Sonamarg

Zoji La, located in Sonamarg, is a high mountain pass in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,528 meters (11,575 feet) above sea level, it is one of the most challenging and awe-inspiring mountain passes in the region. The route through Zoji La connects the picturesque Sonamarg valley with the cold desert region of Ladakh, making it a crucial lifeline and a strategic link between Srinagar and Leh.The drive through Zoji La is an exhilarating and adventurous experience, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and rugged landscapes. However, due to its high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions, the pass remains inaccessible during winter months when it gets heavily snowed in.For adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, Zoji La presents an excellent opportunity for trekking and exploring the pristine beauty of the Himalayan terrain. The region is also known for its unique flora and fauna, adding to the charm of the journey.Travelers passing through Zoji La are treated to awe-inspiring vistas that showcase the rugged beauty of the Himalayas. The experience of crossing this mountain pass is both thrilling and humbling, as it allows visitors to connect with the raw magnificence of nature in the remote and captivating landscapes of Sonamarg and Ladakh.

As picturesque as it can get, Zero point is a winter spot, especially for travelers looking to experience snowy holidays. Situated 15,300 km above sea level and close to the border of India and China, the magnificence of Zero point is elevated by the stream created by the confluence of three rivers, its breathtaking valley view, snow capped mountains crowned by clouds, and its vegetation consisting of maple trees. However, the road to Zero point is dangerous with narrow and rocky roads that are quite adventurous on their own. The destination is covered in snow most of the year; therefore the best time to visit is between February and June. However, be warned that it might get a little nauseous on the way to Zero point due to a drop in oxygen level. However, a cup of tea as you treat your eyes to lush greenery and floating pale orange and yellow clouds will instantly make you feel light. While you visit Zero Point, you can also tour some of the popular attractions near the location such as Lachung Monastery, Chungthang, Yumthang, and the like. One of the most recommended Sonamarg tourist places, visit zero point to soak in what natural beauty looks like.

Trek lovers take note! Thajiwas glacier situated just 3 Km from Sonmarg is one of the most striking and thrilling places you will witness. A treasure trove of Jammu and Kashmir, this glacier only gets exciting with activities like hiking, sledding, and pony rides. Unsure if a camera could do justice to the sheer magic of this place, its frozen lake, mountains covered in a thicket of snow, its fir and pine trees, and alpine meadows are inexplicably stunning. Thajiwas glacier is also surrounded by waterfalls that can be reached via a hike. The beauty of this glacier is only enhanced by small streams that embed the place. Tourists can also camp near the glacier besides spending a leisurely evening creating a snowman or indulging in a snowball fight. The best time to visit the glacier is between April and October when it is blessed with an ideal climate. Thajiwas Glacier is one of the most popular destinations in Sonmarg and the ideal way to cover this wonderland is by trekking to the top. Rightly called the “Jewel of Kashmir” , the spot is one of the best winter places to visit in Sonmarg.

Often a spot where the Bollywood star cast breaks into a romantic song at gushing waters of river Sindh, Baltal valley might be one of the most tranquilizing places you will have visited. Located 15 Km from Sonmarg, the valley never stops mesmerizing with its waterfalls, thicket of trees, snowy mountains, and glaciers. Among the tourist places in Sonmarg, the valley is famous for some of its greatest treks. Camping is especially a highly recommended activity besides trekking. Most often tourists camp near the valley on their way to Amarnath cave, to sleep under the star-studded sky with the sound of the gushing stream. Amarnath cave is yet another exciting place to indulge in trekking for the ones visiting Baltal Valley. The drive to the valley along the Sindh river located on the Srinagar-Leh highway is also one of the high points of the destination. The best time to visit the valley would be between April and September when the weather is pleasant and chilly. For tourists who can hire helicopters, the scenic view of the absolutely majestic Baltal valley will never be erased from our memories. If serenity is what you are looking for, Baltal Valley is one of the most ideal places to visit in Sonmarg.

Situated in Kashmir valley, Krishansar Lake overlooks the vast and immense snowcapped mountains. It is in close proximity to Sonmarg, at a distance of 4000 meters. The lake is particularly prominent for the different types of fish and invariably fishing happens to be an activity that many tourists indulge in. Amid the lush meadows, the lake closes during snowfall as the water freezes during this time. The destination is also a trekker’s paradise with the Gadsar Pass, which is admired for its scenic beauty. An interesting fact about the lake is the color of the water at the lake is dependent on the climate of the day and this is a major attraction for the visitors. Some of them even camp at the lake just to witness this magic. The best time to tour the place is between June and September. It is also a popular spot for photography enthusiasts who often try to capture the near picture-perfect destination and soak in the stillness. The locals at the place are mostly shepherds and can be found with the herd of sheep passing along the lake. For folks who enjoy fishing, Krishansar is a must-visit among the tourist places in Sonmarg.Suggested Read: Places To Visit in Kashmir

In Kashmiri, Gadsar means a 'lake of fishes'. The lake, therefore, is a haven for tourists who enjoy fishing. There are a large number of trout fishes at the lake. Located 8 km from Sonmarg, the lake is a gift from mother nature with its shimmering clear water that is a tint of blue and green. Gadsar is one of the highest altitude lakes in the Kashmir valley which also renders it ideal for an amazing trek, among all the Sonmarg tourist places. The lake also has a reputation of being a seasonal lake as it is said to have been created when the snow melts. The beauty of the lake is only elevated by the lovely alpine flowers that add life to the destination and the Himalayas shrouded in snow. To reach the lake, one has to go through the Gadsar pass, which is yet another highly recommended drive for its picturesque location. The best time to visit the lake is between June and September. Gadsar is also one of the most renowned places among photography lovers, so if you are one, don’t miss out on this gem among the places to visit in Sonmarg. Recommended Read: Best Places to Visit in Srinagar

Gangabal Lake is Situated in north Srinagar, at the foothills of the mighty mount Harmukh, from where it also gets its name Harmukh Ganga lake. The location is so picturesque that it will leave you enamored. On one side it is the clear greenish-blue water of the lake while on the other we are treated with lush green meadows with beautiful wildflowers and high-altitude Mountains that are covered in snow during winter. Tourists will also catch sight of the local community of Gujjars passing by the lake with their herd of sheep. Especially among Gujjars, the lake is considered to have religious value as it is one of the homes of Lord Shiva, therefore a place of pilgrimage. Kashmiri Hindus in the past, used to immerse the ashes of the dead here. One of the classic attractions among Sonmarg tourist places, the lake will also indulge you in activities like fishing especially for the brown trout. Tourists also indulge in trekking in its alpine high altitudes. One can also hire a horse to reach the lake for some extra adventure. The best time to visit Gangabal Lake is between May and October. It is also recommended not to miss the stunning views of the lake from the Zaj pass.

Located 6 Km from Sonmarg, the Nilagrad River merges with the Indus River which is one of the longest rivers in the world. The Nilagrad river flows through different mountains which adds to the mystic nature of the river. It also has one of the most iconic views of lush vegetation consisting of conifer and alpine trees along with the high-altitude mountain ranges. However, the uniqueness of the river is in its reddish waters which are said to have medicinal properties. Due to this perception, a large number of tourists flock to the lake to dip them in the Nilagrad River. The locals also consider the lake Sacred and therefore on Sundays, you will see a large number of them at the river paying their weekly respects. This has also rendered the river closed for tourist activities like swimming and boating. It can be visited anytime throughout the year. It is also common among tourists to visit Krishansar and Vishansar Lake along their tour to Nilagrad. Nilagrad River is undoubtedly one of the most majestic places to visit in Sonmarg, and a perfect spot to rejuvenate yourself amid the calm and serenity of its natural beauty.Click Here to Book: Kashmir Trip Package from Pune