SONMARG: A CITY OF HEAVEN
Are you thinking of a place to visit for your vacations? What about Sonmarg, a beautiful location in Kashmir valley in Jammu and Kashmir. Driving to Sonamarg is a memorable experience as you cross Himalayan peaks and chase snow-clad mountains at the same time. There are various activities organized for the tourists who love adventures like trekking, hiking, river rafting, and much more. There is no lack of activities to quench your thirst for adventure. The most popular ones that you can indulge as mentioned below.
1. WHITE WATER RAFTING :
One of the most exciting adventures in Sonmarg is white water rafting. On the Indus stream along the densely forested mountain, go river rafting for long stretches to get your adrenaline rushing. one of my favorite activities offered in Sonmarg. The lengthiest rafting expedition in Sonmarg starts from Baltal and ends at Shutkari Bridge. There are other stretches too where you can go rafting. The best time for rafting is September through November and April through May. Enjoy the thrill of soaking yourself in the icy cold water within a few hours of an expedition. You must try it to immerse yourself in the thrill of serene and deep forests. It is the best adventure of all which I have experienced in Sonmarg.
2. TREKKING IN SONMARG:
The next most exciting adventure is trekking. There are numerous options of trekking which are available in Sonmarg. Various lake treks and other trekking trails offer multiple choices. Sonmarg is an ultimate paradise for trekkers where you will experience different hues and their natural beauty. As I am a nature lover, I loved the view of alpine forests and green meadow and felt the calmness in the beautiful lakes and snow-clad mountain peaks, and exploring nature is what I like the most. Thajiwas Glacier Trek is a gracious short trek in Sonmarg. It is situated 3km away from this fable hub with addition to Thajiwas is one of the easiest accessible glaciers in the entire region. This trek is a jewel in Jammu and Kashmir because it entails pleasure to nature-buffs and adventure lovers.
3. CAMPING IN SONMARG:
Camping is a favorite activity for most tourists. The natural beauty of snow-covered mountains is a welcoming sight for travelers. Camping in Sonmarg is one of the best experiences of the Himalayas. The hill station is a beautiful valley of abundant greenery. Sonmarg is a good campsite in the summer months especially, in the months of mid-April till October. The camps enjoy the best scenic locations. The soothing ambiance relaxes chaotic minds and lets your soul search for peace. Mountaineering camps in Sonmarg also provide trained guides. The beautiful Himalayan lakes and Krishnasar, Vishansar, and Gangabal are waiting to be explored by camping. Centers also have various indoor activities such as bonfire games and sightseeing tours. Cinematographers enjoy clicking snaps as this is heaven on earth.
4. TOBOGGANING:
The next most exciting adventure is tobogganing which is the sport of sliding down snow-covered slopes on a runner-less sled called toboggans. The best time to experience tobogganing is in winters when the slopes are emersed in snow. The Toboggan is light in weight and supports heavy weight on soft snow. Several persons can ride at one time, either by lying or in a sitting position. The Toboggans can be steered by lifting and twisting the front or and dragging a foot in the snow. Tobogganing requires no special skills. Tobogganing is also a popular snow sport in Sonmarg. It is tremendously exciting to slide in snow and the end, get covered in snow. There are various types of tobogganing which include skeleton tobogganing, luge tobogganing and, bobsleigh or bobsled. In winters, Sonmarg is coated with snow where many tourists enjoy tobogganing with their family and friends.
5. HIKING IN SONMARG:
For adventure lovers, hiking in Sonmarg is an exciting adventure. Who would not love to take a Beautiful and relaxing nature walk? Sonmarg is confined by thick forests and dotted with mesmerizing valleys and meadows. The summers are especially ideal for hikers, who can walk for miles through green and meandering hiking trails. It is a stunning area to go hiking. Beautiful trails and fantastic scenery. It is possible to do short wandering to the glaciers or longer hikes on the other sides of the river. It is a prominent way of relaxing as our lives had become so stressful that we all need a place to relax as this place is best to calm our souls and find peace in our environment. It is best for a family walk or quality time for couples.
6. SKIING IN SONMARG:
Sonmarg is the ideal place for snow lovers and adventure seekers in the winter season. The beauty of Sonmarg in the winter season allures travelers and, especially those who love skiing. Skiing is the most attractive and popular winter sport present in Sonmarg. The best time for skiing is from December till May and, in Thajiwas tourists can ski from April till July. Skiing is a bit difficult to do solo if you have no experience in it. One needs to be an expert skier to take on the slopes of Sonmarg then it could be dangerous. The thick carpet of shimmering snow, the sun's rays reflecting on the glaciers, and the blue sky add to the joy of skiing. It is a beautiful experience of nature. You can also enjoy a snowball fight or make a snowman and roll on the snow. It is the best time to hang out with family and friends.
7. SLEDGING IN SONMARG:
Sonmarg's main attraction is the Thajiwas glacier, a Magnificent piece of nature's creation. It is most exciting to walk up the glacier and hire sleds along the way. Once you reach the top, get ready for an adrenaline rush as you slide down on the snow mountain with breathtaking valley views in front of your eyes. It is such a fabulous feeling and experience of nature. The trees look like glossy Christmas cards- green pines in summers and covered in white snow in winters. As you slide down the slope, it is super exciting to see the snow sparkling all over you. When you reach down the pitch, you can't stop yourself from being covered in snow and playing games from snow, lying in the snow, and relaxing in mother nature's arms. The point for sledding is such a beautiful place in Sonmarg that it brings you to an imaginative world. It is rightly said to be heaven in the World.
8. SNOWMOBILE RIDE IN SONMARG:
During winters, the tourists also love to ride snowmobiles while exploring the beauty of snow-clad mountains in Sonmarg. People have developed the sport of riding snowmobiles into a serious hobby. A snowmobile or a snowmachine is a vehicle designed for winter travel and recreation of snow. It is well-designed to be operated on snow and does not require a road or trail. It is mainly used for sightseeing and exploring the beauty surrounded by snow-clad mountains. The ideal time for riding the snowmobile is from December to mid-April. Although a little expensive, it is once in a lifetime experience.
9. PONY RIDDING:
Without doing pony rides, can we enjoy Sonmarg? Exploring the beautiful and eye-catching nature of a horse is a popular activity in Sonmarg. Horse riding isn't just an activity but also a singular means to explore the beauty of Sonmarg. Today, many travelers' mostly family vacationers and honeymoon couples, utilize this opportunity to relish the unmatched beauty of popular tourist attractions and some lesser-known destinations. Additional to ridding, trekkers also hire horses to move their equipment and luggage. Sonmarg is also known as the land of glaciers and lakes. One can cover all places and snow glaciers by hiring a horse. One can experience horse riding anytime, but if you want to explore hidden spots and valleys, then from April to July is a perfect time for this. It is most refreshing when one experiences the beauty of emerald blue water with breathtaking snow-capped mountains while riding a horse.