Sonmarg

Sonmarg, the meadow of gold, lies around 80 km northeast of Srinagar along the road that eventually climbs to Zoji La and on into Ladakh. Set at a high altitude where the Sindh river carves through alpine valleys, it is framed by snow-fed peaks and dense stands of fir and silver birch. The big draw is the Thajiwas glacier, a short pony ride or walk from the main meadow, where snow lingers even in summer. As the last major Kashmiri stop before the mountains give way to Ladakh, Sonmarg blends easy sightseeing with a genuine sense of high-country adventure.

Things to do

• Ride a pony or trek to the Thajiwas glacier, where snowfields remain through much of the year
• Follow the Sindh river as it runs cold and clear through the valley floor
• Use Sonmarg as the gateway to Ladakh via the dramatic Zoji La pass
• Enjoy the golden meadows that give the town its name at sunrise and sunset
• Try river rafting on stretches of the Sindh during the season
• Set out on high-altitude treks toward Vishansar and Krishansar lakes for serious hikers
• Photograph the birch and fir forests against the surrounding peaks

Best time to visit: May to September offers the best conditions, with open roads, green meadows and accessible glacier walks. Zoji La and the Ladakh route are typically open in these months and closed by snow in winter. Come in early summer to catch the most snow around Thajiwas without the deep winter closures.

How to reach: Sonmarg is about 80 km from Srinagar, roughly a two and a half to three hour drive along the Sindh valley road. The route is scenic and well maintained up to the town. Shared taxis and private cabs run regularly from Srinagar, and Happy Jacks Tours can arrange a comfortable transfer or a wider Sonmarg to Ladakh itinerary on +91-9419244962.