Sonamarg In September
Overview
September is the month when the magical season of Autumn commences in Kashmir, although it is short-lived, it is one of the best time to visit Kashmir. And in Jammu and Kashmir, Sonmarg is the ideal destination to plan for. It can be easily inferred from the name that the place is just as magnificent as the time. Sonmarg, which translates to “Valley of Gold”, has everything you need on a trip. From grasslands, which seem to stretch till infinity to an endless number of pristine lakes, the place has so much to offer.
You can actually visit these lakes and spend some time where you will find a blend of adventure and serenity. The fun starts from trekking there and then there, you can do fishing and angling, camping, photography and much more. Coming to visit Sonmarg in September, it is an excellent time to plan the journey for obvious reasons. From comfortable weather to abundant activities available, it is just the perfect timing.
Below, we have created a page just for you to have a detailed guide for Sonmarg in September. Take a look!
Weather In Sonmarg In September
With winter still lurking far behind, September offers cool and pleasant weather. It is neither too chilly nor too hot. Just the right amount. The temperature hovers between 15-30 degree celsius. It may drop at nights but still tolerable. Pack some woollen clothes to wear in evenings and nights but cotton clothes are just the ideal choice during daytime. As far as rainfall is concerned, with the end of monsoon season, there are little to no chances of rain in the valley. With long hours of sunlight, tourists easily get enough time for sightseeing tours and activities like trekking, water rafting and others. The scenic hiking trails are still open in September. There are no traces of snow till now, making the roads clear and motorable. They are dry and accessible. It is the appropriate time for bike trips either by yourself or your partner.
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Places To Visit In Sonmarg In September
Zero Point
A popular tourist attraction of Sonmarg, Zero point must be on your itinerary when visiting the valley. It is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. Situated at an height of 13,700ft, there are many ways to get there.
Starting with trekking that takes about 2-3 hours, travellers also have the option of horse riding. Here,apart from trekking and horse riding, you can do activities like photography and others. Another place of Sonmarg worth visiting, Thajiwas Glacier, is found nearby the Zero Point.
Months like September are the best point to be there as it does not have extreme climatic conditions unlike winters.
Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier is one of those glaciers and hill-stations of Jammu and Kashmir which can be accessed via cabs and taxis and trekking is one more way to pick. The glacier is well-connected to the main town of Sonmarg. It is at a very short distance of only 3 kilometres from the town, at an altitude of about 9186ft.
You can do activities like horse-riding here which will take an hour or two to reach the glacier.
You can also come here for a wildlife tour as it is home to different types of animals like musk deer, Himalayan Brown Bear and snow leopard.
Due to the absence of snow in September, it is one of the most convenient times to visit Thajiwas Glacier.
Gangabal Lake
As we move forward to places to visit in Sonmarg, we will see that Ganderbal District of Sonmarg has many tourist destinations to visit. One of them is Gangabal Lake. At an height of about 11,713ft, It is present at the foothills of Mount Harmukh. About 28 kilometres separate the lake from Mount Harmukh.
A scenic trek from the Naranag village takes about 2-3 days to reach the lake. There are many activities to do here like trout fishing, camping, photography, sightseeing etc.
Other than a popular tourist attraction, it is also a sacred Hindu Pilgrimage site, connected to Lord Shiva. People often come here for religious tours as well.
Vishansar Lake
A high-altitude lake of Kashmir, Vishansar lake is found in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir. It falls in close proximity to Krishnasar lake, only 3-4 kilometres apart. It is at a distance of about 35 kilometres from Sonmarg and a 2-3 days trek is enough for the entire journey. It is at a height of about 12,172ft from the sea level.
Being home to different varieties of trout fishes, fishing and angling is a popular adventure to experience here. The soothing shores of the lake are great camping spots where you can relax for the night, lighting bonfires and exchanging conversation.
Due to pleasant atmosphere and clear routes, September is the optimal time to do the trek to Vishansar Lake.
Krishansar Lake
Krishansar Lake also known as Krishnasar Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. This is another huge lake, where trekkers stop by in Kashmir Great lakes trek.
They pitch their tents near the shores of the water-boy and enjoy the view in front of them. Located at an altitude of about 12,500ft, it has many neighbouring lakes as well like Vishansar and Gangabal Lake. It is located at a distance of about 40 kilometres from Sonmarg and 80 kilometres from the city of Srinagar. From Sonmarg, you can trek here that takes approximately 2-3 days.
The shorter trek to the lake can easily fit in your itinerary. September has the right climatic conditions to visit the lake. Carry all the trekking and camping gears like a sturdy tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
Nichnai Pass
An alpine mountain pass, present at an altitude of 13,450ft, Nichnai Pass is located in the Ganderbal district of Sonmarg, Kashmir. It is one of the highest passes that you cross in Kashmir great lakes trek. Other than a pass, Nichnai Pass also serves as a camping spot. From the top, you get stunning views of Thajiwas Glacier and the entire valley of Sonmarg.
You can trek here from the town of Sonmarg and it will take an hour or two. Watch out for slippery terrains and steep inclines during the hike here.
The place also suffers from unpredictable weather conditions as it snows in September sometimes. It does not happen heavily but there is dust and snow seen. You may obtain any necessary permits as it is a military sensitive area.
Baltal Valley
Located in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir, Baltal Valley is another tourist attraction to visit when in Sonmarg. It is a short distance of only 15 kilometres from Sonmarg and you can easily get cabs or taxis to reach there.
The valley is filled with picturesque vistas, valleys and meadows. From here, you can trek to Nichnai Pass, Amarnath Cave and Krishnasar Lake etc. People on Amarnath Yatra often halt here as it serves as a popular stopover in the sacred Hindu Pilgrimage.
It has many scenic spots for camping. September is the best time to visit Baltal Valley as the trekking routes are clear and accessible and weather is enjoyable too.
Zojila Pass
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.
Snow In Sonmarg In September
It snows in winter, lasting from December to February. Hence, there are very low chances that you will see any snow in Sonmarg in September. There are pros and cons to this. Absence of snow on the road promises a safe drive and they are not slippery either. The highways as well as inner roads remain open till October and you don’t need to worry about any kind of temporary closures.
The downside to this is the accessibility of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snow-mobile in Sonmarg where it has been introduced recently. For such snow-based adventures, those freezing months of December are the ideal choice.
Things To Do In Sonmarg In September
River Rafting
River rafting is one of the things to do in Sonmarg that is safe and adventurous. The experience is exhilarating as you follow the path of rivers. Some of the favourite spots for white water rafting at Sindh, Lidder and Zanskar river.
Due to different grades available, the activity is a beginner-friendly one as you can choose accordingly. The water level at Lidder river is gentle and hence an ideal place for novice rafters. Since September is a post-monsoon season, the flow of water is just right for a great river rafting opportunity.
It will cost you around INR 1000-3000 Per person. Wear comfortable clothes that are neither too tight nor too loose.
Fishing
Due to the presence of many lakes here, fishing and angling is one of the thrilling activities to do in Sonmarg. The crystal clear water streams present the ideal opportunity to fish.
The prime location for fishing is the Sidh river and then there are lakes like Gangabal Lake and Vishansar lake. They are home to various species of fish like Brown Trout, Rainbow trout and Snow trout. Before visiting these spots for fishing, you need to get a permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department.
The best time for fishing ranges from April till October when the water bodies are not frozen. Carry all the necessary fishing gears.
Trekking
When we talk about trekking in Sonmarg, the first thing that comes to mind is the iconic Kashmir Great lakes trek. Sonmarg is its basecamp and the trek starts from the stunning village of Shitkadi. An ideal itinerary for the trek is of 7-9 days and more than 5 lakes are visited by trekkers.
If you are short on time, then you can opt for many other trekking expeditions that are just as beautiful and take about 2-3 days to complete. The trekking routes include Amarnath Yatra Trek, Sonmarg to Vishansar trek, Sonmarg to Gangabal trek, Sonmarg to Thajiwas trek and others.
September is the ideal time for trekking in Kashmir as the routes are not very crowded and nor are the camping spots, offering a peaceful environment.
Photography
In September, the entire valley of Sonmarg turns into a stunning panorama with breathtaking meadows, serene lakes and much more. Different shades of orange, red and crimson cover the entire region and the most surreal times are of sunset and sunrise.
Photography is quintessential when visiting Sonmarg to take back turns of memories. You can practise nature photography by the lakes where the setting does not need any kind of filter. Wildlife photography is another option to pick.
You can also click portraits of locals after taking their permission. Carry all the gears that you might need there like a tripod, lenses and camera.
Camping
Camping in Kashmir comes along with trekking. On your expedition to different trekking trails, you will have to stop by evening where you will relax by the night and be rejuvenated for the upcoming day.
The intriguing thing about camping in Sonmarg is that it is not your regular night. You will be surrounded by some gorgeous views and the morning gets actually good when you wake up to unparalleled sights in front of you.
Some things to keep in mind is that you should carry your own tent and sleeping bag and other things that you may need there. Don’t leave any kind of garbage behind when coming back from a particular camping spot. Practise environmental conservation.
Visit Walnut Orchards
In September, the harvesting season in Kashmir starts, visiting walnut orchards in Sonmarg is the ideal thing to do. The tasty nut is grown in abundance in the valley especially in the lush sonmarg orchards.
At these orchards, you can learn about the cultivation and harvesting process from the farmers working there. You can taste them as they are mouth-watering and nutritious. You can also take some back home as a souvenir.
The orchards are present in an ethereal setting where you can also click pictures. Some popular walnut orchards include Sonmarg Walnut Orchard, Thajiwas Walnut Orchards and Nilagrad Walnut Orchards.
A Brief Comparison Between Sonmarg & Gulmarg
Sonmarg
- Sonmarg is also called “Valley of Gold”.
- The best time to visit Sonamarg is in summers as the recreational activities like trekking and camping are done in the best manner only during this time of the year.
- Popular tourist attractions are Thajiwas Glacier, Gangabal lake, Zero Point, Vishansar Lake etc.
- It is less crowded than Gulmarg and hence an ideal place for some serenity.
- Offers activities like fishing, horse riding, etc.
Gulmarg
- Gulmarg is also known as the “ valley of flowers”.
- The best time and the peak season is winters as the snowfall makes it a winter wonderland and is apt weather for winter sports like Skiing in Gulmarg Snowboarding, snow mobile etc.
- Popular tourist attractions in Gulmarg are Gulmarg Biosphere reserve, Gulmarg Golf Course, Strawberry valley etc.
- Since it is the most popular town of Jammu and Kashmir, it is often very crowded throughout the year.
- It also offers activities like golfing, trekking, sightseeing, photography, bird-watching etc.
Essential Information For Sonmarg In September
How to Reach Sonmarg in September
By Air: Srinagar Airport is the only international airport of Kashmir valley which has connecting flights to different Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, jaipur etc.
Visiting Kashmir and eventually Sonmarg is one of the best ways as it is the quickest way possible and highly safe. From the airport, reach Srinagar by covering a distance of 15 kilometres in half an hour. 80 kilometres separate Srinagar city and Sonmarg town and 2-3 hours are enough to cover it via a taxi or can.
By Train: Srinagar does not have any railway station that is operational. The nearest one is Jammu Tawi station in Jammu. From the station, it takes approximately 7-8 hours to reach Srinagar by covering almost 300 kilometres. From Srinagar you can rent a tourist cab or hire a taxi service in Srinagar.
By Road: As earlier mentioned, Sonmarg is 80 kilometres away from Srinagar. If you are opting for a road trip all by yourself, there are mainly two routes. Firstly, Srinagar-Ganderbal-Sonmarg(NH1D), in addition, Srinagar-kangan-Sonmarg. The ride is full of postcard perfect spots where you could also stay and explore. It will take 2-3 hours no matter which route you pick.
Road conditions in Sonmarg in September
BRO works day and night to keep the roads clear and accessible for tourists and that is the reason why road conditions in Sonmarg in September are pretty decent. There is no snow on the roads and they are not slippery either as no rainfall is experienced. Both external and internal roads are motorable and you can easily rent bikes or cars to explore in and around Kashmir.
These roads and highways are very well-connected to neighbouring towns and cities like Pahalgam, Srinagar and Ladakh. Lastly, it is always a better idea to get current updates about the forecast before starting the journey. The weather in Kashmir is very unpredictable and that results in landslides and road blockades and ultimately temporary closure.
This is suggested to avoid getting stuck in unnecessary traffic. One more thing is that in remote areas or the high-altitude ones like by passes, you have to get checked a lot by officers posted there for defence reasons, so that might take some time if you are on a bike or car trip.
Essential Tips For Travellers For Visiting Sonmarg In September
- The weather remains pleasant with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Carry thermal layers, with lightweight woollens for chilly nights and mornings.
- Bring along a good pair of sturdy walking shoes if you opt for trekking. Sunscreen is a must, with a hat and sunglasses.
- Reserve your stay in advance to avoid last minute hustle and opt for at least one night stay in boathouses.
- To improve your trip and make travel easier, hire a local driver or guide. For local transportation on lakes, use shikaras, which are traditional wooden boats.
- Trek in the stunning valley of Sonmarg, and other adventure sports activities like river rafting, paragliding, horse riding, mountain biking.
- Taste some of the classic Kashmiri cuisine, like Dum Aloo, Yakhni, and Rogan Josh.
- Keep a basic first aid kit and your necessary prescriptions with you. Stay hydrated throughout as it will also avoid altitude sickness.
- government-issued identification with you, such as a passport, driver’s licence, voter ID, Aadhar card, etc.
- Bring along a power bank, an umbrella, a waterproof camera, and a rechargeable torch.
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