SONAMARG
Km 85 Alt 2740m
Sona’ means gold and marg means, meadow of gold is a trekker’s heaven, it has adventurous routes with stunning river, rich pine trees, lush meadows and frozen lakes all around the valley. The vale is believed to be bestowed with mystical water which turns everything into eternal riches. The life of people in the area is most striking for travelers to observe their culture and way of life in the wild valley. The nomads or Gujjars live in mud & log shelters during the summer. Men don a traditional turbanand women with ‘tumar hanging from their head-cap. The migration of nomads and other local habitation to warmer region can be witnessed during the arrival of winter, their return occurs during the arrival of summer. Heavy snowfall during winter disconnects Sonamarg from rest of the valley when road upto Kulan (70km) is barely open. Sind River flowing through the valley is a natural hatchery for Trout, angling is favorite among the visitors in the area, permission has to be obtained from the fisheries department.
thrill of Ascending Sind river makes Sonamarg ideal for River Rafting. Rafting competitions are held during summer by the authorities and private agencies. Adventure sports like Paragliding has lots of takers during summer. The rugged countryside market makes one feel adventure. The sparse houses, a school, a mosque and a dispensary in the village adds to charm of the valley. Sonamarg market has some of the oldest tea stall and shops where one can buy the daily use food items, the area has facilitated the travelers on Leh road for decades. The roaring Sind creates a constant cool breeze: it is hard to get off from such heavenly environs. Tourists can avail assistance at the tourist office at Sonamarg Tourist Complex. Thajiwas glacier is always attraction for all tourist visiting Kashmir during Summer.
Places of Interest:
Thajiwas: The everlasting Thajiwas glacier, 3km from Sonamarg, provides a chance to enjoy sledge ride on the snow even in mid-Summer. Ponies are available up to the glacier from Sonamarg. Superb campsites in Thajiwas area make it a prime location Island Retreat Park (92km): 4km before the main Sonamarg market, a delta amidst Nilgrath Village (102km) : A picturesque village just 4 km ahead of Sonamarg on Leh road has major habitation of Dards who speak Shina language. The mixed Kashmiri and Dard culture makes people of this village slightly different from the rest. Their livelihood mostly depends on labour works and tourism. for school camps and trekkers during summer. The peaks adjacent to the glacier site posses’ huge glacier which makes the sight more pleasant and thrilling. Sind river on Sonamarg road is a common stopover for travelers. The wooden bridge over roaring river leads to the park making, it a memorable scene, the park has been developed by SDA for recreation of tourists. The murmuring Sind amidst mighty peaks creates splendid environ.
Ganderbal
One of the most picturesque districts of the valley, Ganderbal has fascinating scenery to offer to a visitor. 20 Km from Srinagar at an altitude of 1619 m, the district is surrounded by other beautiful districts of Srinagar, Bandipur, Anantnag and Kargil. The mighty Sind river flows through the valley due to this reason many hydro electric projects are setup in the district.
The clean and calm Manasbal lake is situated around 10 Km from the main district block. Gandarbal has over the years developed into a proper town where other tehsils and blocks have similarly been benefited in financial, social and educational Kheer Bhawani (36km) : 5 km from Ganderbal town, in the village of Tulmul’ (of great value) is the shrine of Kheer Bhawani. The sacred spring at temple symbolizes goddess Ragnya Devi. It is believed that the MahaRagnya appeared before Ravana after his devotion towards the goddess who had installed image of goddess in Cylone. It is said that when Ravana finished his worship goddess accepted his offer of Kheer (Rice pudding), since then the goddess is known as Kheer Bhawani. Due to Ravanas licentious life Maha Ragnya commanded Hanuman to shift the image of goddess from Ceylon and place it at Tulmul, a sacred place Annual festival of Jesht Ashtami is held during May-June, when 127 | Discover J8 fields. The far off villages of the district has large number of “Gujjar” nomads living whose movement to the district headquarters has increased due to governmental schemes offered for their upliftment. according to a belief the goddess changes colours of spring water. The pandit community of Kashmir hold the goddess in high esteem and visit in large number during the festival. Tourists pay homage at the temple site during the trip to Sonamarg.
Manasbal Lake
Manasbal Lake (32 km) off the Ganderbal-Sonamarg road is the placid Manasbal lake. 4km long and 1.2km wide lake is famous for lotus, water nuts and colorful migratory birds. Believed to be deepest lake as its depth is measured to about 12.8km at some places. The shikara ride in the lake offers most fascinating scenes of surrounding nature. A Naranag Ruins: Ancient ruins of shrines near Wangath 50 km from Srinagar is to the west of Kangan Some of these temples were built by Jaluka son of Ashoka in 3rd century while others are dated to pre-Karakota periods. Vishnu temple at the site is said to be constructed by emperor Lalityaditya. This spot is a famous picnic spot for school children and local people of the valley. A private hotel and restaurant offers stay and meal services for the visitors. wonderful park in front of the lake makes it most pleasurable picnic spots for the locals and the tourists alike.
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