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Sonmarg, defined as “Meadow of Gold” is a magnificent hill station located in Jammu and Kashmir. With its cloud-crowned mountain, tranquil lakesides and lush greenery, Sonmarg is a must-visit tourist paradise in India. There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in Sonmarg in July as it shakes off its snow blanket. The fresh cold breeze, green meadows, tranquil lakes, mystic waterfalls and elevated alpines are the highlights of this place. Besides sightseeing, there are several outdoor activities you can be a part of once you’re in Sonmarg.
10 Best Places To Visit in Sonmarg in July
Here are the 10 best places to visit in Sonmarg in July when the place’s beauty seems to amp up creating a whole different vibe.
1. Gangabal Lake
Photo: Irfanrulz / Wikimedia Commons
Located at an elevation of 3570 meters near the foothills of Mount Harmukh, Gangabal Lake is the second largest mountain peak surrounding the Kashmir valley. It remains crowded all the time because of the adventure activities it offers like trekking, camping, and others. Trekkers find it to be a true paradise because it is home to valleys, waterfalls, meadows, and snow-covered mountains. Besides being popular as a tourist spot, Gangabal Lake also has a lot of religious significance in Hinduism. It is believed that this is one of the sanctums of Lord Shiva.
Location: 36 km from Sonmarg
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar
2. Zoji La Pass
Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Zoji La is an elevated mountain pass located at a height of nearly 3,528 meters in the Kargil region of Ladakh. This pass is famous for linking Srinagar with Leh and it also facilitates commuting between Ladakh and Kashmir. Zoji La is also referred to as “Mountain Pass of Blizzards”. Due to high snowfall, this pass is closed throughout the winter season restricting the commute between Kashmir and Ladakh. It offers breathtaking views of the valleys and streams entwined with each other.
Location: 23.8 km from Sonmarg
Best Time To Visit: June to early October
3. Nichnai Pass
Photo: Stephan Seeber / Pexels / Image For Representation only
Nichnai Pass is an offbeat yet beautiful destination known for its stunning scenic views. It is a must-visit destination in Sonmarg in July because it becomes accessible when the snow melts. Tourists come here to witness the magnificent vistas of the Himalayan valleys and peaks surrounding it. It is situated at a height of approximately 13,500 feet above sea level. The trek to the Nichnai Pass is quite challenging but the beautiful landscapes and views come as a reward. The journey to this pass starts from Sonmarg and continues through picturesque trails.
Location: 18 km from Sonmarg
Best Time to Visit: July to early September
Suggested Read: National Parks In Jammu And Kashmir
4. Nilagrad River
Photo: Sohailahmedraza / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nilagrad River is one of the famous places to visit in Sonmarg. It is a scenic spot where Nilagrad conjoins with the Indus River running through the majestic mountains. This river is also considered sacred by the local people and nearby villagers because of its therapeutic and medicinal properties. Surrounded by the alpine and coniferous trees, the surroundings offer a breathtaking view which is unlikely to be witnessed in any other hill station. If you want to soak in the beauty of this landscape the best, plan your visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Location: 6 km from Sonmarg
Best Time To Visit: May to July
5. Thajiwas Glacier
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Thajiwas Glacier, situated at an elevation of 9,186 feet near Sonmarg is a blissful place with eye-catching sights and mountains covered thoroughly in snow. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, coniferous trees, frozen lakes and meadows, calling Thajiwas Glacier just beautiful would be an understatement. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in various adventure activities in winter like skiing, hiking, and sledging. It is a place where time seems to just stop.
Location: 2.3 km from Sonmarg
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Suggested Read: Kashmir Temples
6. Vishansar Lake
Photo: Mehrajmir13 / Wikimedia Commons
Known to be the most beautiful lake in Kashmir, Vishanagar Lake is located at an elevation of 3710 meters. The term Vishansar in Hindi refers to the Lake of Lord Vishnu. With its crystal clear water, this lake accommodates many indigenous species of fish including the brown trout. It remains frozen throughout the winter season and to witness its clear waters, you must visit in summer months like July. During this period, it’s encircled by lush greenery giving people a chance to spend some extra hours here. It is also an ideal spot to rest for trekkers.
Location: 35 km from Sonmarg
Best time to visit: June to September
7. Baltal Valley
Photo: Vikrantdhiman189381 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you’re looking for a tranquil place offering adventure activities, then Baltal Valley on the Sind River must be on your list of places to visit in Sonmarg in July. Surrounded by frozen glaciers, majestic mountains, high waterfalls and widespread green meadows, the mesmerising appearance of the valley is a blissful treat to the senses! Trekking is the most common adventure activity here. It also serves as the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra.
Location: 15 km from Sonmarg
Best time to visit: April to September
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Patnitop
8. Amarnath Cave
Photo: Hardik Buddhabhatti / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Recognised as one of the most sacred places among Hindus, Amarnath Cave opens up from June to August. It has an ice shiv lingham, dedicated to Lord Shiva which is believed to have formed on its own. Thousands of pilgrims from all around the country reach there to worship Lord Shiva. Moreover, the availability of various services and facilities at such great heights makes it a more suitable and enjoyable place to visit. It’s always mandatory to have a prior health checkup before planning to go. The journey towards the cave is rewarding and an experience for a lifetime.
Location: 23 km from Sonmarg
Best Time To Visit: June to August
9. Gadsar Lake
Photo: Javed Nazir Shah / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated at a height of 3600 metres, Gadsar Lake is a very pleasant, subalpine lake in the Ganderbal region of Kashmir. With its crystal clear blue water and greenish tint, one can see their reflection in the crystal clear water. Surrounded by mountains, clouds, and soothing weather in July, the place is no less than a wonderland. The term Gadsar in the local language refers to “the lake of fishes” appropriately describing the wide variety of fish species you can find here. You can indulge in a plethora of activities here like sightseeing, photography, trekking, etc.
Location: 8 km from Sonmarg
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Suggested Read: Camping In Kashmir
10. Yusmarg
Photo: Suhail Skindar Sofi / Wikimedia Commons
Yusmarg is a well-known tourist destination located within the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. It calls for the tourists looking for serenity amidst nature’s lap away from the crowd. Besides being a famous tourist spot, this place is also popular amongst the trekkers. The surrounding maple trees add to the charm of this incredibly beautiful hill station. With its enchanting views and tranquil environment, Yusmarg remains an alluring place to visit all year round.
Location: 140 km from Sonmarg
Best Time To Visit: April to July
Sonmarg in July looks nothing less than a dream with its pleasant weather, widespread greenery, partially snow-covered mountains, pristine lakes, and alpines. There are endless places to visit in Sonmarg in July that offer unique experiences from alluring landscapes to adventure activities. Plan your trip to Sonmarg with TripXL to make your travel experience seamless and have a memorable vacation.
Cover Photo: Biswarup Bhattacharjee / Wikimedia Commons
