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Sonamarg: The Meadow of Gold and Gateway to Thajiwas Glacier
Introduction
Follow the Sindh River northeast from Srinagar, and the valley gradually narrows into a world of glaciers, pine forests, and wide alpine meadows. This is Sonamarg, the "Meadow of Gold", named for the way its grasslands glow in the evening sun. It is the gateway to the Thajiwas Glacier and the last major stop before the Zojila Pass to Ladakh.
This guide covers how to reach the glacier, what else to do, how the local taxi and pony system works, which spots are open, and how to fit Sonamarg into your Kashmir holiday.
Sonamarg at a Glance
Details | |
Altitude | About 2,740 m |
From Srinagar | About 80 km, 2.5–3 hours by road |
Main sights | Thajiwas Glacier, Sindh River, Zero Point (seasonal) |
Getting around | Pony or walk to Thajiwas; local union taxi to Zero Point |
Best time | May–September for full access; June and September are ideal |
Winter | Town accessible year-round via the Z-Morh tunnel (opened 2025); glacier trail and Zero Point closed by snow |
Recommended visit | Day trip from Srinagar, or 1 night for a slower pace |
What's open in Sonamarg (as of November 2026)
Place | Status |
Sonamarg town and meadows | Open year-round |
Thajiwas Glacier trail | Open in season (roughly April to October), 9 am–5 pm; closed by snow in deep winter |
Zero Point and Zojila Pass | Seasonal, roughly May to October, depending on snow clearance |
Kashmir Great Lakes and other treks | Closed since 2025; operators were still calling for reopening in June 2026 |
Thajiwas Glacier
The Thajiwas Glacier lies about 3 km from Sonamarg town, at the head of a valley framed by snowy peaks and pine forest. Snow often lingers here well into summer, making it one of the easiest places in Kashmir to touch snow outside winter.
How to get there
No vehicles are allowed on the trail. You can:
Walk: About 1.5–2 hours each way along a gently rising path. Suitable for fit walkers with good shoes.
Ride a pony: About 45 minutes to an hour each way. Reported rates in 2026 were around ₹700–1,500 per person, depending on the route and season.
At the glacier
In spring and early summer, you'll find snowfields for sled rides, snowball fights and photos. Later in the summer, the snow retreats higher up the valley, and the meadows and streams take center stage.
Tips for Thajiwas
Agree the price first: Confirm the pony fare, the route and whether it includes a return trip and waiting time before you set off.
Use authorized ponies: Hire from the official pony stand rather than accepting offers along the road.
Respect the glacier: Stay off unstable ice and snow bridges, and follow your guide's advice.
Timing: The trail is generally open from 9 am to 5 pm in season. Go in the morning for clearer views and firmer snow.
More Things to Do in Sonamarg
The Sindh River and meadows
The Sindh River runs beside the road through Sonamarg, with wide meadows, birch groves, and mountain views on every side. Simply walking the meadows in the golden evening light is one of the joys of a visit.
White-water rafting
Between roughly June and August, local operators run rafting trips on the Sindh River, with Grade II–IV rapids. Wetsuits and safety equipment are provided; check age and fitness limits before booking.
Zero Point and the Zojila Pass
Beyond Sonamarg, the road climbs to the Zojila Pass (about 3,528 m) on the way to Ladakh, and to Zero Point (about 3,500 m), a high snowfield popular with visitors. Both are seasonal, usually from around May to October, depending on snow clearance. You must hire a local union taxi from the Sonamarg stand for Zero Point; reported rates in 2026 were around ₹5,000–7,000 per vehicle. The high altitude means you should move slowly and avoid exertion.
Trekking
Sonamarg is the traditional starting point for the famous Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and other high-altitude routes. These routes have been closed since 2025 following a security review, and remain closed as of mid-2026. Please do not plan a trek until official reopening is announced.
Sonamarg by Season
Season | Months | What to expect |
Spring | April – May | Snow at Thajiwas, meadows turning green, Zero Point opening as snow is cleared |
Summer | June – August | Green meadows, rafting season, all spots open; busiest during the Amarnath Yatra (July–August) |
Autumn | September – October | Clear skies, golden birch trees, fewer crowds; nights get cold |
Winter | November – March | Town reachable via the Z-Morh tunnel; deep snow, glacier trail and Zero Point closed |
Day Trip or Overnight?
Most visitors see Sonamarg as a day trip from Srinagar, which works well in season. Stay one night if you want quieter mornings at the glacier, golden-hour light on the meadows, or are visiting in spring or autumn when the drive is beautiful but the days are shorter.
A Sonamarg day trip plan
Time | Plan |
7:00 am | Leave Srinagar, driving along the Sindh River |
9:30 am | Arrive in Sonamarg; hire a pony from the official stand |
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Ride or walk to Thajiwas Glacier; snow play and photos |
1:30 pm | Lunch in Sonamarg |
2:30 – 4:30 pm | Meadow walk along the Sindh, or rafting in summer (or Zero Point by union taxi in season) |
5:00 pm | Drive back to Srinagar |
Practical Tips
Start early: Leave Srinagar by 7 am to beat traffic and make the most of the day.
Carry ID: Keep your passport (or Indian photo ID) with you for checkpoints on the Srinagar–Sonamarg road.
Pack layers: It is much colder than Srinagar, especially at the glacier and Zero Point.
Wear waterproof shoes: Trails can be muddy and snowy.
Carry cash: Ponies, sleds and local taxis are cash-only.
Mind the altitude at Zero Point: At around 3,500 m, take it slowly and avoid exertion.
Expect Yatra traffic: July–August brings heavy traffic and security checks on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Sonamarg from Srinagar?
About 80 km, or 2.5–3 hours by road.
How do I get to Thajiwas Glacier?
Walk (about 1.5–2 hours each way) or ride a pony (about 45–60 minutes each way) from Sonamarg town. Vehicles are not allowed on the trail.
How much is a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier?
Reported rates in 2026 were around ₹700–1,500 per person. Agree the price, route and waiting time before you set off.
Can I visit Sonamarg in winter?
Yes. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in 2025, Sonamarg town is reachable in winter, but the glacier trail and Zero Point are closed by snow.
Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek open?
The Great Lakes and other Sonamarg trekking routes have been closed since 2025 and were still closed in mid-2026. Check official announcements before planning a trek.
Visit Sonamarg with D Asia Travels
With its glaciers, golden meadows, and rushing river, Sonamarg is one of Kashmir's most rewarding day trips. D Asia Travels plans your visit with an early start from Srinagar, an experienced driver, and help with ponies and local taxis on arrival.
Plan your trip: Explore our Kashmir Splendors Tour Package, our Delhi + Kashmir Tour Packages, or browse all Kashmir tour packages.
