Sonmarg and Gulmarg, Kashmir

On 1st day of January 2022 at 9 AM by Suhana Safar Travel's desire car  we went to Sonmarg..on the way at Delhi Darbar we had breakfast.  Shrinagar to Sonmarg distance is 80 kms. At 12.30 PM we reached Sonmarg.  Here also like Pahalgam you have to park your vehicle and hire horse or local vehicle.  As usual horse rates are high and my Mom, Dad not ready for horse ride, we hired a Trax at Rs. 2500/-.  Driver dropped us at parking lot from where Sledge owners, cameraman don't allow us to go ahead and forces us to avail their services. We hired a cameraman at Rs.200/- and 3 Sledges each at Rs 500/- . Actually they cheated us. After some time my dad hired a Sledge for same distance at just Rs. 100/- . So one can negotiate at Rs 100/-. They actually told us rate Rs 1500/- per person, so we negotiated at Rs 500/- .   You can enjoy a sledge ride atop. Sonamarg as a hill station has a lot to offer - Snowy Mountains, the Sindh, green meadows, fishing for trout, trekking, camping and a lot more. The location is just mind blowing.  After seeing beauty of Sonmarg, we understand that why  Sonmarg is called 'Meadow of Gold'. On the way you can enjoy beauty of nature.  Sonamarg had historical significance as a gateway on the ancient Silk Road connecting J & K with Tibet. Today, the hill station is a popular tourist destination amongst fishers and hikers, and following the Kargil war with neighbouring Pakistan in 1999, serves as a strategically important point for the Indian Army.  After the Sledge ride we came back to parking lot from where Trax picked up us.  While on the returning way we visited frozen lake. It was a nice view and nice experience.  The lake freezes during winter. We played on the slippery ice. My daughter enjoyed a lot. Trax dropped us at main parking area where desire car is. We reached Shrinagar at 8 PM.

On 2nd January 2022 morning at 8.30, after having breakfast through Suhana Safar Travel's car we went to Gulmarg.  Shrinagar to Gulmarg distance is 60 KM. Gulmarg lies in a cup-shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,650 m (8,694 ft).  Gulmarg known as Meadow of Flowers, is a popular skiing destination in Baramulla district of J and K. Gulmarg is the crowning glory of Jammu & Kashmir.  Even before you reach Gulmarg, the drive from Srinagar to the city will blow your mind away.  We reached Tangmarg at 11AM.  From where our vehicles are not allowed, as there was a snowfall last night, road was slippery.  Only vehicles which put a chain on tyre are allowed to go up.  Some people were forcing us to hire full dress and shoes. But as we have an experience at Manali, we decided to hire only shoes.  Rate for full dress with shoes is Rs. 300/- and we asked only for shoes they told Rs.200/-. So we didn't hire shoes.  As there are no vehicles, we had to wait for an hour. Then we got a jeep in sharing with a family at Rs.2000/- to and fro. The road climbs uphill in the last 12 kilometres to Gulmarg passing through forests of pine and fir.  The natural meadows of Gulmarg are now covered with snow in winter. Loved it. Breathtaking views around, one of the best spots in Kashmir that is worth visiting. Jeep driver dropped us at parking lot, took Rs 1000/- and promised us that he will come to pickup us at 5PM.  There were many shops, we had pakoda, maggi coffee and hired shoes at Rs. 100/- per head. From here you can see only snow and ice everywhere and a Maharani Temple known as Shiv Temple,  built by a Hindu ruler Maharaja Hari Singh. This temple was considered as the stately possession of Dogra Kings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati.  This temple is situated on a slight hilltop and is visible from all corners of Gulmarg.[We want to go for Gondola ride, for that we have to walk about one km.  On the way my Mom fall twice and my daughter was crying too much due to cold.  We hired 2 sledges Rs.100/- each. Me and my wife preferred walking. Gondola ticket till first stage is Rs.740/- and phase II is Rs 1640/- . The scenic views of mountains and valley during the cable car ride are  unforgettable and unmatched.
Gulmarg Gondola, built by the French company,  is one of the highest in the world reaching 3,979 metres.  The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour between Gulmarg and a shoulder of nearby Apharwat peak (4,200 metres (13,800 ft)). The first stage transfers from Gulmarg at 8,500 ft to Kongdoori at 10,100 ft. The second stage takes passengers to a height of 12,960 ft on the Apharwat Peak 13,800 ft. A chair lift system connects Kongdoori with Mary's shoulder for taking skiers to higher altitudes. we went till 1st stage.  The Gondola ride is must do, most recommended. Beautiful and breathtaking views. You can see amazing snow while on the ride. Worth the penny spent.   It was extremely cold.  Unbearable.
Due to beauty and mesmerizing view, Gulmarg has been the shooting location for many bollywood films. We experienced light snowfall. The view was splendid. Be sure to rent boots and wear warm clothes. Its extremely cold in January. While on returning way we got stuck in Gondola for 40 minutes as there was some mechanical problem. We came down by 5PM. Then by an open jeep at Rs 400/- came to parking lot, returned shoes and called jeep driver, he said he is unable to come.  Then after half an hour we got a shared jeep at Rs. 1000/- but after some distance problem occurred in tyre's chain and then driver drove car at speed 10 km/hr, so we reached Tangmarg at 7.15PM And then by desire car came to Shrinagar at 9.15 PM.
In my opinion those who want to visit Kashmir and want to save money and time, can skip Pahalgam and/ or Sonmarg but must visit Gulmarg.