FIVE DAYS IN SREENAGAR_2ND DAY

Nazir had told us about the second day's events the previous day at dinner. The trip was scheduled for Sonamarg. From there, we would visit the War Memorial at Sonjila Pass. Nazir had requested us to be ready to  start the trip at 8.30 am . He had advised us to try to eat breakfast as much as possible as there was a possibility of a late lunch. We arrived at the Tempo Traveler on time. Breakfast was really good. Everyone arrived and we set out at 9.00 am.On the way Nazir gave a brief explanation about Sonamarg and its beauty. 

Meadow of Gold or Sona Marg is a hill station in Ganderbal district of Kashmir. It is located exactly 80 km from Srinagar. Today, Sona Marg is a tourist attraction and trekking destination. It was an important place for the Indian Army after the Kargil War. We took about three hours to reach Sona Marg. 

The journey to Sonamarg was unforgettable. The historical importance of Sonamarg is notable. Sonamarg is the gateway connecting Kashmir with the Gulf countries. Sonamarg is a place where heavy snowfall occurs which in the evenings.The sindh river slices through the valley and the air is crisp clean. Although the journey there is difficult from November onwards, the magic of its beauty gives energy to the tourists. This is the route to Ladakh. The maintenance of the highway is done by the Border Roads Organization. Since this road has been widened recently, the journey is not dangerous . 

Sitting in the back seat of the  traveller , Nazir had requested us to play Anthakshari a musical competitition. Those sitting on the left side versus with  those sitting on the right side . Since everyone participated well, many old hit songs were performed remembering the beauty of Kashmir. I did not realize that time had passed while playing Antakshari. The vehicle was climbing an uphill. On the right side, the Indus River can  be seen. The mesmerizing views  Sonamarg and indus river valley do not end. One scenery leads to another. When Emperor Jahangir was asked on his deathbed what he liked the most, he said that only Kashmir and everything else was worthless. These words were meaningful. It can be said that every inch of Kashmir is beautiful.

Meanwhile, our tourist traveller stopped to see the Indus River  close.  I didn't say anything about the driver of our vehicle. He was a young Kashmiri who drove his own traveller. He was fair and handsome with a thick  beard. it is very common  that the men in Kashmir grow beards. I have heard that Kashmiri women are as beautiful as apples since I was young. When I saw these beautiful girls in here, I realized that it was true. There is no doubt that  Kashmiri girls are reallly beautiful.  

INDUS RIVER

 It is 108 km away from the tributary of the Jhelum River. Sindh River had accompanied us throughout our journey to Sona marg. India has implemented four major hydroelectric projects on this river to harness its hydro electric potential amid the himalayan terrain.  We reached Sonamarg at around 1 pm. Nazir said we can have lunch now. As our hunger was slowly starting to subside, everyone agreed. Lunch was arranged at a tourist resort there. 

 is a tourist paradise all year round.

However, the season is from April to June. Amarnath is crowded with pilgrims from July to August. Erode is usually closed in the evening. 

Sonamarg

The program from there to the War Memorial  at ZOJILA PASSwas not currently in our package and as per Nazir , we could take the money separately and go to Zojila Pass. Although driver of a taxi available there  quoted 9000/-, we closed the deal for 6500 /- and was ready to travel to Zojila Pass. That's when the driver informed us that today was Friday and we can leave only after 4 pm after juma namaz. The driver suggested that for now, we would go to some tourist attractions nearby.

WRITER POSING FOR A PHOTO,MUDASIR IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER

AT SONAMARG

SONAMARG OR GOLDEN MEADOW

 

BARRACKS OF ARMY IN ZOJILA PASS

The name of  driver who drove us was  Mudasir. Mudasir was a really energetic person. He and his family lived in a village nearby. They lived off the money they received from tourists.

The driver and owner of the Tata Sumo, Mudasir, had informed us that the road would open at 4 pm after JUMA NAMAZ. There were two other vehicles with us. In our vehicle were my wife and I, Sunil, his wife Lovely, Saju, and the young people Archana and Devarajan. Archana kept asking the driver about sonamarg and life there. Our driver kept answering all of thisduring the travel.

sonsmsrg to zojila pass is athrilling 23 km drive lonh NH1(Srenagar-Leh highway)THrough ruggged himalayan terrain.at 3528 m elevation it is one of indias most treacherous passes ofet snowy even in summer taking 1-2 hours due to narrow gravelly roads and traffic controls.

War memorial AT Zojila pass

 

HISTORY

The victory of the Indian army in 1948 decided the fate of Kashmir. The Pakistani army captured Balochistan, Jitbits and Kargil and was approaching the Zojila Pass. If the Zojila Pass was captured, Leh and Ladakh would be in its hands. 

Kashmir had only its own army. It was at this time that the Indian army appeared in a way that was hard to understand from where it had come. The enemy was not only scattered with this but also surrendered. This memorial built in memory of it will surely make any Indian shiver. The War Memorial is located at an altitude of 11,650 feet. 

While standing there, I saw an army camp on the ground below. We went in September. The cold weather had just started. Soon, all these areas would be covered in snow. Standing there, I remembered the hardships of the soldiers guarding the Indian border in such conditions. We reached Sojila Pass at around 5 pm. It was very cold there. 

.I saw a few temporary sheds in the parking area. They are tea stalls for tourists. Some temporary toilet facilities were also available.

Return to Srinagar 

After seeing the Sojila Pass, we started walking back.

  One side is a steep valley very deep. If you somehow fall, you won't even get even your  dust. Now, as we are descending, some vehicles are seen coming  towards us. They are going to Ladakh. They are coming in violation of the law. But who is there question? Who would be  there at such a height to enforce the law? Anyway, our driver is an  experienced who is also a native .He gave everyone courage. Even though we were scared, we reached Sonamarg without any problem. 

                                             BARRACKS OF ARMY A CLOSE VIEW

We immediately returned to Srinagar from Sona Marg. Everyone was very happy. The beautiful nature that brings joy to the mind was pouring joy into every mind. The human mind and the universe are connected. We could understand this great truth while we we travelled through Kashmir. 

On our way back, we witnessed another incident.

 The vehicles were lying in a row. it is found thst tens of thousands of sheepwalking down the road. We were stuck in the block for about three and a half hours. Fortunately, when their walk ended that day, all the sheep had entered a nearby open area, so we were able to continue our journeyand reached at the hotel around 9 o'clock. Some street vendors were waiting for us at the hotel gate, but we ignored them and went straight to the dining hall. After eating a sumptuous meal, we went to sleeping.  I fell into a deep sleep dreaming of Sonamarg and zolila pass.