Sweet Escapes · Destinations · Sonmarg
Ganderbal districtSonmarg
Sonmarg is the meadow of gold — an alpine valley at 2,730 metres on the Sindh river, about 80 km north-east of Srinagar on the highway to Ladakh. It was a stage on the old road from Kashmir to Tibet, and it still feels like the edge of the valley: glaciers within a pony ride, and the Zoji La pass just beyond.
- From Srinagarabout 80 km north-east, on the road to Ladakh
- Altitude2,730 m
- Best timeMay to October. The road closes in winter and the glacier walk is a summer outing.
About Sonmarg
The outing everyone makes is to the Thajiwas glacier, by pony or on foot in summer. The Sindh river runs through the meadow and is fished for trout, and rafting runs on it in season. Baltal, 15 km east, lies at the foot of the Zoji La, and the summer Amarnath pilgrimage sets off from here.
For trekkers Sonmarg is the start of the routes to the high lakes — Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar and Gangabal — and the road over Zoji La leads on to Kargil and Leh.
There is no permanent settlement. Heavy snow and avalanches close the road in winter, when traffic is allowed only as far as Gagangir.
Sonmarg in your trip
Not on the 4 nights / 5 days route, but the first thing added: the 5 nights / 6 days version includes Sonmarg as a day from Srinagar, and it can be added to the shorter trip the same way.
See the day-by-day itinerary and packages and prices, or tell us your dates and we plan the trip around them.
Ask about Sonmarg Call 7006488952
Questions about Sonmarg
Is Sonmarg included in the 4 nights / 5 days package?
No — that route covers Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Sonmarg is part of the 5 nights / 6 days package, or can be added to the shorter trip as an extra day; we price it for your dates.
How far is Sonmarg from Srinagar?
About 80 km to the north-east on the highway towards Ladakh — allow around three hours each way with stops.
Is the Thajiwas glacier walk safe?
It is a popular pony ride and walk in summer, but a glacier is still a glacier: sections have collapsed in recent years. Stay on the marked route, go with the local guides and do not walk onto the ice itself.
When is the road to Sonmarg open?
Roughly May to October. In winter snow and avalanches close the highway beyond Gagangir. Ask us for your dates and we will confirm.
The other destinations
Somewhere quieter? See our offbeat places in Kashmir.
Want Sonmarg in your trip? Tell us your dates.
We'll send back a plan with Sonmarg in it, and a price, the same day.