Sonamarg, meaning “meadow of gold,” is a beautiful hill station in Kashmir. It is located about 80 km from Srinagar. Sitting at 2,730 meters, it offers snow-covered peaks, green meadows, and fresh mountain air. If you are planning a day trip to Sonamarg or a longer stay, this guide shares the top things to do in Sonamarg. From scenic valleys to peaceful rivers, you will find the best Sonamarg sightseeing spots here.
The valley is stunning in both summer and winter. This simple guide will help you plan your visit, day by day, for a relaxing or adventurous experience in Sonamarg.
Best Things to Do in Sonamarg
Check out a quick overview of the top things to do in Sonamarg, including their best time and cost. From glacier treks to rafting and stargazing, this table helps you plan every adventure with ease.
| Activity Name | Best Time to Do | Approximate Price |
| Trek or Pony Ride to Thajiwas Glacier | April to October | ₹1,000–1,500 (pony ride, round-trip) |
| Drive to Zoji La Pass | May to October | ₹2,000–3,000 (shared taxi/jeep round-trip) |
| Whitewater Rafting on the Sindh River | April to September | ₹500 (5 km), ₹800 (8 km), ₹1,200 (12 km) |
| Great Lakes Trek (Vishansar, Gangabal) | July to September | ₹5,000–10,000+ (guided trek package) |
| Visit Baltal Valley & Amarnath Base Camp | May to September | Free entry; transport ₹500–1,000 approx |
| Camping Under the Stars | May to October | ₹1,000–2,000 per person (with meals) |
| Trout Fishing in the Sindh River | April to September | ₹100–200 (license), ₹500–800 (guide) |
| Stroll the Market & Photography | All Year | – |
Read More: 10 Treks You Should Do in Kashmir
Trek or Pony Ride to Thajiwas Glacier
Just 3 km from Sonamarg town lies Thajiwas Glacier, perched at around 3,000m and famed for being covered in snow all year. You can hike through pine forests to reach it or hire a pony for the trek. The trail follows the Sindh River under towering peaks, making the journey scenic. A round-trip pony ride typically costs about ₹1,000 – 1,500 (often negotiable).
At the glacier, walking on the ice feels like you are on a different planet. This is one of the most popular things to do in Sonamarg. The trek typically takes 1 – 2 hours one way. In summer, meadows along the path are dotted with wildflowers, and the glacier’s blue ice and snowy setting feel otherworldly.
Planning a trip to Sonamarg? Here is your perfect itinerary!
Drive to Zoji La Pass
No Sonamarg itinerary is complete without tackling the famous Zoji La Pass (3,528m). This mountain highway twists through dramatic hairpin turns and open meadows. Zoji La is one of the world’s most stunning mountain roads. On a clear day the summit offers breathtaking views of snowfields, deep valleys, and even distant Ladakh ranges.
Many travelers hire a shared taxi or jeep for the round trip – expect to pay a few thousand rupees total. Even a short stop at the top is thrilling: you can stretch your legs by the famous pass sign. Zoji La is sometimes called the “Mountain of Blizzards” because of strong winds and lingering snow.
Whitewater Rafting on the Sindh River
For adventure seekers, rafting the Sindh River is a must. The Sindh’s rapids range from gentle to class III, offering fun for beginners and thrill-seekers alike. Rafting season is roughly April to September when glacier melt swells the river. Tours let you paddle downstream past green banks and snow-capped cliffs. Single-boat rates are about ₹500 for 5 km, ₹800 for 8 km and ₹1,200 for 12 km; groups are cheaper per person.
Agencies provide life jackets and guides, making it safe even for novices. This ride gives you a unique river-level perspective of the valley. Many visitors from Srinagar fit a rafting trip into a quick day trip to Sonamarg because it takes only a few hours but scores big thrills. Rafting here is one of the best things to do in Sonamarg for adrenaline junkies.
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places to Visit in Kashmir
Trekking to Alpine Lakes (Great Lakes Trek)
Sonamarg is the gateway to Kashmir’s famous Great Lakes trek. Enthusiasts spend several days hiking to high-altitude lakes like Vishansar and Gangabal. Vishansar Lake (about 19 km from Sonamarg) is a turquoise basin that “completely freezes during the winter”. Gangabal is a large emerald lake with wildflowers in summer. These alpine lakes sit around 3,600–3,800m above sea level, so the trek usually involves camping.
Guide-and-trek packages (tents, meals, gear) might cost several thousand rupees, but the scenery of snow peaks, wildflowers, and crystal waters is unforgettable. Even if you skip the multi-day hike, consider a shorter day-hike or pony ride to Kishansar or Gadsar lakes for some alpine beauty.
Baltal Valley and Amarnath Base Camp
About 15 km from Sonamarg is Baltal Valley, an alpine meadow used as the base camp for the Amarnath pilgrimage. The drive (about 30 minutes each way) is scenic, and the valley offers rolling green fields and river views. There’s no fee to wander here; it’s a peaceful spot to relax, picnic by the river, or simply soak in the landscape.
Ponies can be hired here as well. Many travelers visit Baltal on a day-trip, finding it a nice break from the main valley. Baltal often has fewer crowds than Sonamarg, making it a quiet retreat for the day.
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Camping Under the Stars
One of the most memorable things to do in Sonamarg is camping in the open air. Local tour operators arrange camps (tents, sleeping bags, bonfire and meals) on the valley floor, often beside the Sindh River or near the Nilagrad River. A typical camping package costs around ₹1,000–2,000 per person per night, including dinner and breakfast.
Nights are chilly, but lying in your tent under a blanket of stars is magical. You will roast marshmallows over the fire and fall asleep to the sound of the river. Even a simple overnight stay (with your own tent) can be a budget adventure and one of the best ways to experience Sonamarg’s natural beauty.
Trout Fishing in the Sindh River
Fishing enthusiasts should try trout angling in Sonamarg. It should be a must activity in your Sonamarg travel guide. The clear Sindh River hosts brown and rainbow trout. You will need a local fishing license (around ₹100–200) and your own gear, or you can hire a guide for about ₹500–800 per day. Standing in the icy river or on its bank with a rod is peaceful and rewarding, especially if you hook a trout (locals will cook your catch if you like).
Read More: Is Kashmir Safe to Travel in 2025?
Stroll the Market and Photo Spots
Finally, spend some time wandering the small Sonamarg market at the base of the glacier. This open-air bazaar offers Kashmiri handicrafts, pashmina shawls, dried fruits and souvenirs. It’s not fancy, but shopping with snow-capped peaks overhead is unique. Stop at a stall for Kashmiri kahwah (spiced tea) or chai for a quick break.
Photography lovers should drive a short way out of town (for example, toward the village of Bal) to find panoramic valley viewpoints.
Sonamarg in Winter
Sonamarg in Winter transforms into a breathtaking wonderland. From December, ice and snow in Sonamarg blanket the valley, freezing rivers and coating pine forests. Visitors enjoy Sonamarg sightseeing like skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and peaceful snowshoe walks amid silent white landscapes.
Temperatures often dip below freezing, averaging -5 °C to -9 °C at night . The chill enhances every view, making even simple strolls mesmerizing. Winter camping and stargazing under a clear sky become magical experiences.
3-Day Sonamarg Itinerary: Explore Nature and Adventure
Planning a short trip to Sonamarg? Here is a 3-day Sonamarg itinerary plan to help you explore the best of this beautiful town. From glaciers to rivers and mountain passes, you will find plenty of Sonamarg tourist places to enjoy.
Day 1: Thajiwas Glacier & Sindh River
Start early from Srinagar and enjoy a scenic 2 to 3-hour drive to Sonamarg. Once you reach, head straight to Thajiwas Glacier, one of the most famous Sonamarg tourist places. You can trek for about 1.5 to 2 hours or take a pony ride (₹700–1,450 round-trip) to reach the glacier viewpoint. The area offers stunning views of snow, pine trees, and flowing streams. In summer, you might even try a fun sled ride on the glacier. In the evening, relax by the Sindh River or try a bit of trout fishing for a calm end to your day.
Day 2: Vishansar Lake Trek & Baltal Valley
Start your day with a guided trek to Vishansar Lake, a hidden alpine gem. The trek takes around 6 hours (round trip) and leads you through green meadows or snow patches, depending on the season. The lake sits at 3,700 meters and looks beautiful with its turquoise water and wildflowers. Pack snacks and warm clothes for the trip. After returning to Sonamarg in the afternoon, take a short walk to Baltal Valley and enjoy peaceful views near the river.
Extended Read: Kashmir in December
Day 3: Zoji La Pass & River Rafting
Today is for some high-altitude adventure! Drive 15 km to Zoji La Pass (3,528 meters), a mountain pass with amazing views. Stop at the top, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air. On your way back to Sonamarg, you can try a short whitewater raft ride on the Sindh River (~₹1,000 for 5–8 km). After your adventure, take a slow walk through the local market, shop for souvenirs, and then drive back to Srinagar by evening.
Final Words
Sonamarg is a place that feels like a dream. From snowy peaks to peaceful rivers, there are many amazing things to do in Sonamarg for every kind of traveler. Whether you love trekking, snow adventures, or just enjoying nature, Sonamarg offers something special. Don’t forget your camera, because every corner is picture-perfect. The beauty and calm of this valley will stay with you forever. Make sure to plan your Sonamarg sightseeing in advance so you don’t miss out on the top spots.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is thе bеst timе to visit Sonamarg?
Thе bеst timе to visit Sonamarg is from May to Sеptеmbеr whеn thе wеathеr is plеasant, and most activitiеs likе trеkking and rafting arе opеn.
Can I sее snow in Sonamarg during summеr?
Yеs, you can sее snow in Sonamarg at placеs likе Thajiwas Glaciеr, which stays snow-covеrеd еvеn in thе warmеr months.
Is Sonamarg suitablе for a day trip from Srinagar?
Absolutеly! A day trip to Sonamarg from Srinagar is popular. It takеs around 2–3 hours by road and covеrs many kеy attractions.
What arе thе top things to do in Sonamarg with kids?
Kids will еnjoy pony ridеs to Thajiwas Glaciеr, snow activitiеs in wintеr, and rеlaxing picnics by thе rivеr in thе scеnic mеadows.
Do I nееd a guidе for Sonamarg sightsееing?
Having a local guidе is hеlpful for trеks or еxploring hiddеn spots. Howеvеr, main Sonamarg sightsееing placеs arе еasy to еxplorе on your own.
Let JustWravel help you craft the best Kashmir itinerary with Sonamarg!
