Driving from Zoji La Pass to Sonamarg, Kashmir - Part 3

The distance between Zojila Pass to Sonamarg is 24Kms approximately. It takes nearly an hour to reach Sonamarg from Zojila Pass as this place lies at a height of around 11,649 ft from the sea level.

Located on the Indian National Highway 1 between Srinagar and Leh, is Zoji La pass, in the western section of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Around 3528 m (11, 649 ft) above the sea level, the pass is 9 kms from Sonamarg and is an important link between Ladakh and Kashmir. This pass is considered to be the second highest pass after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. At the peak of the winter season, most of the times, it becomes inaccessible but the Border Roads Organization (BRO) works to extend traffic in most of the time of the year. The Beacon Force is that unit of the BRO, which takes care of clearing and maintaining the road during winter season.

At the time of the Indo-Pakistani War in 1947, this pass was seized by the Pakistani raiders in 1948 while they were in the wake of capturing Ladakh. Later on 1st November, Zojila pass was captured by Indian forces under Operation Bison.

Once you reach the pass, you are going to have an amazing view of the mighty Himalayan mountains, which makes the ride worth. This pass witnesses the heaviest snowfall during the winters and thus, remains closed to traffic for around six months in a year. This 434 kms long highway stretch is the lifeline of Ladakh. After Kargil war in 1999, the government paced-up the construction of the road due to its strategic importance.

Sonamarg or Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means 'Meadow of Gold'. The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass. Located at 87 km from Srinagar, the place is renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions. Sonamarg is the base camp for many trekking expeditions. The major treks passing through various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Kishansar has its base at Sonamarg. The trekking routes offer all types of challenges, from mild to most hard. The pleasant climate with mild summer and cold winter make this place an ideal location for trekkers to explore the natural beauty and challenging treks.

Source: www.lehladakhindia.com/zojila-pass, www.jktourism.org

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