Sonamarg
Glacier country on the road to Ladakh — and the one major valley that genuinely shuts in winter.
2,730 m3 hr from Srinagar
Things to do
Thajiwas Glacier: Timings, Season & What to Know
Thajiwas Glacier is at Sonamarg, 2h 45m from Srinagar. Allow about 3h, and the months that work are May–Sep. Reached from the Sonamarg road head either on foot over uneven ground…
- Where
- Sonamarg
- Allow
- 3h
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Effort
- moderate
Thajiwas Glacier is at Sonamarg, 2h 45m from Srinagar. Allow about 3h, and the months that work are May–Sep. Reached from the Sonamarg road head either on foot over uneven ground or by pony, both arranged locally and charged separately from any package.
Last updated
Thajiwas Glacier at a glance
- Where
- Sonamarg
- Allow
- 3h
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Effort
- moderate
- Suits
- walkers, families with older children
- Booking notes
- Reached from the Sonamarg road head either on foot over uneven ground or by pony, both arranged locally and charged separately from any package. Sonamarg is usually snowbound from December to early April, so this is a summer activity only.
- Altitude
- 2,730 m
- District
- Ganderbal
Before you book
How it works
Reached from the Sonamarg road head either on foot over uneven ground or by pony, both arranged locally and charged separately from any package. Sonamarg is usually snowbound from December to early April, so this is a summer activity only.
At Sonamarg
Closed for much of winter. A December or January itinerary that promises Sonamarg is almost certainly wrong.
Where it is
Kashmir in pictures
Dal Lake, Srinagar — evening shikara ride 
Gulmarg Gondola — Phase 1 towards Kongdoori 
The Lidder valley at Pahalgam 
Sonamarg under snow — open May to September 
Tulip garden, Srinagar — a short window each April 
Mughal gardens above Dal Lake, Srinagar 
Houseboat and shikara, Dal Lake 
Group departures across the three main valleys
Our current packages
Printed rates for our standard Kashmir itineraries. Tap any sheet to read it at full size, or send us your dates for a quote against them.
4N/5D · ₹27,200 per car · private sedanFull size
5N/6D · ₹29,700 per car · houseboat nightFull size
4N/5D · ₹38,200 for 4 · InnovaFull size
4N/5D · ₹70,500 for 8 · Tempo TravellerFull size
4N/5D · ₹96,600 for 12 · Tempo TravellerFull size
Prices shown are package totals on the terms printed on each sheet. Airfare, gondola tickets and local union taxi charges are excluded — ask us for a quote against your dates.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Tulip Garden open?
Typically for a few weeks in April, though the exact window shifts each year with the weather. Booking a trip specifically around the bloom is risky unless you can keep the dates flexible.
What is the best way to reach Srinagar?
By air to Srinagar (SXR). Delhi has the widest frequency and most cities connect through it. The rail alternative is to Jammu Tawi followed by roughly 260 km by road, which adds a full day each way.
What is Chillai-Kalan?
The traditional 40-day period of deepest winter in Kashmir, running from around 21 December to 31 January. It is when snowfall is heaviest and most reliable, and when the valley is coldest.
What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
April to June for tulips, green meadows and mild weather; December to February for reliable snow at Gulmarg. March and October are the best value — usable weather at noticeably lower prices. September is the quiet compromise: summer warmth without summer crowds.
How many days are enough for Kashmir?
Five nights covers Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam at a reasonable pace. Four nights works if you drop one valley. Three nights only makes sense from Delhi, and Sonamarg almost never fits into it.
Do Indian nationals need a permit for Kashmir?
No permit is required for Indian nationals visiting Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg. High-altitude treks such as Tarsar–Marsar do require registration and a licensed guide, arranged locally.
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