Sonamarg (2,730 m/ 84 km) lies at the head of Sindh Valley. The drive through this valley presents a spectacular facet of the Kashmir countryside. Sonamarg is surrounded by colourful mountains and thick pine forest. Sonamarg (The meadow of gold) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months. There are many attractive walks, the best being a trek or pony ride to the Thajiwas glacier. Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.

Sonamarg also serves as a base for the Amarnath Yatra from the Baltal route, during Sawan Purnima.

Places must visit :

Thajiwas (3km) : The whole mountain range here is covered by glaciers. Water falls from these in silver sheets. A forest rest house and a tourist hut between Sonamarg and Thajiwas have excellent views.

The Lakes : The loveliest of the high altitude Himalayan lakes are Vishansar and Krishnasar. The translucent waters of these lakes are speckled with ice flakes, and the occasional trout that pops up now and then.

Gangabal : Also called Harmukh Ganga, it is sacred to Hindus. It can be reached from Sonamarg via Krishnasar and Vishansar - a trek through enchanting scenery.

Zoji-La Pass :
20 kms east of Sonamarg lies the gateway to the Ladakh plateau, the Zoji-La Pass at 3,540 m.