The Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740 m, Sonamarg in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is the last major point in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh . At the pass the green, lush Kashmiri landscape abruptly switches to the barren, dry landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg is thus not only a good base for treks but also a jumping off point for trips into Ladakh. The passage to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another bewitching facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2,740 m, Sonamarg in Kashmir is framed by snowy mountains against a sapphires sky.

Sonamarg literally means the 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could be due to the profusion of flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring it is also possible that the name originates from Sonamarg's decisive trading position in the days when this was a main route into central Asia. The Sindh River flows through the place and is bountiful with Trout and Mahseer.

Sonamarg's Importance Is Two Fold:
It is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes - Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One trek leads all the way to the Amarnath cave . The other reason for Sonamarg's importance lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh .

Nilagrad
A mountain river meets the Indus at the Baltic colony, Nilagrad, 6-km away from Sonamarg. The water of the river is reddish in colour. The Baltic thinks the water has curative power of many diseases. Inhabitants of the colony visit this place every Sunday to bath in the river.

Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake
There is a lake in every corner of the Himalayas and there is one at Sonamarg also. The road proceeds from Sonamarg to Bisansar Lake via Nichinai Pass. Crossing the river at Nichinai Pass stands the Bisansar Lake at an altitude of 4, 084m, with its its lovely natural beauty. Beside the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of 3,801m, popular for Trout fishing.