The
Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740m, Sonamarg is the last major point
in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh
. At the pass the green, lush Kashmiri landscape abruptly
switches to the barren, dry landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg
is thus not only a good base for treks but also a jumping
off point for trips into Ladakh.
The name means 'Meadow of Gold' and although this
could be due to the profusion of flowers that carpet
the meadow in the spring it is also possible that
the name derives from Sonamarg's strategic trading
position in the days when this was a major route into
central Asia. The Sindh River meanders along here
and abounds with Trout and Mahseer.
Sonamarg's Importance Is Two
Fold:
It is the starting point of a major trek passing several
mountain lakes - Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar
and Gangabal. One trek leads all the way to the Amarnath
cave. The other reason for Sonamarg's importance lies
in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir
side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh.
Walks From Sonamarg
One of the most popular short walks from Sonamarg
and a major attraction during the summer months is
the 4-km route to Thajiwas, a small valley at the
foot of the Sonamarg glacier. A path leads up to the
Shakhdar hill, overlooking the glacier from the northeast.
It is dangerous to climb the steep slope leading up
to the glacier. Ponies can be hired for the trip up
to Thajiwas glacier. Often in early summer one will
meet groups of Gujar passing through Sonamarg on their
way to the alpine meadows for the summer.
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