How to reach Sonamarg — the Srinagar highway and its winter closure
How to reach Sonamarg from Srinagar by road, with measured distances and times, the airport, the winter closure and the tunnels meant to change it.
ArticleVerified 2026-10-14
Things to do in Sonamarg — the glacier, the river, the lakes and the pass
Things to do in Sonamarg: the Thajiwas Glacier, trout fishing on the Sind, river rafting, treks to Vishansar and Gangabal lakes, and the road to Zoji La.
Sonamarg is a summer base for the mountains around the Sind valley.
The glacier
The Thajiwas Glacier is the area's main outing; ponies run up in summer. Wikipedia records ice collapses there in 2024, so keep to a guide's route and stay off snow bridges.
The river
The Sind meanders beside the meadow and, by Wikipedia's account, holds trout and mahseer. Wikipedia also says the state tourism department organises river-rafting events at Sonamarg.
The high lakes
Treks lead to the Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar and Gangabal lakes, which Wikipedia says are stocked with snowtrout and brown trout. Vishansar lies at about 3,710 m. They are multi-day trips, and we have no timed trails or permit details, so go with a local guide.
The pass
The highway runs on over Zoji La towards Ladakh, about 41 minutes from the meadow on our routing.
Baltal
Baltal, about 15 km east at the foot of Zoji La, is where the shorter route to the Amarnath Temple begins; follow the official announcements for the pilgrimage.
Next reads
Copy the one-day plan, and read when to visit Sonamarg and how to reach Sonamarg.
Places around Sonamarg
The Sonamarg guide →
Thajiwas Glacier — the ice above Sonamarg and how people reach it
Zoji La — the high pass on the road from Kashmir to Ladakh
Kheer Bhawani Temple — the spring shrine at Tulmulla near Srinagar
Hazratbal Shrine — the white-domed Sufi shrine on Dal Lake
Shalimar Bagh — the Mughal garden on Dal Lake's north shore
Jama Masjid Srinagar — the great wooden Friday mosque of the old city
Hari Parbat Fort — the hill fort above Srinagar's old city
Nishat Bagh — the terraced Mughal garden of joy on Dal Lake
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When to visit Sonamarg: summer for blooming meadows, trout rivers and the glacier, a winter cut off by snow and avalanches, and the weather figures given.
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Questions people ask
What are the best things to do in Sonamarg?
Visit the Thajiwas Glacier, walk the meadow beside the Sind river, fish for trout, and drive towards Zoji La. Treks lead to the Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar and Gangabal lakes, which Wikipedia says are stocked with trout. Wikipedia also says the state tourism department runs river-rafting events at Sonamarg.
Can you trek from Sonamarg?
Yes: Wikipedia names routes to the Vishansar, Krishansar, Gangabal and Gadsar lakes, and says trekkers can reach Leh over Zoji La. Vishansar lies at about 3,710 m, and Gadsar is about 9 km from it. These are multi-day treks; we have no timed trails or permit details, so plan them with a local guide.
What is Baltal?
A valley about 15 km east of Sonamarg at the foot of Zoji La. Wikipedia says the Amarnath yatra starts in this area, and its Amarnath article describes the shorter 13 km route from Baltal. Access can be restricted during the yatra, so ask locally and follow the official announcements.