La Pass. The Sindh River flows nearby, adding to its overall beauty. The presence of the river offers many activities like river rafting, fishing, picnics etc.
The valley holds great religious significance. Baltal Valley serves as the starting point of the holy Amarnath Yatra. From June to August, vibrant tents dot the region. In these particular months, it is quite crowded and congested.
The total distance between the Sonmarg town and Baltal Valley is about 15 kilometres. You can book a taxi or cab to cover it.
It remains lush and colourful throughout the summer, making it the ideal time to visit. In winter, you can only see white snow all over the valley as it gets inaccessible.
05. Krishansar Lake
Coming to the lake present in Sonmarg, Krishansar Lake is at the top. The lake finds itself at an altitude of 4,000m.
You must have heard of the sought-after Kashmir Great Lakes trek. The Krishansar Lake is among the various lakes you witness on this trek. It starts from a stunning village called Shitkadi, crossing the Nichnai Pass. Another magnificent pass near the lake is Gadsar Pass.
Trekkers call the Vishansar Lake and Krishansar Lake as the twin lakes. The latter is just 1 kilometre away from the former.
The colour of the water is different at different periods, based on the time of the day. The crystal-clear water offers you the perfect opportunity for fishing and angling in summer. The lake freezes in winter.
06. Zojila Pass
Traveling through Zoji-La Pass is an adventurous and exhilarating experience, offering picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains and rugged terrain.
However, due to its location in high altitude region, it faces unpredictable weather conditions, the pass is not accessible throughout the year, as it gets closed because of heavy snow in winter.
For adventure lovers and nature-enthusiastic travelers, Zoji-La presents an exciting opportunity to take part in trekking and exploring the stunning meadows of the Himalayan landscape.
Unique flora and fauna are another attraction in the region, adding charm to the journey.
07. Nichnai Pass
One of the most popular and incredible pathways during your trek to Krishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Vishansar Lake, and Gangbal Lake. It is situated at a height of 4100 meters above sea level.
The charm and grandeur of the lakes you view from the pass will leave you with a peaceful experience.
Frozen Glacier is a famous stop at the pass, which is also one of the main attractions tourists show interest in. The pass will cover many places that are a must-visit in your Kashmir valley tour.
The trek is challenging and exciting for adventure seekers. Get your bags, and start your journey trek high with your challenging nature.
08. Satsar Lake
Satsar Lake is an alpine lake, located at an altitude of about 12,100 ft. Satsar Lake or Seven Lakes, is a confluence of seven small lakes, spread over 4 kilometres.
The turquoise-blue water looks heavenly, creating a calm atmosphere. You can camp near the shores of the lake and wake up to a stunning view.
The pristine lake is accessible through trekking, popularly the Kashmir Great Lakes. The trekking trails are open from July till September. For the rest of the year, the lake is frozen and routes are closed as well.
Carry all the trekking and camping gear like a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat etc. Other essentials include water bottles, warm clothes, snacks etc.
09. Gadsar Lake
Gadsar Lake is one of the highest lakes in Kashmir. The pristine lake lies at a height of 13,750 ft. above sea level.
The location of the lake is in Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Add the lake to the list of places to visit in Sonmarg, Kashmir and you won’t regret it.
Gadsar Lake is the prime highlight of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Trekkers cover it in the last leg of the trek after crossing the Gadsar Pass. You can pitch your tents here and spend the night.
Gadsar Lake forms an abode for the trout fish. Hence, fishing and angling is a popular activity here. Don’t forget to bring your cameras. The surroundings are extremely picturesque.
Like any alpine lake, Gadsar Lake freezes into a block of ice from October to April. You can come here in summer starting from July to September.
10. Vishansar Lake
Vishansar Lake is a popular lake and one of the best places to visit in Sonmarg, Kashmir. Unlike most of the lakes in Sonmarg, it lies in proximity of the town.
Other than the tranquil lake, the surroundings are breathtaking. Nestled in the towering mountains, you can have a peaceful time in company with Mother Earth. To add some adventure to the voyage, you have the chance of trout and mahseer fishing here.
To visit the lake, reach the Shitkadi village in Sonmarg. The Vishansar Lake trek starts from this place. In the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, trekkers cover Vishansar Lake first.
11. Gangabal Lake
Gangabal Lake is a sparkling blue lake in Sonmarg. This high-altitude lake attracts numerous nature lovers and adventure buffs every year.
The lake is found in the Ganderbal district at the base of Mount Harmukh. The famous mountain pass, Zaj Pass offers a stunning view of the lake.
Some activities to enjoy here amidst the natural beauty are fishing, horse riding, and admiring the gorgeous sights.
Tourists have two ways to get access to the lake. You can either undertake the popular Great Lakes trek and visit it. The second option remains to reach Naranag from Srinagar. Lastly, a 13-kilometre trek is all it takes to get a beautiful view of the lake.
12. Walnut Orchards
There are an endless number of walnut orchards in Sonmarg. Hundreds of acres of land cover these orchards. Some are as large as the eyes could see.
Many regions of Sonmarg contain walnut orchards in lush vistas with the backdrop of snow-laden mountains. Here, you can relish the nutty and delicious taste of walnuts. They are mouth-watering and nutritious. Besides tasting, these farms teach you the cultivation process and other things
The harvesting season is in September and October and a suitable time to visit. You get the fresh fruit from the blooming flower.
If for any reason, you can not get to the walnut orchards, you can buy them at any market. They are readily available. Walnut jams are a speciality too.
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FAQ's
Sonmarg is famous for the natural beauty it possesses through its meadows, valleys and lakes. The snow-clad mountains in the background are the main highlights of the town.
With a personalised itinerary, you can explore some popular local attractions and enjoy activities in one day. You can lengthen the trip duration for a holistic experience.
Yes, there are many places that are filled with a rich variety of flora and fauna. For example, trout fishes in Sindh river are an exciting visual treat. Zero Point showcases natural beauty as well as you can spot some animals like black brown bear, Deers, Birds, etc.
The Sindh river flows through Sonmarg. The river is a popular spot for different activities like river rafting and boating. Fishing tours are another addition. People often visit here for nature walks and picnics.
Thajiwas Glacier is famous in Sonmarg. It is only 3 kilometres far and can be reached in less than 2 hours. The scenic sights here are beautiful with peaceful ambience for camping.
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