Sonamarg, at about 2,800 metres in Ganderbal district, is around 80 km north-east of Srinagar on the highway to Ladakh. The name means meadow of gold, and in summer the valley of the Sindh river is lined with meadows, birch and pine, with glaciers hanging off the peaks above.
The main things to do in Sonamarg are the pony ride or walk to Thajiwas Glacier, time by the river, and, for the adventurous, the drive to Zoji La or the start of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. It is also close to Baltal, the base camp for the shorter Amarnath Yatra route.
Sonamarg is usually visited as a day trip from Srinagar or for one night. The Z-Morh (Sonamarg) tunnel, opened in 2025, has improved winter access, but services in winter are still limited.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Sonamarg travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Sonamarg
- Ride a pony or walk to Thajiwas Glacier
- Go sledging on the glacier snow in summer
- Walk along the Sindh river
- Try rafting on the Sindh
- Drive up to Zoji La (with permits and conditions)
- See Baltal, the Amarnath base camp
- Start the Kashmir Great Lakes trek
- Fish for trout with a permit
Want a day-by-day plan? Follow our 5 to 7 day Kashmir itinerary.
Going by road? See our guide to the Srinagar to Leh road trip.
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Planning something active? Read our guide to summer and monsoon treks in India.
Thajiwas Glacier
Ride or walk to Thajiwas Glacier
The Thajiwas Glacier lies a few kilometres from the Sonamarg taxi stand, up a side valley ringed by peaks. Most visitors ride ponies; the walk takes about an hour each way on a gentle but rough path. Snow usually lingers at the glacier's foot well into summer.
Pony-wallahs have fixed rates listed by the local authorities; check the board and agree on the route (and whether it includes waiting time) before you set off.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Best time
- May to October
- Good for
- Everyone
- Good to know
- Agree pony rates in advance
Go sledging on summer snow
At the snowfield below the glacier, local sledge-pullers offer rides down the slope. It is a highlight for children and first-time snow visitors. Wear shoes with grip and avoid going onto the glacier itself or under overhanging ice.
- Good for
- Families
The Sindh river
Walk along the Sindh
The Sindh river flows past Sonamarg through meadows and forest. Short walks along the bank give quiet views away from the busy main stretch of the highway.
Try rafting
Rafting on the Sindh runs in the warmer months on stretches near Sonamarg and further downstream, with moderate rapids. Go with registered operators.
- Best time
- May to July
- Good for
- Groups, adventure seekers
Fish for trout
The Sindh and its side streams have brown and rainbow trout. Permits from the fisheries department are required for designated beats.
- Good to know
- Permit required
Zoji La, Baltal and treks
Drive to Zoji La
Zoji La, at about 3,500 metres, is the pass between Kashmir and Ladakh, about 15 km beyond Baltal. The road is narrow and unpaved in places, with sheer drops, and snow walls in early summer. Sonamarg taxis run trips to Zero Point beyond the pass. Access depends on conditions and traffic rules; check before you go.
- Best time
- June to September
- Good to know
- Road conditions change quickly
See Baltal
Baltal, about 15 km from Sonamarg, is the base camp for the shorter route to the Amarnath cave shrine. During the yatra in July and August it becomes a large tent city; the rest of the summer it is a quiet valley.
Trek the Kashmir Great Lakes
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek begins near Sonamarg and crosses high passes past a chain of turquoise lakes including Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar and Gangbal before ending at Naranag. It takes about seven days and is one of the most beautiful treks in India. Go with a registered operator.
- Time needed
- About 7 days
- Best time
- July to September
- Good for
- Fit trekkers
Walk to Nilagrad
Nilagrad, a short drive from Sonamarg, is a stream whose reddish water is locally believed to have healing properties. It is a quiet stop with views of the valley.
Sonamarg by season
Summer (May to September)
The meadows are green, Thajiwas has summer snow for sledging, and the Great Lakes trek is open from July. It is the main season, and the highway to Ladakh is busy with trucks, bikers and pilgrims.
- Best time
- June and September for fewer crowds
Autumn (October to November)
The birches and meadows turn golden and the crowds thin out. Nights are cold, and early snow can close Zoji La.
Winter (December to March)
Sonamarg is under deep snow. With the tunnel, it has become possible to visit in winter for snow play and skiing trials, but facilities are limited and weather can close roads. Only go with confirmed accommodation and local advice.
- Good to know
- Check road status before setting out
Things to do in Sonamarg by type of traveller
Day-trippers from Srinagar: Leave early, ride to Thajiwas, enjoy the snow and a riverside lunch, and head back before dark.
Road-trippers: Stay a night in Sonamarg before crossing Zoji La towards Drass and Kargil to acclimatise.
Trekkers: Sonamarg is the start of the Great Lakes trek; arrive a day early to acclimatise.
What to do in Sonamarg with one day
Drive from Srinagar early along the Sindh. Ride or walk to Thajiwas Glacier and go sledging on the snow. After lunch, drive to Baltal or towards Zoji La if conditions allow, and walk by the river before returning to Srinagar.
Practical tips for Sonamarg
- Sonamarg is about 80 km from Srinagar, a drive of around three hours.
- Outside taxis may be restricted beyond a point; local taxi and pony unions operate here.
- Carry warm layers and rain gear; the weather changes quickly.
- Ladakh-bound travellers should acclimatise gradually after crossing Zoji La.
Plan the rest of your Sonamarg trip
Sonamarg things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Sonamarg?
Ride or walk to Thajiwas Glacier, go sledging on the snow, walk by the Sindh river, try rafting, drive to Zoji La and Baltal, and start the Kashmir Great Lakes trek.
Can Sonamarg be done as a day trip from Srinagar?
Yes. It is about three hours each way, so leave early.
Is Sonamarg open in winter?
Access has improved with the Z-Morh tunnel, but heavy snow can still close roads and many services shut in winter. Check before you go.
How far is Zoji La from Sonamarg?
About 30 km, via Baltal. The road is rough and conditions depend on weather.
What is the best time to visit Sonamarg?
May to October, when the meadows are green and the glacier and passes are accessible. June and September are less crowded than peak summer.
Things to do near Sonamarg
- Things to do in Srinagar: about three hours away
- Drass: the Kargil War Memorial beyond Zoji La
- Things to do in Ladakh: the road continues to Kargil and Leh
- Things to do in Pahalgam: the Lidder valley
More things to do in Jammu & Kashmir
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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