Sonamarg is a small hill town……KASHMIR
Sonamarg is a small hill town located around 80 km from Srinagar. The
place gets its name from the picturesque view of golden sunset
reflecting on the meadows like a perfect ‘Meadow of Gold’. The meadows
looked golden and vibrant in the fading sunlight. Nallah Sindh, a major
tributary of Jhelum River runs right through the town.
Sonamarg is also a stopover town for people travelling between Leh
and Srinagar. There are many hotels along the highway. Surprisingly, the
government run guest house was more expensive than privately run
hotels. Room tariff for government guest house starts from Rs. 1,500.
The rooms are well maintained with spacious compound overlooking the
main bazaar and the mountains, making it a nice place for a stay.
Sonamarg is well connected to Srinagar and other cities and have
taxis and buses going to Srinagar every few minutes. Sonamarg has many
options for food. It also has ATM facilities.
Sonamarg was also a gateway of ancient Silk Road that linked Kashmir
to China and other Gulf nations. It has managed to always stay in the
spotlight, in spite of its small size.
The popular Amarnath Yatra begins a few kilometers from Sonamarg
town. During peak season that starts in the last week of June, the town
is flooded with outsiders. Its residents do good business through their
hotels or by supplying ponies for the trek.
North of Sonamarg, along the Sonamarg-Leh highway, the road ascends
steeply and it is one of the most difficult roads towards Leh. In
winter, the mountain is covered with snow and the road to Leh remain
closed till late spring.
Sonamarg is a picturesque place. The gentle valley of grass with
horses grazing and galloping up and down the slopes, along with the
compelling sight of snow-peaked Thajiwas Mountain, made a perfect
picture.