Places to Visit in Sonamarg and Things To Do

Sonamarg is a place with pristine beauty. The name itself translates to “A Meadow of Gold” and is driven by the fact that its surrounding peaks turn golden at the hours of sunrise and sunset. In this post, I will provide a list of places to visit in Sonamarg that you just cannot afford to miss while visiting this little piece of heaven.

 Located at an altitude of 9000 feet, this place is a haven for nature lovers, trekkers, and, adventure seekers alike. Many green meadows, beautiful flowing rivers, streams falling from mountains, and lush green deep valleys make Sonamarg what it is, an epitome of natural beauty.

You can also take a look at the video below to know more about these places. For details on places in Kashmir other than Sonamarg, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir – A Complete Travel Guide.

For getting the best hotel rates, and taxi charges, and to organize your trip to Kashmir, you can speak with Kunal @ 9910 402 252. Give him my reference and you will surely get a discounted rate.

Places to visit in Sonamarg

If you have been thinking about what is there to see in Sonamarg then you are in for a bit of a surprise and treat both. This place may sound like a small hill station but it can still keep you busy for several days.

Sonamarg has so many amazing places around it that you will run short of time covering them all. One whole post can be written about the lakes of Sonamarg only. So let me bring to you some of the most beautiful and amazing spots of Sonamarg which you should not miss.

I will first provide a list of places to see in Sonamarg and then will briefly talk about them one by one. Later in the article, I will also provide some information on some other fun tourist activities in Sonamarg that you can be a part of.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Sonamarg – A Complete Travel Guide

What to see in Sonamarg

• Zoji-La pass
• Zero Point
• Thajiwas Glacier
• Sarbal Village
• Table Top
• Baltal
• Sind River
• Dras
• Kargil War Memorial
• Satsar Lake
• Gangabal Lake
• Vishansar Lake
• Kishansar Lake
• Nilagrad River
• Gadsar Lake

Let’s now know more about each of these places individually.

Zoji La Pass

If one is to list down all tourist attractions in Sonamarg then the name Zoji La will definitely find its place at the top.  Situated at an altitude of 3528 meters, it is a high-altitude pass that connects Kashmir to the beautiful Leh Ladakh.

But apart from connecting to beautiful places, this pass has its own beautiful landscapes. You get some really amazing panoramic views from here. Being at a height, it has the advantage of showing you a beautiful view of deep and dense valleys.

It is a part of the famous Srinagar-Leh highway. Some parts of Zoji La pass are pretty risky as the road there becomes very narrow as well as muddy. It is always advisable to take an expert driver along while going to Zoji La pass who can navigate the sharp and tricky turns as well as steep climbs of the road.

The pass remains covered in snow throughout the year and is open only between May to October. So if you want to see some snow during your trip to Kashmir, Zoji La is where you should be going.

For more details, take a look at the video below.

Zero Point

Zero-point is a spot on the other side of Zojila Pass where you can get something to eat, click some pictures and take a break from the journey.

From the Sonamarg side, you climb up the Zojila Pass and drive for another couple of kilometers to reach the snow point. Activities like riding a sleigh on the snow take place there. After resting for a while, you can then start on your journey back.

Thajiwas Glacier

The glacier of Thajiwas is definitely among the top tourist attractions in Sonamarg. In fact, it wouldn’t be entirely wrong to call it the biggest one itself. If you are looking for a stunner of a place, this is the one.

Situated at an altitude of over 10000 feet, Thajiwas Glacier is just 3 km from Sonamarg. You encounter the silver-shining water streams in the green meadows on the way before reaching the glacier point. Their contrast makes the surroundings all the more enchanting.

You do not actually go all the way to the glacier but to a spot called the snow point. From there, you get a clear view of the glacier, see the picture below.

To get here, you have to do a bit of trekking to enjoy the scenery on the way. There is an option of hiring a pony too in case you are not comfortable with trekking.

If you are thinking of hiring a pony, make sure that there is a clear understanding between you and the pony owner about the charges.

They tend to quote an amount and ask for more later. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Thajiwas Glacier from Sonamarg or take a look at the video below.

Sarbal Village

Sarbal is a small village located about 2 kilometers from Sonamarg. The village is located deep inside the forest right next to the Sind River. The place is very scenic and is definitely worth visiting.

To get to the village, cross the Sonamarg market, and just before the spot where the climb for Zojila starts, you need to leave the highway and turn right. Drive for another 2 kilometers and you would have reached the village.

Also Read: Highest Motorable Road and Passes in the World

Table Top

Tabletop is a viewpoint in Sonamarg and can be reached after an hour of trekking. You will have to leave your car on the road and then walk up a steep climb to reach the spot.

It is called such because it is a flat piece of land on the face of a mountain. Standing there, you get an amazing view of the entire Sonamarg.

It is however highly recommended that you go there with a local guide and not by yourself. The valley around Soanmarg is called Bear Valley for obvious reasons. There are a lot of bears in the area and you do not want to risk running into one while walking alone in the forest.

Baltal

It is a valley situated about 15 km from Sonamarg. This place holds a very special significance as it serves as a base for the annual pilgrimage of Amarnath Yatra. This is basically a place for camping.

You can see hues of colorful tents pitched by or for the pilgrims all around the valley. The scenic surroundings make it all the more attractive.

Situated on the banks of the river Sindh, the whole Baltal valley radiates serenity and tranquility. A breathtaking close view of snow-covered Himalayan peaks is on offer as an added incentive.

The picturesque surroundings and the vast open area make it a heavenly place. You will find yourself immersed in the tranquil ambiance and will feel inspired and motivated.

Also Read: Honeymoon Places in India – The Top 5

All the places I mentioned above were for people who just wanted to make a trip to Sonamarg for a day or two. Let us now talk about places that are a little deeper into the mountains and will require you to trek for a few days.

Dras

If you have some time and can spare a day, then you must take a drive towards the scenic town of Dras. It is located about 60 kilometers from Sonamarg and will take you 2-3 hours to reach.

The road to Dras will actually pass through Baltal and cross Zoji La. So you can also cover both of these places while traveling to Dras.

Dras is the coldest habitable place in India that experiences an average low temperature of as low as −23 °C at the height of winter. During the time it is accessible by road, it is also one of the most scenic and lush green towns of Kashmir.

Kargil War Memorial

The name says Kargil War Memorial but it is actually located in Dras, hence also known as Dras War Memorial. As the name suggests, it is a memorial built in memory of heroes who lost their lives during the Kargil War.

If you are visiting Dras, you must stop near the war memorial and pay your respect. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Kargil War Memorial.

Satsar Lake

This is one of the best places to visit in Sonamarg. Imagine a beautiful serene lake at an altitude of about 12000 feet. The name Satsar literally translates to seven lakes.

It actually is a confluence of seven alpine lakes. Surrounded by tall trees and beautiful flowers, this lake presents scenery that is beyond words.

Lush green meadows form all around adding to the charm. During winters, these meadows serve as home to shepherds and during summers these become camping sites for travelers. This place also serves as a base for many treks.

But interestingly, you will have to undertake a short trek to reach Satsar Lake itself. The lake is flush with Trout fish but only licensed anglers are allowed to do fishing here. The permission for fishing has to be obtained from Srinagar, before starting for Sonamarg.

Gangabal Lake

This is another star attraction in Sonamarg. Gangabal Lake is situated at an altitude of 3,575 meters (11,729 ft) and is known to be one of the sources of the river Jhelum. As it is situated on Harmukh peak, it is also known as Harmukh Ganga.

The picturesque view and amazing serenity make it a must-see place. You can very well rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul here. This sparkling lake is home to brown and rainbow trout fish and is a popular fishing spot also.

The water in the lake comes from natural springs and glaciers. The scenic surroundings are a treat to watch. Gangabal Lake is also a haven for trekkers.

There are two ways that you can reach the lake. You can go either via a Srinagar; traveling 45 kilometers by road and then a trek of 15 kilometers.

A better way, however, would be to trek 25 kilometers from Sonamarg via the Vishansar Lake crossing three mountain passes of Nichnai, Gadsar, and Zajibal. A local guide is required to complete the trek successfully and you should not attempt it on your own.

Also Read: What to see in Pahalgam | Sightseeing in Pahalgam

Vishansar Lake

This lake holds great significance and cultural heritage in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of around 13500 feet, Vishnasar Lake is also known as the Lake of Vishnu.

Even at such a high altitude, it is among some of the lakes that contain a high amount of oxygen. The beauty of the lake is in the white and silver mountains around it, which are so close that you would feel like touching them.

Moreover, the lush green meadows all around the lake invite you to soak in the beauty of nature. This is a place to open your lungs. The colorful flowers in the vicinity make Vishansar lake a breathtakingly beautiful hue. The sparkling blue lake will not only reinvigorate you but will also inspire you to connect with nature.

The Vishansar Lake is situated at a distance of 115 km from Srinagar and 35 km from Shitkadi Sonamarg. The trek starts from Shitkadi for which ponies too can be hired at Shitkadi itself. Reaching the lake from Sonamarg is a daylong affair which means that you will have to camp at the lake overnight.

Also Read: Zojila Pass – Status, Timings & Road Conditions

Krishansar Lake

Located at the same height as Vishansar Lake, this is the Lake of Krishna. Another pristine beauty of Sonamarg, this lake is an ideal place to visit for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers among you.

Dense alpines, cool, calm, and picturesque surroundings, and a pleasant atmosphere are the things that make this lake special.

Krishansar Lake normally acts as a base for trekking to Nichinai pass. Like Vishansar, Krishansar Lake too is accessed via Shitkadi Sonamarg.

Nilagrad River

This is the most revered river in Kashmir. A fascinating place to visit, the Nilagrad River is located around 6 km away from Sonamarg. The water of the river is believed to have medicinal properties and can cure many illnesses. The water of the river is reddish in color and gives an interesting view.

The Pine trees on both sides of the river, the lush green meadows dotting its landscape, and the rolling hills in the backdrop will leave you in awe. It is a great picnic spot too where you can spend as much time as you like admiring the beauty of nature.

Gadsar Lake

Gadsar Lake is situated 108 kilometers from Srinagar city and 41 km from Shitkadi Sonamarg. The trek to the lake passes via Vishansar Lake and Krishansar Lake. So if you head this way, you will actually be able to cover all three of these lakes.

The best time to visit is from the month of June to September. Interestingly enough, this Lake is also named Yemsar which means ‘the lake of the demon’. Another one of its names is ‘the lake of death.

It is said that a freshwater Octopus-like monster lives in its waters and drags the creatures from the shores by its tentacles into the lake.

Tourist Activities to do in Sonamarg

After our list of tourist places in Sonamarg, let us talk about some other tourist and fun things to do in Sonamarg.  There is really no dearth of activities here to quench your thirst for adventure. Some of the most popular ones that you can indulge in are as mentioned below.

• Enjoying the Natural Beauty
• Gazing at Countless Stars
• White Water Rafting in Sonamarg
• Trekking in Sonamarg
• Camping in Sonamarg
• Photography
• Shopping
• Trying Local Food
• Enjoying the Snow

Also Read: Gulmarg Gondola – How to Plan your Ride?

Enjoying the Natural Beauty

Of course, enjoying the natural beauty of the place will be the first thing on your to-do list. You can either go trekking, camping, rafting, or sit at your hotel ideally, Sonamarg will never stop mesmerizing you with its awe-inspiring vistas.

Gazing at Countless Stars

Your routine of enjoying natural beauty will continue at night as well. Just step outside and look above. You will see a sky that city people like us hardly ever get to see.

A deep blue sky lit brightly with countless stars, shining bright. If you want to try some night photography or capture some star trails, Sonamarg is the place to do so.

White Water Rafting in Sonamarg

Go river rafting for long stretches to get your adrenaline rushing. The longest rafting expedition in Sonamarg starts from Baltal and ends at Shutkari Bridge.

There are other stretches too where you can go rafting. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced campaigner, there will be a rafting expedition available suiting your needs and experience.

Trekking in Sonamarg

There are numerous trekking options available in Sonamarg. Various lake treks and other trekking trails offer multiple choices. You will experience different hues of Kashmir and its natural beauty on different treks.

From alpine forests to green meadows and from picturesque lakes to snow-clad peaks, you will see them all as you explore nature. If you are looking for a pleasant enough walk with your family, go to Thajiwas Glacier. If you are in the mood for some serious trekking, visit any of the lakes I mentioned above.

Also Read: Aharbal Waterfall – A Complete Travel Guide

Camping in Sonamarg

Camping is one of the most fun activities to do for people visiting Sonamarg. There are several campsites right before the main market area and you can check into either depending on your own preference.

If you were carrying your own gear then you can do a self-campaign as well. But I would highly recommend not doing so in the middle of nowhere or without permission. Pitch your tent near an existing campsite and pay them a little to give you a spot.

Photography

It does not matter really whether you were a serious photographer with a huge DSLR hung around your neck, or an amateur carrying a smartphone camera.

Once you are in Sonamarg, you will be presented with vistas that will make it hard for you to stop clicking as many pictures as you can. Look in any direction and you will be gazing at the scenery to take your breath away. If there was ever a picture-perfect hill station, it is Sonamarg.

Trying Local Food

I don’t think I even need to introduce this. Kashmir is known for its delicious recipes as much as it is known for its natural beauty.

Sonamarg is a great place to enjoy some mouth-watering Kashmiri food. If you are a non-vegetarian, then you are in for a treat. Lolabi restaurant in the main Sonamarg market is a good place to try Kashmiri Wazwan.

If vegetarian, then there are plenty of veg dishes on the menu that you can choose from. There are several shudh-vaishno dhabas in the market where you can eat.

Also Read: Food to Try in Kashmir – What to Eat in Kashmir

Enjoying the Snow

If you reached Sonamarg towards the end of March when it has just been declared open for tourists; you will definitely find plenty of snow left for you to enjoy.

The entire town at this time is buried under a thick sheet of snow and the color white dominates all around. If you were lucky, you may even catch a live snowfall.

Where to stay in Sonamarg

There are quite a few hotels and resorts available in Sonamarg. You can check out the rates and pick the one according to your budget. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in all of Kashmir and a major stop on the Srinagar Leh highway.

Finding a hotel in Sonamarg will not be difficult at all. If on a budget, go to the main market and there you can get rooms for as low as Rs. 800 per night.

Hotel Barzman is the place where I usually stay in Sonamarg. To read more about this hotel, take a look at Hotel Barzman – One of the Best Hotels in Sonamarg. You can also see a video of the hotel at the link below.

Best Places to visit in Sonamarg Kashmir in 2 Days

What are some of the best places to see in Sonamarg that you can cover in a day’s time or two at most? What you can do in this case is to arrive in Sonamarg on Day 1 and check into a hotel. Start as early as you can from Srinagar so that you can be in Sonamarg before 10 AM.

Once you have finalized the hotel, take a drive toward Zoji La Pass. You will first arrive at Baltal which is about 15 kilometers after Sonamarg. After Baltal, you will climb roughly about 10 kilometers to reach Zoji La Pass and Zero Point.

Also Read: Yusmarg – A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Spend some time at the pass, see some snow, enjoy the views, click tons of pictures, and return to your hotel in Sonamarg by evening. On the way back, take a detour and visit Sarbal village.

After that, just walk in the market, enjoy some local food, and spend some time on the banks of the Sind River.

On Day 2, start early again and go to Thajiwas Glacier. You can either walk or hire a pony but you should be back by noon at most. Have lunch, check out of your hotel, and return to Srinagar by evening.

Another way to do this journey would be to actually visit Thajiwas Glacier on Day 1 itself. Then on Day 2, check out of the hotel and drive all the way to Dras. Have lunch in Dras and then return to Srinagar by evening via Sonamarg.

Must-Do Things in Sonamarg

It will actually depend on what your preference is but white water rafting, trekking, photography, and trying local food are some of the must-do things in Sonamarg.

Let me give you this breakdown month by month. Sonamarg remains closed from November to Marc so I will talk about the rest of the months.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in April

Sonamarg opens for tourism in early April. There is plenty of snow left for you to enjoy. Zoji La remains closed at this time but you can reach it until Batal. You can also trek to Thajiwas Glacier.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in May

Enjoy lush green scenery and the peace of the place. Trek to Thajiwas Glacier and explore Zojia La Pass.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in June

Enjoy lush green scenery and the peace of the place. Trek to Thajiwas Glacier and explore Zojia La Pass. You can also try camping and white water rafting.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in July

Enjoy lush green scenery and the peace of the place. Trek to Thajiwas Glacier and explore Zojia La Pass. It is the monsoon season so rafting may not be allowed due to increased water levels.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in August

Enjoy lush green scenery and the peace of the place. Trek to Thajiwas Glacier and explore Zojia La Pass. It is the monsoon season so rafting may not be allowed due to increased water levels.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in September

This is one of the best months to visit Sonamarg. This is the best time to try capturing some stunning shots of the place. You can trek to Thajiwas Glacier and drive up the Zojila Pass.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in October

This is the time of autumn and you will get to see the orange colors in the trees, making the valley look golden and magical. If lucky, you may even catch a live snowfall.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in November

This is not a great time to visit. The scenery will be dull and early snowfall may even block the road.

Places to Visit in Sonamarg in December

Sonamarg usually remains closed in December and cannot be visited.

Places to visit in Sonamarg – Conclusion

Nature has bestowed Kashmir with all its richness and beauty. There is no dearth of breathtakingly beautiful places that can blow you away with their picturesque beauty.

It is difficult to pick one place in Kashmir, which is less beautiful than the other. And it would be injudicious also to pronounce one place more beautiful than the other because it is really difficult to do so as far as Kashmir is concerned.

However, there are a few places that make you instantly fall in love with them not only due to their beauty but also the ambiance and some of their unique characteristics. One such place in Kashmir is Sonamarg. 

I hope the information above on Places to Visit in Sonamarg and things to do was of help. If you have any questions, you can contact me on Instagram and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and asking a question there.