Trekking and hiking from Sonamarg

Arcsim

Hey guys,

I am planning a J&K trip (Chandigarh->Manali->Leh->Kargil->Srinagar->Jammu->Chandigarh) for next week and am looking to do a short (3 days max return) trekking/camping trip in the mountains. We will be coming from Kargil to Srinagar, so Sonamarg seems like a great place to stop and enjoy nature for a few days on the way to Srinagar. I've heard that there are some good short treks to lakes, etc. from Sonamarg.

Does anyone here have experience with trekking and hiking in the area? Ideally I'd like to be able to rent camping supplies (tent etc.) there but if necessary I can get them in Chandigarh (start and end point for the trip) and carry it the whole damn way. Are there some nice trails in the area? I've heard that Sonamarg is very militarized due to the proximity of the LoC, is that an issue?

Thanks, any suggestions would be appreciated.

ujjwal

hi,
i was there last week. Sonamarg is not as heavily militarized as Drass and Kargil.

sunnykashmir

hi
you can do a short trek 2 nights trekking to nichanai pass/vishnesar lake/kishansar lake very nice trek and safe also from sonamarg.

Ms Princess W

Hubby says SunnyKashmir has the right idea with Vishnesar and Kishansar. Very nice trek. I'd love to do it myself one of these days if time would permit.

I've been to Sonamarg for fishing & family picnic on the river and my sons have been there numerous times. No issues with military presence. Go and have fun!

sunnykashmir

i have done this trek 4 times but have done 7 lakes starting from sonamarg/nichnai/vishnesar lake/kishansar lake/satsarlake/gadsar lake/nundkhol lake/gangabal lake(very pious among kashmiri pandits on the foothills of mountain Haramukh and then down to kangan, one of the best treks in kashmir

surrealmountains

Hi there

I see this very interesting and highly recommended trek with Sonamarg as the base. Thanks so much.

Moreover, any preferred agency/ guide to go with? Can this be arranged on the spot?

Thanks ahead

Cheers

Arcsim

Is there anywhere (Book, website etc.) where I can get more information on this trek? As we are poor students we'd like to do it as cheaply as possible (maybe only a guide if we can leave our heavy bags somewhere in Sonamarg). Any recommendations would be appreciated.

sunnykashmir

hi
wud try to find some guide 4 this trek or you can get in touch directly with jammu and kashmir tourism department they wud certainly assist you
as this is the right season to this trek in sept mid it wud be quite cold up there

surrealmountains

Hope an on-the-spot itinerary can be arranged..

Thanks a lot

cheers

ashwinnaagar

sunny kashmir
can you tell us more about treks in kashmir, the ones are less difficult.

sunnykashmir

best trekking places are from pahalgam
one day trek from pahalgam to tuliyan lake(frozen lake in the shape of 8)
trek from pahalgam to tarsar lake and marsar lake (3 nights)
trek from pahalgam to kolahai glacier(origin of river lidder) 2 nights
trek from pahalgam to harghagwan lake (2 night)
trek from pahalgam to sonamarg (4 nights)
trek from pahalgam to panikher in zanskar valley(the best trek i did)5 nights via sheshnaag lake
and many more

ashwinnaagar

Last year when i was in pahalgam in june my ponywallah discouraged me to go for tulian lake saying it is too strenuous..so is it really that difficult?

sunnykashmir

the hike is steep but attainable as i have taken many of my friends who have never done treking or hiking before
you have 2 start early though

surrealmountains

Surprisingly, dash and explore turned out to be a good strategy in Sonamarg.

Landed at the J&K Tourism Development Corporation resort. Sept. being the off-season, got a double room for a supposedly staggering 50% discount at INR 525 per day.
Sultan, a localite helped me to find good guides to go trekking with. The first day was to the Thajiwas glacier, the second to Nichnai Bar.

Charges reasonable, people affectionate, trustworthy and most importantly knowledgeable, the trip was a memorable one, and I am sure going back there asap!

Ask, if more info is needed.

Cheers

ashwinnaagar

Nice to know you had a great trip..which all treks did you go for?how were they?