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Valley and glacierMust visit

Sonamarg

The meadow of gold, with pony rides to Thajiwas glacier

Type
Valley and glacier
Location
Sonamarg, Kashmir
Time needed
1 day
Best time to visit
May to October. May and June still have snow near the glacier. Check road and snow conditions for winter visits.

About Sonamarg

Sonamarg means meadow of gold. It is a long valley along the Sindh river, at about 2,700 m, on the road from Srinagar towards Zojila pass and Ladakh. Snow peaks rise on both sides, and in early summer there is often snow lying close to the road.

The main outing is the trip to the Thajiwas glacier. You can walk or take a pony from the meadow up a side valley to the snowfield at its foot. In summer people sledge on the old snow there. The return trip, with time at the top, takes most of a morning or afternoon.

Sonamarg is also the starting point for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, and Baltal, a short drive away, is one of the base camps for the Amarnath Yatra. Most visitors come as a day trip from Srinagar. Winter access depends on the road and snow, so check current conditions before you plan a winter visit.

Things to do at Sonamarg

  • Ride a pony or walk to the Thajiwas glacier
  • Sledge on the snow near the glacier in early summer
  • Walk along the Sindh river
  • Drive towards Zojila pass when the road is open to visitors

How to reach Sonamarg

  • About 80 km from Srinagar, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road on the Srinagar to Leh highway.
  • Ponies to Thajiwas glacier are hired at the meadow in Sonamarg.

Tips before you go

  • Fix the pony rate and the stops included before you start.
  • Wear shoes with good grip. The snow near the glacier is slippery.
  • Start early from Srinagar. Afternoons can bring rain and traffic on the highway.

Packages that cover Sonamarg

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Sonamarg: FAQs

Is Sonamarg worth a day trip from Srinagar?

Yes. A day is enough for the drive, the Thajiwas glacier and a walk by the river.

Will I see snow in Sonamarg?

From about May to June there is usually snow near the Thajiwas glacier. Later in summer there is less, but the peaks keep some snow.

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