Sonamarg is the fourth of the four major tourist zones named in our general Kashmir safety assessment, alongside Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. It also happens to sit at the mouth of the Zoji La pass, the high-altitude road that connects the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh - which is the one genuinely seasonal, weather-dependent safety fact worth knowing before you go.
Short answer
Sonamarg town and its day-trip circuit (Thajiwas Glacier, Sindh River viewpoints) are safe and open essentially year-round via road from Srinagar. The Zoji La pass beyond Sonamarg towards Ladakh is closed by snow roughly November to April/May each year - that closure affects onward travel to Ladakh, not a Sonamarg day trip itself.
Sonamarg town vs the Zoji La pass - two different things
A lot of confusion around "is Sonamarg safe" actually comes from conflating the town with the high pass beyond it. Sonamarg itself, roughly 80km from Srinagar along a well-maintained road, is a standard day-trip or overnight destination with no unusual risk. The Zoji La pass, which starts a short distance past the town and climbs to over 3,500 metres en route to Ladakh, is a different matter entirely - a narrow, high-altitude road that BRO (Border Roads Organisation) closes completely once heavy winter snow makes it impassable, typically from November through April or May depending on the year's snowfall.
If your plan is a Sonamarg day trip from Srinagar (the vast majority of visitors), the Zoji La closure is irrelevant to you. It only matters if you're trying to continue on to Kargil or Leh by road, in which case you should check the current pass status before committing to dates, since BRO's opening date shifts year to year.
Thajiwas Glacier and pony/local-cab excursions
The Thajiwas Glacier walk is reached by pony or on foot from Sonamarg town, and the "Zero Point" area beyond is typically reached by a local Union cab rather than your main tour vehicle - the same logistics pattern as Pahalgam's Aru Valley. Both are established, regularly used tourist routes; the main practical advice is footwear suited to snow/slush underfoot and not overexerting at altitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the road from Srinagar to Sonamarg safe?
Yes, it's a well-maintained ~80km road used daily by tour vehicles year-round, with no unusual safety concern for a standard day trip.
Is Zoji La pass open right now?
The Zoji La pass typically closes for winter from around November through April or May, reopening once BRO clears the snow. This affects travel onward to Kargil/Leh, not a Sonamarg day trip. Confirm current status with your operator before planning a Ladakh-bound itinerary.
Is Sonamarg safe in winter?
Sonamarg town remains accessible and safe to visit in winter for its own sake (snow activities, Thajiwas views); it's only the onward Zoji La route to Ladakh that shuts down.
Plan your Sonamarg day trip or Ladakh onward journey
We check the Zoji La pass status before confirming any Ladakh-bound itinerary.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.