Things to Do in Sonamarg

These glaciers present a scenic view of the snow clad mountain peaks and small streams of water flowing beneath. People from all over the world come here for trekking and skiing. The high altitudes of this glacier and the density of snow give a rare experience of snow sports and activities. Everywhere one can find heavy sheets of snow spread profusely and the distant view of the surrounding pine and fir forests.

This small beautiful town is 15 kilometers north to Sonamarg and is an ideal place for trekking and sightseeing. During the time of annual pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath valley, this town serves as the base camp for the pilgrims. After taking a one day journey from Baltal one can reach to Amarnath as it is the shorter path to reach the holy place. Apart from these, regular trekking camps and tours are also organized by individual trekking groups. If you want to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, then this is the best place to visit and feel close to nature.

Vishansar Lake is a high altitude mountain lake with beautiful valley flowers and shrubs adding to its panorama. The water of this lake eventually merges into Neelum River. The Lake receives its water from the adjacent Krishansar Lake and glaciers and remains frozen in winters. During summers, the lake is surrounded by beautiful flowers swaying gently to the breeze and one can see shepherds grazing their flocks there. It is an abode for many species of fish mainly the brown trout and fishing is the main activity done here.

Nichnai Pass is the pathway leading to the trekking routes reaching to Gadsar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake and Gangabal Lake. Situated at 4100 meters above the sea level the pass is the inception point of the panoramic journey to these beautiful lakes. The beautiful view of the lakes begins from the picturesque view of the Pass. This beautiful trekking route itself sets the feeling of wonder on nature’s artistry which gets carried and ever increased with the subsequent trekking towards the lakes.

These are a group of seven beautiful lakes situated in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir and remain frozen during the winters.During the winters the area is restricted from tourist entry because of heavy snowfall. The ice in these lakes melts only during the summer season when most of the trekking expeditions are set. This place is the most preferable spot for camping because of its surreal background and the lake side filled with lush alpine flowers, poppy flowers and many more mountainous shrubs. These lakes are filled with all kinds of trout fish and are an ideal place for angling and fishing.

Krishansar Lake is near Vishansar Lake and is one of the most beautiful glacier lakes of Sonamarg and receives its fill from the glaciers and the mountains lying to the back of it. Set against the dense alpine forests the lake gives a sensational image of nature’s craft at its best. The lake freezes in the winters but is clear and best to visit in summers. It homes some of the nice species of trout, salamon fish and other small aquatic breed. It is a must visit for nature lovers, trekkers and those who want to get away from the daily humdrum!

Situated 6 kilometers away from Sonamarg, this small river shapes from the conjoining of a small mountain river and the Indus River in the Baltic settlement. Nilagrad River or Nilagrar is a place of reverence and belief for Sonamarg people. The water in the river is unique for its reddish appearance.

Trivia: The water of Nilagrad River is believed to have medicinal properties and can cure any sort of skin problems and thus every Sunday, mass dipping takes place in the river as it is a weekend.