The golden meadow
Sonamarg, the meadow of gold, sits at the head of the Sindh valley on the road to Ladakh. It is known for Thajiwas glacier, the river drive in from Srinagar, and snow that stays late on the peaks.
Sonamarg is about 80 km from Srinagar through Ganderbal and Kangan, roughly two and a half to three hours. For much of the way the road runs beside the Sindh river, and the valley narrows as you climb. There are plenty of spots to stop by the water on the way back.
The main thing to do in Sonamarg is the trip up the side valley to Thajiwas, a few kilometres from the main meadow. You can walk it at an easy pace or take a pony. Snow lies at the far end well into summer, and children love the first patch of it. Agree the pony route and fare before you set off. Our pony rides page explains how it works.
Beyond Sonamarg the road climbs over Zojila pass towards Ladakh. Zero Point, up near the pass, is reached in local union cars from Sonamarg, not in your own cab, and it is only possible when the pass is open. Those cars are priced separately. In July and August, Baltal near Sonamarg is a base for the Amarnath Yatra, so expect convoys and timed traffic.
The Z-Morh tunnel, opened in January 2025, means the road to Sonamarg now stays open more of the winter than it used to. Heavy snowfall can still close it for a day or two. When it is open, you get deep snow and far fewer visitors. We check the road the day before rather than promise it weeks ahead.
For the drive itself, see our Srinagar to Sonamarg taxi. It covers vehicle choice, what changes the fare, and how to book. We do not print a fare chart, because the quote depends on the day.
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