Sonamarg

Sonamarg, meaning Meadow of Gold, is a hill station located in the Ganderbal district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley along the banks of the Sindh River, at an elevation of about 2,700–2,800 metres (approximately 9,000 feet) above sea level, and is roughly 80 kilometres northeast of Srinagar. The town is renowned for its scenic alpine landscape, with snow‑capped peaks surrounding a broad meadow that glows golden in the summer sun.

The area is a popular tourist destination and serves as a base for treks and excursions into the surrounding Himalayan region. Nearby attractions include the Thajiwas Glacier, which is accessible by a short journey and is a common day trip for visitors. Sonamarg also functions as a gateway to the Ladakh region via the Zoji La pass, with the Srinagar–Leh highway (NH 1D) passing through the area. The Baltal valley near Sonamarg is used as a base by pilgrims heading to the Amarnath cave.

Climate in Sonamarg is typical of high-altitude hill stations. Summers are mild and suitable for sightseeing, while winters bring heavy snowfall that can lead to road closures and temporary inaccessibility of the surrounding passes. The town is primarily sustained by tourism, with hotels, lodges, and other services catering to visitors during the summer season. Access is by road from Srinagar, with air travel available to nearby destinations via Srinagar Airport.