Sonmarg sightseeing
At a distance of 79 KM from Srinagar, Sonmarg is located at a height of 8950 ft. By the side of river Indus Sonmarg is famous for it scenic beauty of snow capped mountains and green valley. Sonmarg is on the way to Kargil, Leh. This place is also famous for Amarnath Yatra. The last road point Baltal is at a distance of 15 KM from Sonmarg. Usually Devotees visit holly cave starting from Pahelgam and return to Sonmarg after darshan.
Hotel and restaurants are available in Somarg
. Usually tourist visit Sonmarg during day time by starting from Srinagar and return in the evening. However J&K tourism department has a hotel here. Booking can be done from its website.Here after arrival you will be approached by horse owners to take you to the glacier. There is a board displaying the rate chart for the benefit of tourist but they are higher side. You can bargain and bring down the price. Rate depends on demand and inflow of tourists.
The trek up to the glacier at a distance of 3 KM ( snow point ) will take one hour by horse and it is not very difficult to walk. You will be little climbing on slope at the beginning. Note that your vehicle is not allowed beyond parking area. Horse can take you upto last point close to the glacier and by road you can't reach close to glacier but it can be easily covered from the parking place.
The horse owners became busy during Holly Amarnath Yatra, they transport devotees upto the cave. You will also be offered to replace your footwear for a rent of Rs 50/- .
On the way your horse man will tell you about different Bollywood film shooting points and name of the films. There is a nice camp side by the side of the river. Till April this place will be covered by snow. From here various trekking routs are available.
There is an entry fee or Rs 25/ per vehicle to be paid at the entrance of Sonmarg.
Usually tourist visit Sonmarg as a day trip by staring at 9 AM from Srinagar and return to Srinagar around 8 PM, usually it takes 3 to 4 hours to reach Sonmarg depending on the traffic condition at Srinagar side. You can't engage your hired vehicle for local sightseeing. You have to take help of Pony of local taxi to move around. If snow is not much then walking is the best choice. Here is a rate chart for pony , sledge and for Tata Sumo ( vehicle ) at Sonmarg.
Pony and Sumo Rate at Sonmarg
| Station | Rates |
|---|---|
| Stand No 1,2 &3 Sonmarg to Thajwas Glacier & Back | Rs 500 |
| Thajwas Parking Place To Thajwas glacier & Back | Rs 250 |
| Sledge Ride Per Person | Rs Rs 300 first hour, Rs 250 subsequen Hrs |
| With Pony full day trek to Kishansar, Vishansar, Ganbal & Via Naranag | Rs 900 |
| From Pony stand 1 & 2 to Conzaland & Back | Rs 1000 |
| From Pony Stand 1 & 2 to Shokdari & Back | Rs 2000 |
| From Pony Stand No 3 to Poshpatri via Sonmarg village & Back | Rs 3000 |
| Porter & Helper | Rs 300 per day |
| SUMO Rates | |
| Sumo stand to Fish Pond | Rs 600 |
| Sumo stand to Sarbal Park | Rs 1000 |
| Sumo stand to Thajwas stand | Rs 800 |
| Full package ( Fish Pond, Sarbal Park & Thajwas ) | Rs 2000 |
From here Zozil pass is 27 KM.
Taxi rate for a one day trip to Sonmarg.
One day trip from Srinagar by Tata Sumo / Scorpio will cost your Rs 2200 /- ( Innova Rs 2400/- )Weather at Sonmarg
Heavy woollen dresses are required in winter months. If you are in a day trip from Srinagar then carry light woollen cloths as day temperature remains around 18 to 20 degree.
This article is written by go2india.in team.
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