Kashmir · A Glacier Valley, Now Open All Year
Sonamarg
Sonamarg lies at 2,730 m in the Sindh valley, about 80 km from Srinagar. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025, the road stays open through winter, so Sonamarg is now a snow day trip or a quiet night away as well as a summer base for treks and the drive to Zoji La.
In winter
Sonamarg in winter
- The Z-Morh tunnel, opened in January 2025, keeps the road to Sonamarg open all year.
- Heavy snow can still stop traffic for a day; then only 4×4s or cars with chains may go beyond Gagangir.
- The trail up to Thajiwas Glacier is usually closed from December to February; its season runs from about May to September.
- Zoji La and the road on to Ladakh close for the winter.
Best time
When to go
- December – March
- Snow day trips and quiet nights
- April – May
- Snowmelt and the first green
- June – September
- Meadows, treks and Zoji La
- October – November
- Quiet, golden days
Winter 2026-27
Winter trips that include Sonamarg
New Year in the Snow
Srinagar & Snow Day Trips
Classic Kashmir Winter Circuit
Highlights
What Awaits You
01Thajiwas Glacier
A side valley of snowfields and glacier above the meadow, reached on foot or by pony from about May to September.
02The Sindh River
The fast, clear river that runs the length of the valley, past snowy banks in winter.
03Snow on the Meadow
Sonamarg means meadow of gold. In winter it's a wide white field below the peaks.
04Vishansar Lake
One of the high lakes on the summer Great Lakes trek, which starts near Sonamarg.
05The Drive to Zoji La
In summer the road climbs on from Sonamarg over Zoji La towards Ladakh.
06Summer Meadows
From June the valley floor is green below the peaks, with pine forest on the slopes.
Gallery
Through the Lens
Sonamarg in photos, mostly in winter.
Experiences
What You Can Do
Sonamarg has a season for every soul.
Through the year
Every Season, a Different Sonamarg
Spring
Snow still lies on the side valleys while the meadow starts to green.
Ready to explore?
