Sonamarg

History at a glance

1. Historic
   The valley functions as 'a storied corridor of movement, exchange, pilgrimage, and strategic passage in the western Himalaya', on the route to Zoji La and Ladakh.
2. Modern
   Baltal's position at the foot of Zoji La gives a shorter ascent to the Amarnath cave, which one source says fuelled 'a rapid increase in seasonal pilgrim inflows and associated service economies'.
3. 2022 — DISPUTED
   One source states that an all-weather tunnel has been constructed at Zoji La.
4. Under construction
   The Zoji La tunnel, which the Directorate of Tourism says 'will be Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel, ensuring year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh'.

Best time to visit