Sonamarg

"Sonamarg", the name translates as "The meadow of gold" is a prominent tourist spot in the district of Ganderbal. Located 80 Km North-east to the capital city of Kashmir and 359 Km North of Jammu, the region considered to be the gate of the ancient "Silk Route". Sonamarg sits 2800 m above sea level and In its vicinity lies the great Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley namely Kolhoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier with some peaks of above 5000 meters: Sirbal Peak, Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak and Machoi Peak. The Sindh river meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer fishes. The best time to visit the site is during the month of April when Sonmarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet, though private vehicles are not allowed a taxi or a pony could be hired. The climate of Sonmarg is very bracing; but the rainfall is frequent though not heavy. From Sonmarg starts trekking routes which leads to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake, stocked with Snowtrout and Brown trout and Satsar, glacier-fed and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers. Trekkers can also reach the starkly splendid roof-top of the world Leh, by crossing over the Zoji La pass, which lies nearby the region at about 15 Km. The region is best suited for adventure sports and the J&K tourism department organizes a rafting tournament held annually.