The drive to Sonmarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonmarg(‘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.
THAJIWAS
The everlasting Thajiwas glacier, 3km from Sonmarg, provides a chance to enjoy sledge ride on the snow even in mid-Summer Ponies are available up to the glacier from Sonmarg. Superb campsites in Thajiwas area makes it a prime location for school camps and trekkers in summer.
MANSBAL LAKE
32km from Srinagar,off the Sonmarg-Ganderbal road,this 4km long and 1.2 km wide lake is famous for water nuts,lotus roots ‘nadru’and lotus flowers that blossom in early july.Manas means mountains and bal a lake side.This lake serves as home to many aqatic birds,making it a bird watchers paradise. It is considred the deepest lake in Kashmir as deep as 12.8 m at some places .The beautiful shikaras floating over the lake offer a wonderful ride.A well laid park in front of the lakes makes it a pleasurable picnic spot for locals and tourists alike
NARANG RUINS
Ancient ruins of shrines near Wangath 50 km from Srinagar west of Kangan. Some of these temples were built by Jaluka son of Ashoka in 3rd century while others are dated to pre-Korakota periods.The Vishnu temple at the site is said to be constructed by emperor Lalityaditya.
Aru Valley
Aru is a resort village 11km from Pahalgam with a motorable road. From here, famous trek via Lidderwat leads to the Kolohoi Glaciers (36km) at an altitude of 3400mtrs. Here, you can have a glimpse of Kolohoi Peak, 5370 mtrs. Another trek from Lidderwat leads to the most desired twin Lakes, Tarsar 3794mtrs & Marsar 3788 mtrs (2-3 days trek).
Gangbal Lake
The famous Gangabal ts from Sonmarg across the Sind river with the steep Nichnai Pass at 4080 m. Rough trek af 15 km from Sonmarg will certainly make you stop of the first visible campsite in the area. Passing via Vishansar Lake at 3680 m and further to Krishansar Lake at 3819 m (14km), a marvelous campsite urges you to stop overnight. A 23 km trek to Gadsar Lake, 3900 m, passes through steep climbs followed by a rapid descent, whereafter the magical Gadsar Lake appears, mostly full of broken glacier masses. A trek of 17 km via Satsar Lake, 3600 m, passes through Gangabal valley, where the view of Harmukh Peak is breathtaking.Few kilometers walk will take you to Gangabal Lake 3570 m at the foot of Harmukh. A plain campsite amidst the valley is an unforgettable experience.
From Gangabal, a 17 km tough descend leads to Naranag ruins.5km further down is Wangat 2050 m, from where a metal road leads back to Sonmarg via Kangan and to Srinagar . You can easily hire a registered guide and ponies from Sonmarg for this 4to6 days Gangabal trek which is open for the trekkers and explorers throughout mid Summer.
