What to do in Sonamarg: the Thajiwas Glacier walk, rafting on the Sindh, Zero Point when Zojila is open, the Great Lakes treks, Naranag on the way, and what changed in winter since the Z-Morh tunnel opened, with distances and prices.
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Quick Answer: The best things to do in Sonamarg are the walk or pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier, rafting on the Sindh river from May to September, a trip to Zero Point beyond Zojila when the pass is open, and the high-altitude lake treks that start here. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025, Sonamarg can be reached in winter too, for snow walks and the new ice rink. It works as a long day trip from Srinagar or a night's stay.
Sonamarg, the meadow of gold, lies about 80 km northeast of Srinagar along the Sindh river, at around 2,740 m, on the road to Ladakh. It is wilder than Gulmarg and Pahalgam: fewer hotels, bigger mountains, and a glacier you can walk to. Here is what to do there, and what changes with the season.
For hotels, the drive and the town, see our Sonamarg guide.
Sonamarg at a glance
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 2,740 m |
| From Srinagar | About 80 km, 2.5 hours; from ₹2,900 one way by sedan on our fare guide, plus 5% GST |
| Time needed | A long day trip, or one night to see it without crowds |
| Best months | May to October; winter visits possible since the Z-Morh tunnel |
| Local rule | Zero Point and some points are reached by local union taxi, not your outside cab |
The glacier and the meadow
1. Walk or ride to Thajiwas Glacier
The main sight: a walk of about 3 to 4 km from the Sonamarg meadow up a valley to the foot of Thajiwas Glacier, two to three hours return at a steady pace. Ponies cover most of the way for those who prefer to ride; agree the price first. In early summer there is old snow at the top and sledge-pullers offer short runs. No equipment or experience is needed. See our Thajiwas Glacier guide.
2. Sit by the Sindh
The river runs fast and cold beside the road through the meadow. Many visitors spend an hour on the banks with tea from a roadside stall, and it is the best place for photographs in the evening light.
3. Camping on the meadow
Tented camps open on the meadows in summer, from simple tents to comfortable camps with beds and meals. A night under the stars at this altitude is memorable. See camping in Kashmir.
Related reading: Winter Activities in Kashmir (2026-27): Skiing, Snow Days and Warm Kashmiri Traditions
Adventure
4. Rafting on the Sindh
The Sindh is colder and faster than the Lidder at Pahalgam, through a tighter gorge, so the runs are shorter but more intense. Rafting starts from about ₹800 per person with guides and safety gear, roughly May to September. See river rafting in Sonamarg.
5. The Great Lakes treks
Sonamarg is the start of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, a week past a chain of alpine lakes including Vishansar, Kishansar and Gadsar, and of shorter treks to individual lakes. Season is July to September, with a registered guide. See Kashmir Great Lakes trek and our Vishansar and Kishansar guide.
6. Trout fishing on the Sindh
Like the Lidder, the Sindh holds trout, and licensed fishing is possible in season with a permit from the Fisheries Department.
Beyond Sonamarg
7. Zero Point, when Zojila is open
Beyond Sonamarg the road climbs over the Zojila pass towards Ladakh. Zero Point, past the pass, has snow for most of the year and is reached by local union taxi from Sonamarg. The pass is usually open from around May to November and closes with winter snow, and it can close at short notice for weather or road work. We check the status for your date. See Zero Point.
8. Baltal and the Nilagrad stream
Baltal, about 15 km beyond Sonamarg, is the base for the shorter Amarnath Yatra route and is busy in July and August. Outside the Yatra it is a quiet valley, with the Nilagrad stream nearby.
9. Naranag temples on the way
Turn off at Kangan on the Srinagar road and drive up to Naranag, a group of 8th-century stone temples by a stream, and the start of the Gangabal trek. It turns the drive into a richer day. See Naranag.
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Sonamarg in winter: what the tunnel changed
Until 2025 the road to Sonamarg closed for months each winter because of avalanches. The Z-Morh tunnel, opened in January 2025, bypasses that stretch, and the town is now reachable in winter. The Sonamarg Development Authority has added an ice-skating rink and is promoting snow sports, and visitors have come in large numbers on winter weekends. Skiing infrastructure is still basic compared with Gulmarg, Zojila and Zero Point stay closed in winter, and many hotels shut, so book a heated room in advance. Our Sonamarg in winter guide has more.
| Season | What you can do |
|---|---|
| May to June | Glacier walk on old snow, Zero Point if Zojila is open, early rafting |
| July to September | Rafting, lake treks, camping; Amarnath Yatra traffic near Baltal |
| October to November | Clear skies, autumn colour, fewer people; Zojila closes with first heavy snow |
| December to March | Snow walks, sledging, the ice rink; heated stays only |
Our Kashmir 5N6D with Sonamarg and Gulmarg stays (from ₹19,399 per person) includes a night in Sonamarg, and Srinagar, Gulmarg and Sonamarg 4N5D (from ₹13,072 per person) covers it from Srinagar.
Tell us your date and we will check Zojila and Zero Point and plan your Sonamarg day.
Plan my Sonamarg trip →Frequently asked questions
What is Sonamarg famous for?
Thajiwas Glacier, the Sindh river, its meadows and big mountain scenery, and as the gateway to Zojila, Ladakh and the Kashmir Great Lakes trek.
How long is the walk to Thajiwas Glacier?
About 3 to 4 km from the meadow, two to three hours return. Ponies are available for most of the way.
Is Sonamarg open in winter?
Yes, since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025. Zojila and Zero Point still close in winter, and many hotels close, so book heated rooms ahead.
Can I go to Zero Point in my own cab?
Usually not. Zero Point is reached by local union taxi from Sonamarg, and only when the Zojila pass is open.
Is Sonamarg a day trip from Srinagar?
Yes, about 2.5 hours each way. Leave early. Stay a night if you want the glacier walk and Zero Point on the same visit.
How much does rafting in Sonamarg cost?
From about ₹800 per person, including a guide and safety gear, roughly May to September.
Gulmarg or Sonamarg?
Gulmarg for the gondola, skiing and easy meadows. Sonamarg for the glacier walk, wilder scenery and treks. With time, do both.
Do I get altitude sickness in Sonamarg?
Rarely at about 2,740 m, but Zero Point is much higher. Walk slowly, drink water and come down if anyone feels unwell.
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