River Song Homestay-Sonamarg

Sonamarg

Sonamarg is a quiet place in Kashmir tucked in a valley at a distance of around 80 kms from Srinagar. It is surrounded by snow capped mountains, alpine meadows, glaciers and lakes and is the starting point that leads to major mountain treks and lakes. Whether you are a trekker, adventure seeker, or Amarnath Yatri, it is a perfect base. It’s also known for its walkways like the route to Thajiwas, which is a small valley at the foot of the Glacier, covered with pine, fir and birch trees. Situated just before the ZojiLa pass, Sonamarg is also the gateway to Ladakh.

This beautiful cottage is located in a small picturesque village a few kms before Sonmarg on the main Srinagar-Leh highway.  It is just a 3-hours drive from Srinagar Airport. Surrounded by snow covered mountains, it is a perfect place in Kashmir to relax amidst nature away from the tourist crowds. The Sindh River flows right through the property. It’s easily accessible during winters as well. Though the entire premises, other than the walkways, is full of thick layers of snow. 
There are 7 spacious rooms spread across 2 cottages. All the rooms provide beautiful mountain and river views and have attached bathrooms fitted with all modern amenities. The rooms are cozy and well insulated with wooden interiors. There is a beautiful garden and ample seating spaces. 

Location: 12 kms before Sonmarg on the main Srinagar-Leh highway.
Number of Rooms – 7; Total Capacity – 19

How To Reach

The nearest airport is at Srinagar, 90 km away.  Sonmarg is well connected by road with Srinagar and cabs and buses are available.

Tariff

Classic Room: 8000/-
Family Suite: 12000/- (upto 4 pax)
Extra Person: 3000/-
Complimentary: Breakfast

Note: These tariffs do not apply during festivals and holidays

Child Policy
Upto 6 years: Complimentary (No Extra Bed)
7-12 years.: 50% (Extra bed provided)

Note: What you pay for a homestay, brings a direct socio-economic benefit to locals. Be proud by not asking for a discount.

Facilities

Parking • Running Hot Water • Bonfire • Barbeque • Toiletries  • Library • Pet Friendly • Smoking Allowed • Cab Service (Paid)

Food

Rashid and Odile serve fresh home cooked meals with lots of love and care. For breakfast, relish fresh Kashmiri bread called Tchot, homemade Jam and white honey harvested in the village. Other options include poha, egg to order, corn flakes, muesli, seasonal fruits etc. Dinner includes regular thali consisting of seasonal vegetables, Dal, Rajma, roti, rice etc. You can also try Kashmiri delicacies like Rogan josh, Yakhni, Chicken curry, pulao etc. Both vegetarian or non vegetarian options are available. 

Activities

Hiking • Reading • Star Gazing • Village Walk • Forest Walk • Cycling • Fishing • Trekking and Sightseeing can also be organised

Local Attractions

Sindh Riverside • Walnut Orchards • Thajiwas Glacier (12 kms) • Nilagrar (15 kms)

Excursions

The great Kashmir lakes trek that includes Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangabal lake • Amarnath Yatra • Baltal (27kms) • Zoji La pass (32kms) • Srinagar (66km) • Yusmarg (115kms) 

Know Your Host

Gracious couple Rashid and his wife Odile will warmly welcome you to this little heaven. Their hospitality is sure to make you come here time and again. They take care of all the minute details meticulously to make you feel comfortable and at home. They live here with their daughter and pets. This couple has a lot of life experiences and have enormous stories to share. So do take some time to sit with them and enjoy the travel tales. It is an interesting story how this all started.

French born Odile, a travel enthusiast and a nature and art lover was traveling across India in 2001. And an route her eventful journey, she met Rashid, born in Kashmir who soon became her travel buddy and they both decided to continue the rest of the journey together. One of the places they visited together was this small village near Sonamarg in Kashmir that they loved and decided to make it their home and opened their doors for other travelers.

You may like to check more Homestays in Kashmir