Walk or Ride to Thajiwas Glacier
The signature day out in Sonamarg. Cross the meadow on foot or by pony to a glacier ringed by snow-capped peaks. Distances, pony rates, and trail tips are in our complete Thajiwas Glacier guide.
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Sonamarg Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit and How to Reach
Sonamarg is a high-altitude meadow valley on the Srinagar-Leh highway, and most visitors see it in a rushed day trip from Srinagar. That costs them roughly 6 hours on the road and the best light of the day. This guide covers what to do, when to go, and how to reach Sonamarg, written from inside the valley by the team at Sindh Resorts & Spa.
Sonamarg at a Glance
- From Srinagar
- 87 km via NH1, about 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road
- From our resort
- 1 km to Sonamarg Main Market
- Thajiwas Glacier
- 3 to 4 km from Sonamarg, at about 9,800 ft (roughly 2,990 m)
- Best months
- June to September (September is quietest and clearest)
- Entry fee and permit
- No fee and no permit for Thajiwas Glacier. Rules can change seasonally, so check before you travel.
Things to Do in Sonamarg
Walk the Meadow Trail and Watch Birds
The meadow route is a gentle walk in its own right. In late June and July wildflowers bloom along the trail, and you may spot Himalayan birds. The walking trail starts minutes from the resort, so you can set off at your own pace.
Try Sledging on the Snow Patches
From April to June, snow still lies near the glacier and local operators run sledging on it. It is a simple, relaxed activity that works for the whole family.
Photograph the Valley at First Light
Early morning light is soft and blue, and afternoon light makes the glacier glow. Staying in the valley gets you to the best frames before the day-trip crowds arrive.
Combine Thajiwas with Zero Point
Thajiwas Glacier and Zero Point lie along the same route, so covering both in one day is very manageable. Ask our team about road and weather conditions that morning.
Best Time to Visit Sonamarg
Summer, May to September
Pleasant, open weather with green meadows, wildflowers, and full access to the glacier route. June and July suit families and first-time visitors.
Early Autumn, September
Fewer people, clear skies, and beautiful valley light. A good month for photographers and anyone who prefers a quieter Sonamarg.
Winter
Heavy snowfall can close roads and limit access to the glacier. Conditions change from day to day, so check with our front desk before you plan a winter visit.
How to Reach Sonamarg
By road from Srinagar: Drive along NH1 through the Sindh Valley. The 87 km journey takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Many guests drive straight from Srinagar airport to the resort and visit the glacier the next morning.
RouteDistanceTime
Srinagar to Sonamarg87 km2.5 to 3.5 hours
Resort to Thajiwas, by cab to meadow entryUp to meadow entry10 to 15 minutes
Resort to Thajiwas, by pony3 to 4 km1 to 1.5 hours
Where to Stay in Sonamarg
Staying in Srinagar means losing two to three hours to the road before your day begins. Sindh Resorts & Spa sits inside the Sindh Valley, minutes from the Thajiwas route. Our mountain-view rooms face the valley, the resort kitchen serves warm meals at both ends of your day, and our team can arrange local guides and pony bookings and tell you which days suit the trail.
Sonamarg FAQs
How far is Sonamarg from Srinagar?
About 87 km, taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road along NH1.
What is the best time to visit Sonamarg?
June to September. June and July suit families, and September has clearer skies and fewer crowds.
Can I see Thajiwas Glacier and Zero Point in one day?
Yes. Both lie along the same route, and many visitors combine them. Start early.
Is Sonamarg open in winter?
Access depends on snowfall and road conditions. Contact us before travelling in winter.
How many days do I need in Sonamarg?
Two nights lets you do Thajiwas on one day and Zero Point or a slower valley day on the next, without rushing either.
Keep Planning
For this season’s trail notes, read the Thajiwas Glacier 2026 guide on our blog. More ideas are on the blog too, in travel tips from our team. To see the other places around the resort, go back to destinations around the resort.
