Sonamarg

Where Kashmir Meets the Himalayas

The drive to Sonamarg is one of the great drives in Jammu and Kashmir. You leave Srinagar on the national highway, follow the Sindh River through a progressively narrowing valley, and after about 80 km you arrive at a wide meadow at 2,740 metres with glaciers visible on the slopes above. Sonamarg occupies a strategic position as the last significant stop in the Kashmir Valley before the Zoji La pass, beyond which the landscape abruptly transforms from green and forested to the barren, dramatic terrain of Ladakh.

Thajiwas Glacier

The main excursion from Sonamarg is to the Thajiwas Glacier, about 4 km from the main stand. The path goes through forest initially, then opens into a valley with the glacier visible at the far end. You can go on foot or hire a pony near the main stand. Snow is present even in July and August at the glacier level, which is why families with children particularly enjoy this trip.

High-Altitude Lakes and the Great Lakes Trek

Further from town, Krishnasar and Vishansar Lakes sit at around 3,800 metres with dramatic alpine scenery. Sonamarg is also the starting point of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, a 7 to 9-day circuit passing six high-altitude lakes including Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangabal. This is one of the finest treks in India and does not require technical climbing skills.

Crossing to Ladakh

If continuing to Ladakh by road, Sonamarg is where you prepare. The Zoji La at 3,528 metres is the first serious high-altitude pass on the Srinagar–Leh highway. The transformation as you cross from Kashmir to Ladakh happens in the space of a few kilometres and is one of the more visually memorable moments in Indian road travel.