Jammu and Kashmir, India

Sonamarg

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

9/10

Best time: May to October

24 hours

Sonamarg, the 'Meadow of Gold' in Jammu and Kashmir, is a breathtaking Himalayan escape! Once known as 'Simbal', this stunning valley near Srinagar is steeped in history and natural beauty. Imagine lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers galore! It's an adventurer's paradise and a nature lover's dream, perfect for making unforgettable travel memories in India.

Adventure-Tourism

Hiking

Horse-Riding

Nature

Photography

Sightseeing

Trek

Interactive Map

View location

Key Activities

Must do things

Additional Places

In Jaipur

Reviews

Traveller's Ratings and Reviews

Map View

Top Activities in Sonamarg

1
Capture Scenic Views
2
Drive Through Zoji La Pass
3
Enjoy Pony Rides
4
Explore The Alpine Meadows
5
Go White-Water Rafting
6
Relax By The Sindh River
7
Trek To Gangabal Lake
8
Visit Thajiwas Glacier

Detailed Information

Best Time to Visit

May to October

When to visit place on the day

All-Day

Approximate expense

₹10,000 per person

History

Sonamarg has historically been an important gateway on the ancient Silk Road, connecting Kashmir with Central Asia. It was a significant route for trade and cultural exchange for centuries. The Zoji La pass, located nearby, has played a crucial role in various historical events, including military campaigns. While primarily a summer destination for travelers and shepherds in the past, Sonamarg has developed into a year-round tourist spot in recent times, with improved infrastructure and accessibility. Its strategic location and natural beauty continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Other Places to Explore in Srinagar

9/10

Gulmarg Gondola

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It ferries passengers in two stages: Gulmarg to Kongdoori and Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak. The first stage offers stunning meadow views, while the second ascends further into the snowy peaks, popular for skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and photography. The gondola ride itself is an unforgettable experience, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

4 hours

Morning

₹2,000

Capture panoramic photographs

Enjoy sledding in the snow

8/10

Chashme Shahi Garden

Chashme Shahi, also known as Chashma i Shahi (Royal Spring), is a terraced Mughal garden built around a freshwater spring in Srinagar, Kashmir. Known for its natural spring, believed to have medicinal properties, the garden offers breathtaking views of the Dal Lake and surrounding mountains. The smallest of the Mughal gardens in Srinagar, it features cascading fountains, vibrant flowerbeds, and charming Mughal architecture. The cool, refreshing atmosphere and serene surroundings make it a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

2 hours

All-Day

₹500

Admire the cascading fountains

Capture the beauty of the flowers

7/10

Floating Vegetable Market

The Floating Vegetable Market in Srinagar, a unique and vibrant spectacle on Dal Lake, offers a glimpse into local life. Vendors in shikaras (traditional wooden boats) gather at dawn to sell fresh produce, flowers, and spices directly from their boats. This bustling market creates a colourful and aromatic experience, with the backdrop of the serene lake and surrounding mountains. Witnessing the bargaining and trading between locals is a fascinating cultural immersion. It's a photographer's paradise, capturing the essence of Kashmir's beauty and tradition.

2 hours

Early Morning

₹500

Capture stunning photographs of the ...

Purchase fresh local produce and flo...

9/10

Nishat Bagh

Nishat Bagh, the 'Garden of Bliss,' is a terraced Mughal garden overlooking the stunning Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir. Known for its exquisite beauty, the garden features twelve terraces representing the twelve zodiac signs, each adorned with vibrant flowerbeds, cascading fountains, and lush greenery. Chinar trees and cypress trees line the waterways, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. The central canal, fed by a fresh water spring, flows through the garden, adding to its charm.

2 hours

All-Day

₹500

Admire the Mughal architecture

Capture scenic views of Dal Lake

9/10

Shah-e-Hamdan Dargah

Shah-e-Hamdan Dargah, also known as Khanqah-e-Moula, is a significant mosque located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Situated on the banks of the Jhelum River, it's one of the oldest and most revered shrines in Kashmir. The Dargah is renowned for its exquisite wooden architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant papier-mâché work, reflecting the unique Kashmiri style. It serves as a spiritual center for Muslims and attracts visitors from all faiths who come to admire its beauty and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine is dedicated to Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, a Sufi saint from Persia who played a crucial role in spreading Islam in Kashmir. Non-Muslims are allowed to enter the Dargah, fostering interfaith harmony.

2 hours

Morning

₹500

Admire the wooden architecture.

Experience the peaceful atmosphere.