There are numerous possibilities for travel enthusiasts to explore the beauty of Indian subcontinent tourist sites. When it comes to Kashmir, two well-known destinations that come to mind are Sonamarg and Gulmarg. These attractions allow tourists to enjoy the stunning beauty, renowned culture, and thrilling activities that the state is known for. They are in the beautiful state of Jammu & Kashmir.
In this travel guide, we will Find Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg, supporting you in choosing a place for your forthcoming vacation to either Sonamarg or Gulmarg. This blog will go over all you need to know about Gulmarg vs Sonamarg and which is better with LgsTravellers.
Table of Contents
Best Places in Gulmarg and Sonmarg?
Let’s explore both destination and get to know that which place is better to visit with LgsTravellers.
| GULMARG | SONMARG |
| 1.Gondola | 1. Zoji La |
| 2. Biosphere Reserve | 2. Zero Point |
| 3. Strawberry Valley | 3. Baltal Valley |
| 4. Seven Springs | 4. Thajiwas glacier |
| 5. Baba Reshi Ziyarat Dargah | 5. Krishansar Lake |
SONMARG (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
1. Zoji La
Zoji La is a high mountain pass in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of the most difficult and scenic routes in the area, reaching an elevation of about 11,500 feet. Crossing Zoji La provides stunning vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and is an important link between Srinagar and Leh for the adventurous.
The Zoji La road connects the scenic Sonamarg valley to the freezing desert region of Ladakh, making it a vital lifeline and strategic link between Srinagar and Leh. The trip through Zoji La is thrilling and daring, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and rocky surroundings. The pass, however, remains inaccessible throughout the winter months due to its high height and unpredictable weather conditions.
2. Zero Point (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
Zero point is a beautiful winter destination with snow-capped mountains, streams, and valleys filled with maple trees. The trip to Zero Point is treacherous, with small and rugged roads that make driving difficult. The destination is snowbound all year, however the best time to visit is between February and June. The journey to Zero Point, on the other hand, is perilous, with tiny and rocky roads that are rather adventurous on their own.
Because the destination is covered in snow for the majority of the year, the best time to come is between February and June. However, due to a decline in oxygen level, you may become nauseated on the route to Zero point. However, a cup of tea as you treat your eyes to lush greenery and floating pale orange and yellow clouds will admire your heart and make you feel light.
3. Baltal Valley (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
Baltal Valley, located 15 kilometers from Sonmarg along the Sindh River on the Srinagar-Leh route, is well-known for its excellent trekking and camping opportunities. The valley’s waterfalls, glaciers, huge peaks, and meadows are breathtaking. The best months to visit are April through September. Apart from trekking, camping is a highly recommended activity.
Tourists frequently camp near the valley on their route to Amarnath cave, sleeping beneath the starry sky with the sound of the gushing stream. For those visiting Baltal Valley, Amarnath Cave is yet another wonderful destination to go trekking. One of the highlights of the trip is the drive to the valley along the Sindh river on the Srinagar-Leh route.
4. Thajiwas glacier (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
Thajiwas glacier, 3 kilometers from Sonmarg, is known as the “Jewel of Kashmir” because of its frozen lake, snow-covered mountains, fir and pine trees, alpine meadows, flowing waterfalls, and little streams. It is a popular trekking location, but it is also known for sports such as sledding and pony riding. The best months to visit are between April and October.
I’m not sure if a camera could capture the absolute beauty of this place, with its frozen lake, mountains covered in snow, fir and pine trees, and alpine meadows. The Thajiwas glacier is also surrounded by waterfalls that may be reached on foot. This glacier’s beauty is only heightened by the little streams that run through it. Tourists can also camp near the glacier besides spending a leisurely evening creating a snowman or indulging in a snowball fight.
5. Krishansar Lake (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
Krishansar Lake, located 4000 meters from Sonmarg, is a marvel that freezes during the winter and whose water changes color depending on the weather. The lake is well-known for being a popular trekking and fishing destination. Between June and September is the greatest time to come. The Gadsar Pass, which is famous for its picturesque beauty, is also a trekker’s heaven.
An noteworthy aspect about the lake is that the color of the water changes depending on the weather of the day, which is a big draw for visitors. Some of them even set up tents at the lake to experience the splendor. It is also a popular destination for photographers.
Thajiwas Glacier
Adventurers are drawn to Thajiwas Glacier, an attracting natural marvel located in Sonmarg, Kashmir, by its ice charm. This glacier, which is roughly 9,186 feet high, is a playground for both hikers and nature lovers. The thrilling drive to Thajiwas Glacier winds through lush valleys and imposing mountains.
In addition to admiring the glacier’s dazzling ice sculptures and unspoiled beauty, visitors may take in expansive views of the surrounding Himalayan scenery. Thajiwas Glacier offers an amazing experience whether you choose to walk, go sledding, or just take in the beauty of nature.
GULAMRG (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
1.Gondola
The Kongdori-Gulmarg Gondola, one of Gulmarg’s biggest attractions, is the world’s second longest and second-highest cable car trip. The trip is separated into two sections that transport passengers to and from Apharwat Mountain, which hosts the majority of Gulmarg’s winter activities.
In the initial phase, the Gondola transports around 1500 passengers to a height of 3,100 m every hour. At this altitude, you can access some of the easier skiing trips, while the second segment of the ride transports approximately 600 passengers every hour to a height of nearly 4,000m.
You can continue trekking for another 30 minutes to the summit of the mountain to see the view. Apart from the LOC, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi and Pir Panjal Ranges, as well as other sports such as horseback riding and skiing.
2. Biosphere Reserve (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, one of the best locations to visit in Gulmarg for wildlife aficionados, provides sufficient possibilities to witness biodiversity in its purest form, the magnificent species of flora, fauna, and avifauna. Capture the animals in their various moods and times in this mountain reserve, which includes both common and unusual species.
You may also see griffons, monals, vultures, European hoopoes, jungle crows, Kashmir rollers, blue rock pigeons, koklas, and snow cocks, making it a birder’s paradise. The vegetation here is dominated by tall conifers, with green plants providing a verdant scenic look. Every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it is open to tourists and visitors.
3. Strawberry Valley (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
The Strawberry Valley, one of Gulmarg’s lesser-known attractions, has retained much of its embryonic beauty, with rolling green meadows covered in vivid red strawberry farms. Summer is the finest time to visit the plantations because the fruits are at their ripest and it is almost harvest time.
Summers are the busiest months in the valley due to harvesting. Ripe red strawberries abound, making a trip to the actual Garden of Eden a most exciting one. Tourists are permitted to stroll through rows of strawberry plantations, soaking in the scarlet beauty of the surrounding countryside. You can also bring a basket and, after a tour among nature’s riches, relax in peace.
4. Seven Springs (Which is better gulmarg or sonmarg)
Seven Springs in Gulmarg was named from the seven natural water sources found here. It is a magnificent stream located on a little hill near Kongdori. The stunning views of the surrounding areas make this location a famous tourist attraction. From here, you may also obtain beautiful views of both the Gulmarg and Srinagar valleys.
You may easily access the lovely Seven Springs by taking a Gondola cable car ride from the Apharwat Mountain’s base, which is a big attraction in and of itself. With views of snow-capped mountains all about and a thriving valley below, the interesting ride to Seven Springs is one to remember. It is one of the best ways to enjoy the thrills and spills.
5. Baba Reshi Ziyarat Dargah
Baba Reshi Ziyarat dargah is a shrine in Baramula dedicated to the famed Muslim saint Baba Payam-Uddin, who was also a distinguished courtier in the court of King Zain-ul-Abidin of Kashmir. The shrine was built on the spot where the saint died in 1480, and it has since become one of the most popular locations to visit in Gulmarg.
Today, it is a popular and well-visited destination for both residents and tourists who come to pay their respects to the Baba’s burial, which is now covered with a cloth and embellished with great craftsmanship. The shrine itself is designed in the Persian Mughal style, and the three-story structure has a large dome.
Much of the popularity of the shrine comes with the belief that our prayers will be accepted. Who visit here are granted boons of their deepest wishes and once that happens, they revisit the holy place to make grateful offerings honoring the great saint.
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg, a lush meadow in Gulmarg, Kashmir, attracts tourists with its stunning views at a height of about 8,530 feet. This idyllic retreat, which is reachable from Gulmarg with a short hike or pony ride, provides sweeping views of the towering Himalayan peaks, such as Nanga Parbat and Harmukh.
The meadow bursts into brilliant blossom during the warmer months, setting off the snow-capped mountains in a breathtaking display. Khilanmarg is a nature lover’s paradise, providing peace, clean mountain air, and chances for leisurely walks amid the calm beauty of Kashmir’s surroundings.
F&Q
Which is better Gulmarg or Sonmarg?
If you’re looking for adventure activities, well-developed infrastructure, and a combination of natural beauty and activities, Gulmarg might be a better fit. Sonmarg, on the other hand, can be a good option if you want to walk through natural landscapes in a tranquil and less congested environment. Consider your preferences and the type of experience you seek before deciding between the two destinations. Each location has its own distinct personality.
Is Gulmarg Colder than Sonmarg?
Gulmarg is generally colder than Sonmarg. Both areas experience cold weather due to their high elevations and hilly surroundings. Gulmarg, a ski resort, was the coldest place in Kashmir, with a maximum temperature of 0.6 °C and a low temperature of – 2.0 °C. Sonmarg is around 9,200 feet (2,800 meters) in elevation, while Gulmarg is approximately 8,825 feet (2,685 metres).
At higher altitudes, the temperature tends to be colder. Furthermore, due to its large meadows and relatively flat geography, Gulmarg may be particularly exposed to colder temperatures and wind chill. Sonamarg had four inches of new snow, while the ski resort in north Kashmir received four inches.
Things to do Sonmarg
The tourism activities available in Sonamarg are given below.
Trekking
This one should be self-evident. Sonamarg is a true haven for those who adore hiking. There are other hikes that involve several days of walking in the forest, including the short excursions Thajiwas and Table Top.
Sledging
Explain sledging. On the snow, you basically ride down on a wooden sledge while seated in it. It is still open all year, even during the summer. A number of areas near the Thajiwas Glacier have seasonal snow that can be used for sledding.
Skiing
Naturally, this only happens for a short time during the winter when Sonamarg opens. By the end of March and the beginning of April,there will still be plenty of snow, and you may enjoy skiing in the valley next to the Thajiwas Glacier trip.
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