Sonmarg Sightseeing
Overview
Sonmarg is home to a number of valleys, rivers and is tucked in by high altitude mountains. These popular local attractions in the town offer both sightseeing as well as different activities. This is why Sonmarg is among the most visited towns of Kashmir.
Another reason for its popularity is because it is a year round destination. You can come anytime for Sonmarg sightseeing. The places are mostly open to the public. The scenery might be different but it is equally beautiful in both summer and winter.
In summer, some of India’s most sought after treks start from here such as Kashmir Great Lakes trek and Amarnath Cave trek. It serves as a popular skiing destination in winter.
Sonmarg is around 80 kilometres from Srinagar. You can easily visit the hill station via taxi or cab. Contact Cliffhangers India for a Sonmarg tour package with a personalised itinerary.
Here’s a detailed page about sightseeing in Sonmarg including different places to visit and activities to do. Have a glance!
Top Attractions in Sonmarg
Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier is one of the most visited places among the Sonmarg sightseeing attractions. 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.
The glacier falls right in the route to Leh Ladakh. It is every trekker’s paradise with many hiking trails offering stunning sights.
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.
Baltal Valley
Baltal Valley lies at the base of Zoji La Pass. One of the most beautiful places of Sonmarg, it is located at a height of 2743 m from the sea level.
Here, you can see small waterfalls, creating a giggling sound, glaciers melting into rivers and a range of mountains nestling it.
The major highlight of the place is Sindh River. Here, enjoy activities like boating and river rafting. It is also filled with trout fishes and fishing and angling is one of the favourite activities among adventure buffs.
You can pitch your tent and stargaze here at night. The total distance between Sonmarg and the valley is 15 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes to get there.
Sindh River
Sindh river flows for a long distance in many parts of Kashmir but is a popular attraction especially in Sonmarg. It originates from the Marchoi trek by the foothills of holy Amarnath Cave.
As you visit Sonmarg from Srinagar, the accompanies you on the National Highway 1D. During rainfall, it sometimes even touches the car’s wheels.
The 108 kilometers long river offers many sports like zip lining and river rafting. You can even try boating here. Some people even organise outdoor picnics on the banks of river and spend some time with family.
If you are coming to Sonmarg in winter, you’ll hear snow arches somewhere on the surface.
Zojila 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. People go to Zojila pass in summer for sightseeing.
In winter, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding are available for nature enthusiasts. Heavy snowfall is experienced from December to March.
Fish Point
It can be understood from the name itself that Fish Point is a well-known spot for fishing in Sonmarg. People often come here to indulge in fishing and angling for fun and enjoyment.
Apart from that, the place offers a serene ambiance for picnics and nature walks as well. It is located near Sindh river.
The point beams with different kinds of local and trout fishes such as Himalayan trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, etc. Do come here for Sonmarg local sightseeing.
Do obtain fishing permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department. Carry gears like rods, reels, baits, etc. Live bait is not allowed here.
Table Top
Do include Table Top in Sonmarg Sightseeing as you visit the town. The spot gives visitors an all-around view of the entire Sonmarg town.
Here, at the apex, you must sit for some time and get a holistic view. The wide sight is a treat to the eyes. 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. Summer, lasting from May to October is a great time for a visit, given the gentle climatic conditions.
Popular Kashmir Tours
7D/ 6N
6D/ 5N
5D/ 4N
7D/ 6N
Activities to Enjoy
Trekking
Sonmarg is a well-known 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.
It is only open for almost 3 months. Rest of the year, it’s cold due to extreme weather conditions.
Other ones are Thajiwas Glacier trek, Baltal Valley trek, etc. Along with trekking, don’t miss camping and stargazing at night. Most of these treks are operational in 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
As you trek in Sonmarg, each day of the trek presents a beautiful camping spot especially if you are on a long one.
For example, in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, the shores of lakes such as Satsar, Vishansar, Gadsar, Gangabal Lake serve as perfect camping spots. You can pitch your tents near these lakes and enjoy the morning view as you wake up in the morning.
People even do snow camping in Sonmarg in winters when everything is covered in white snow. Don’t forget to bring
camping gears such as a sturdy tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag.
Fishing
The perfect spot for fishing in Sonmarg is at the Sindh River. Different varieties of trout fishes fill the river such as brown trouts, rainbow trouts, Himalayan trouts.
Fishing at different lakes like Gangabal Lake, Vishansar Lake,etc. It is the last month for fishing in Sonmarg as after December, all the water bodies are frozen.
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 November when the water bodies are not frozen. Carry all the necessary fishing gears.
Photography
Sonmarg or as it is popularly called as Meadow of Golden Light is every photographer’s bliss. If you are in Kashmir for your passion of photography, it is the ideal destination.
Whether there are lush meadows or flowing rivers with towering mountains in the background, it looks seamless. Any time of the year is suitable.
However, coming to Sonmarg in autumn will pay off. The brown leaves, scattered colours make things more beautiful. You can visit multiple temples and shrines to click pictures.
Even locals are quite warm, friendly and more than happy to get their portraits clicked. Bring premium gear like camera, lens, tripod, etc.
ATV Riding
ATV rides are available throughout the year. It is a couple friendly activity since two people can easily ride ATVs. The terrains here range from gentle to challenging and you can pick according to your skill and experience.
ATV or All-terrain vehicle offers you the ride for a minimum of half an hour or an excursion for the entire day.
The total cost per head depends on the duration of the ride. It can cost you around INR 5000- 20000. Enjoy the scenic view as you venture through meadows while riding in summer.
When you ride the vehicle in winter, you see snow flowing around creating a thrilling view. You will be in the company of a skilled instructor the whole time.
Make sure to wear safety gear like windproof jacket, gloves, googles, boots, etc.
White Wter Rafting
River rafting is one of the things to do in Sonmarg sightseeing 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 beginner-friendly and you can choose according to your skill level.
The water level at Lidder river is gentle and hence an ideal place for novice rafters. Since autumn season is post-monsoon season, the flow of water is just right for a great river rafting opportunity and is an ideal time to visit
It will cost you around INR 1000-3000 Per person. Wear comfortable clothes that are neither too tight nor too loose
Essential Tips
- If you are going to Sonmarg in summer, carry cotton clothes such as t-shirts and trousers. pack enough woollen clothes including thermals, jackets, gloves, socks, beanies, muffer, etc. to be warm and comfortable at night when visiting in winter.
- Some other essentials to pack in a spacious backpack includes a reusable water bottle, snacks, first-aid kit, torch, portable charger, power bank, etc.
- Plan an itinerary beforehand. Make sure it is based on your personal preference and choices. Try to cover as many places as you can in this unforgettable Sonmarg trip.
- ATMs in Sonmarg are quite sparse especially in remote locations. Having enough cash can help you in small purchases and at places where online payments are not accepted.
- Making your accommodation and transport bookings in advance spares you from last-minute hustle and you may get good offers and lower rates.
- Sonmarg has a distinctive culture. As a tourist, respect the personal faith and beliefs of locals. Dress modestly and according to the place you are visiting. Put a scarf over your head before entering temples and Dargahs.
What is the Cost of Sonmarg Sightseeing?
If we take one day of Sonmarg sightseeing, the entire cost will come to about 15000-2000K. After reaching Srinagar , you’ll have to hire a taxi for the intercity ride as well as for the sightseeing tour.
The Sonmarg local sightseeing taxi rates are approximately INR 3000 TO 8000 INR depending on the model and number of passengers travelling. In Sonmarg, if you stay at night, a hotel will cost you a maximum OF INR 5000 per night. Food is for around 1000 INR.
As you visit different places, you have to pay a ticket fee to enter some. The entry fee is hardly more than 100 INR and is quite affordable. Some places even charge for photography permits. Hence overall, it will be around INR 2000.
FAQ's
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