Sonamarg (Jammu & Kashmir, India)

Sonamarg is the base of a major treks that passes along several mountain lakes – Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. Welcome to a spectacular vacation in the meadow of Gold - Sonamarg. Sonamarg is one of the many famous hill resorts of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is a major gateway to Ladakh besides being a popular base for adventure sports. The spectacular valley of Sonamarg derives its name from a legend. As per the legend there is a well in the Sonamarg valley whose water can turn anything into gold. The other possible reason for the name Sonamarg could be its location on the route to Central Asia. Sonamarg is in fact wrapped in sycamore, alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine.

The passage to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another bewitching facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2,740 m, Sonamarg in Kashmir is framed by snowy mountains against a sapphires sky. Sonamarg literally means the 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could be due to the profusion of flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring it is also possible that the name originates from Sonamarg's decisive trading position in the days when this was a main route into central Asia. The Sindh River flows through the place and is bountiful with Trout and Mahseer.

Sightseeing:

Nilagrad:
A mountain river meets the Indus at the Baltic colony, Nilagrad, 6-km away from Sonamarg. The water of the river is reddish in colour. The Baltic thinks the water has curative power of many diseases. Inhabitants of the colony visit this place every Sunday to bath in the river.

Nagin Lake:
Nagin Lake, which is usually thought of as a separate lake, is also divided from Dal Lake only by a causeway. The causeways are mostly suitable for walkers and bicycles only so they make a very pleasant way of seeing the lake without having to worry about traffic or Shikaras. The main causeway across the lake carries the water pipeline for Srinagar's mains water supply.

Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake:
These are two beautiful lakes added to the beauty of Sonamarg. On the way from Sonamarg to Bisansar Lake via Nichinai Pass, stands the Bisansar Lake at an altitude of 4, 084m, while crossing the river at Nichinai Pass, with its its lovely natural beauty. Beside the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of 3,801m, famous for Trout fishing.