Sonmarg Travel Guide: The Meadow of Gold and the Road to Ladakh

Sonmarg, the meadow of gold, is usually the last stop on a Kashmir itinerary before the drive back to Srinagar, or the first stage of the road on to Ladakh. Its draw is the Thajiwas glacier, reached on a short walk or pony ride from the road.

• The Thajiwas glacier
• Alpine meadows along the Sindh river
• The start of the road over the passes to Ladakh

Sonmarg is usually a summer day trip from Srinagar rather than an overnight stop, unless you are continuing on the Ladakh road, in which case it is a stage on a longer journey.

The Sonmarg and Ladakh roads are open only from late May to early October; outside that window the route is generally closed by snow. Within the season, June and July give the freshest meadows, and the glacier is accessible throughout.

Sonmarg is reached by private car from Srinagar. If you are continuing to Ladakh, the road runs on over the high passes to Kargil and Leh — pair this with our Ladakh travel guide if that is your route.