Sonmarg is a beautiful hill station in the Kashmir Valley, located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’ because of the golden hue of the grass and flowers that cover the valley in spring. Here are some interesting facts about Sonmarg that you might want to know:
- Sonmarg is situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,200 ft) and is surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas, such as Sirbal Peak, Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, and Machoi Peak. The town offers a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains and the green valley. The town is also close to the famous glaciers of Kashmir, such as Thajiwas Glacier, Machoi Glacier, and Kolhoi Glacier.
- Sonmarg is a popular destination for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. The town has many trekking trails that lead to various places of interest, such as Gangabal Lake, Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, and Krishansar Lake. These lakes are known for their crystal clear water and scenic beauty. The town also has a golf course, which is one of the highest in the world. Sonmarg is also a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which is a pilgrimage to the holy cave of Lord Shiva.
- Sonmarg has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The town was a part of the ancient Silk Road, which connected Kashmir with Tibet and China. The town was also visited by many famous personalities, such as Yousuf Shah Chak, the last ruler of Kashmir; Habba Khatoon, the poetess queen; Jahangir, the Mughal emperor; and Francis Younghusband, the British explorer. The town has many temples, shrines, and mosques that reflect the diversity and harmony of the region