Sonamarg – Meadow of Gold

Sonamarg or Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level in the Jammu and Kashmir state of India, literally means ‘Meadow of Gold’. The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. Since the travel was during winter, instead of ‘Gold’, it was ‘Salt’!

Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Located in the Kashmir valley, it is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass. Located at 87 km from Srinagar, the place is renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions.

Thajiwas glacier is a major tourist attraction in the region. Located 7 km from Sonamarg, it is an ideal spot for enjoying a sledge ride on the snow even in mid-summer. The nearby area is a perfect camping site too.