Sonmarg in winter: snow you can now reach all year.
Sonamarg used to be cut off for months every winter. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025, the road from Srinagar stays open through the snow season, and the ‘meadow of gold’ has become one of Kashmir’s easiest snow days.
- ~2,750 m Sonamarg
- Dec–Feb deepest snow
- Jan 2025 Z-Morh tunnel opened
- ~80 km from Srinagar
Photo: Original: Ganesh Mohan T Derivative work: UnpetitproleX, CC BY 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Sonmarg usually has snow on the ground from December to February, and the high slopes around it are white from October or November. Until recently the road beyond Gagangir closed every winter, but since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025 Sonamarg stays reachable from Srinagar through the season — locals told reporters in January 2026 that it now remains open year-round. Last season the area had a thin snow cover as early as 5 November 2025, and 1.5–2 feet of snow during Chillai Kalan. Plan Sonmarg as a day trip or one night from Srinagar, and check the weather and road a day before.
- Best months for snowDecember to February; the high slopes from October.
- Is it open in winter?Yes — the Z-Morh tunnel keeps the Srinagar road open, weather permitting.
- Getting thereSrinagar → Sonamarg about 80 km, 2.5–3 h.
- Beyond SonamargZoji La to Ladakh closes for much of the winter.
- Coldest weeksChillai Kalan, 21 December to about 30 January.
When does it snow in Sonmarg?
Sonamarg lies in the upper Sindh valley at about 2,750 m, ringed by peaks and the Thajiwas glacier. Snow arrives with the same western disturbances that whiten Gulmarg and Pahalgam: the peaks catch it from October, and the meadow itself is usually under snow from December.
Last season shows the pattern. On 5 November 2025, Sonamarg woke up under a thin layer of fresh snow while Gulmarg recorded 7.6 cm and Pahalgam 2.1 cm, and the Srinagar–Leh highway beyond was closed by snow. Through Chillai Kalan, locals reported about 1.5–2 feet of snow — far less than the seven to nine feet older residents remember from past decades.
The bigger change is access. The Z-Morh tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg, opened in January 2025, gives the resort all-weather connectivity, and Sonamarg has stayed open through the winter since — though a heavy spell can still stop traffic for a day.
Sonmarg in winter, month by month
A simple guide from recent seasons and the usual pattern. Check the weather for your actual dates.
| Month | Snow at Sonamarg | Access | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | Snow on the peaks | Open; Zoji La open until it snows | Autumn colours; crisp days |
| November | Light snow possible | Open via the Z-Morh tunnel | First winter spells |
| December | Snow usually on the ground | Open, weather permitting | Snow play, sledges, quiet hotels |
| January | Deepest snow of the season | Open, short closures after heavy snow | Coldest month — Chillai Kalan |
| February | Snow lies on | Open, weather permitting | Snow activities; fewer visitors |
| March | Thaw begins | Open | Slush lower down; snow up the valley |
For the whole valley, see Kashmir snowfall by month and Sonmarg weather by month.
Where is it snowing this week?
Sonmarg is not on our live board yet — Gulmarg is the nearest point we track. Here is the 7-day snow forecast for Gulmarg and the other snow points; see them all on the live snow tracker.
Snow in the next 7 days
Checking the forecast…
Loading the latest forecast…
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed through the day — last update —. Snow in cm is estimated from forecast precipitation (1 mm ≈ 1 cm) when it falls as snow; treat it as a guide, not a promise.
Sonmarg in the snow
The Thajiwas valley, the Sindh river and the peaks above Sonamarg — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Snow spots in and around Sonmarg
From the meadow to the glacier.
Sonamarg meadow
Wide snowfields beside the road — sledge rides, snow play and the classic Sonamarg view.
Thajiwas
A side valley under the Thajiwas peaks, reached on foot or by sledge in winter; deep snow from December.
Thajiwas Glacier
Covered in snow all winter; walk only as far as is safe on the day.
The Sindh river
Frozen banks and snowy pines on the drive in from Kangan and Gagangir.
Z-Morh tunnel road
The new all-weather link — the reason a winter Sonmarg trip is now easy.
Visiting Sonmarg in winter
Getting there: Srinagar to Sonamarg is about 80 km, 2.5–3 hours by road through Kangan and Gagangir. Most travellers go as a day trip; staying one night lets you see the snow at sunrise. Distances to Gulmarg and Pahalgam are in our Srinagar distance guide.
Road and weather: the Z-Morh tunnel keeps the road open in winter, but heavy snow can still close it for a day while it is cleared. Travel in daylight with a driver who knows the road, and check the weather the evening before.
Beyond Sonamarg: Zoji La, the pass to Ladakh, closes for much of the winter after heavy snow, so Sonamarg is the end of the road for most winter trips.
Clothes: a padded jacket, thermals, gloves, a cap and snow boots — boots and long coats can be hired at Sonamarg.
Sonmarg trips we plan
Every trip is quoted for your dates — hotels, breakfast and dinner, and a private cab from Srinagar.
Want to see snow in Sonmarg?
Tell us your dates and group. We check the weather and road, plan Sonmarg as a day trip or an overnight, and send one written quote with hotel, meals and a private cab. Suzu Travels is an HP Tourism registered travel agent based in Bilaspur, Himachal, planning trips across North India.
Questions travellers ask
Is Sonmarg open in winter?
Yes. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025, the road from Srinagar to Sonamarg stays open in winter, and locals told reporters in January 2026 that Sonamarg now remains open year-round. Heavy snow can still close the road for a day.
Which month is best to see snow in Sonmarg?
December to February, with January the deepest. The peaks around Sonamarg are snowy from October or November.
When did Sonmarg get snow last season?
Sonamarg had a thin layer of fresh snow on 5 November 2025, and about 1.5–2 feet of snow during Chillai Kalan, according to local reports.
Can I go to Zoji La or Ladakh from Sonmarg in winter?
Usually not. Zoji La closes for much of the winter after heavy snow, so Sonamarg is the end of the road for most winter trips.
How far is Sonmarg from Srinagar?
About 80 km, which takes 2.5–3 hours by road, longer after fresh snow.
Should I stay in Sonmarg or go as a day trip?
A day trip from Srinagar is easiest. Staying a night lets you see the snow at sunrise and avoid the midday crowds, but winter hotel options are fewer.
Sources
- Tribune India: Z-Morh tunnel to help Sonamarg emerge as major winter sports hub — 19 Jan 2025
- Rising Kashmir: Sonamarg winters no longer bite as snowfall shrinks, roads stay open — 27 Jan 2026
- ETV Bharat: Fresh snowfall at Gulmarg; Srinagar–Leh highway shut — 5 Nov 2025
- Outlook India: Chillai-Kalan begins, will conclude on 30 January — 21 Dec 2025
Photo credits
Thajiwas, Sonamarg under snow — Photo: Original: Ganesh Mohan T Derivative work: UnpetitproleX, CC BY 4.0 · The Sonamarg valley in winter — Photo: MohanaBeeregowda, CC BY-SA 4.0 · First snow at Sonamarg — Photo: Amritsliet, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Peaks above Sonamarg — Photo: IlyShah, CC BY-SA 4.0 · On the way to Thajiwas Glacier — Photo: Mike Prince from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0 · Thajiwas peak — Photo: Vikas Panwar, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Thajiwas Glacier in June — Photo: Madhrakangri, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The Sindh river at Sonamarg — Photo: Rajarshi MITRA from Mumbai, India, CC BY 2.0
