It is the delicate combinations of different natural elements that have given each pocket of Kashmir its immense natural beauty and has created a different nuance in every little pocket. Sonamarg (Sonmarg) – ‘the meadow of gold’ – also owes its immense natural heritage to these varied components that have been strung together to make an unforgettable landscape. The river Sindh flows through the valley and its waters hold trout and mahaseer (river carp). Above, the sky holds shades of blue that would be an inspiration to any artist’s palette. In between the river waters and the sky are acres of open meadows scattered with flowers, tall trees and snow clad mountains. Once again, at Sonamarg, Kashmir proves that it has a beauty that can have only a rare parallel elsewhere in the world.
The drive to Sonamarg through the Sindh valley is through absolutely magnificent countryside. The road passes through the small towns of Ganderbal, Kangan and Gund. Fields and rice paddies and picture-perfect hamlets dot the first leg of the journey. Groves of walnut trees are also there. Towards the end, come the undulating alpine meadows, dark gorges and thick woods backed by the snows of the Harmukh range.
Sonamarg, at an altitude of some 3,000 meters above sea level lies on the Srinagar-Ladakh road and is eighty-seven kilometers from Srinagar. This is also the access point for Ladakh over the pass of Zoji-La and another access point for the sacred cave of Amarnath. Several trek routes lead out of Sonamarg. Sonamarg also hosts river rafting on the river Sindh.
History
Sonamarg, like the rest of Kashmir, owes a considerable measure of its natural beauty and stunning landscapes to the tectonic activity that took place millions of years ago. These subterranean forces carved out the valleys and mountains that in later years were draped with forests, wild flowers and grasses. Some of that age-old turmoil has only added to today’s chocolate-box picture with distant glaciers and jagged peaks covered with snow. Sonamarg, per se, does not have history that is replete with the ruins of an ancient civilization. Yet, this has been a place of significance on the route to Ladakh and as an alternative route to the cave of Amarnath. The fertile pasture ground has fed the flocks of the nomadic Gujjar people since ages. Sonamarg was a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and was a popular place for trekkers, bird-watchers and ‘shikaris’ during the years of British rule in India.
Getting Around
Taxis and buses are available to reach Sonamarg. Around Sonamarg, bus services are limited, but taxis are available. Much of the place can be seen on foot, or on horseback – ponies with attendants who double as guides are available.
Tourist Traps in the City
Strictly follow any other travel advisories that may be issued for the area and take the services of a guide for the longer walk and trek trails.
Local Custom
Dress conservatively in public and respect local customs.
The range of possible shopping is somewhat limited in Sonamarg. The goods and handicrafts available include warm tunics ‘pherans’, shawls, wicker-work and scatter-rugs ‘namdahs’.
Communications
A few STD booths are available. Internet connectivity and availability is limited. All major GSM providers are there in Sonamarg - Idea, Airtel, Aircel, Vodaphone and Idea among others; but only post-paid connections function throughout the state of Jammu and Kashmir – though pre-paid ones may soon be allowed.
Mobile phones with connections from outside the state do not function in Sonamarg.
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