Sonmarg (Sonamarg) Travel Guide 2026-27: Thajiwas Glacier, Zero Point, Zojila, Tunnel and Winter Access

Updated: November 2026

Short answer: Sonmarg (also spelt Sonamarg) is a meadow town at about 2,740 m in Ganderbal district, roughly 80 km (2–3 hours) from Srinagar on the Srinagar–Leh highway. Its two big trips are the walk or pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier (reopened to tourists on 16 February 2026) and the union-taxi run to Zero Point near Zojila pass. Since the Z-Morh (Sonamarg) tunnel opened on 13 January 2025, the town can be reached in winter too, but the glacier trail and Zero Point still shut in deep snow. Most people visit as a long day trip; one night makes it relaxed.

Is Sonmarg open for tourists in 2026?

Yes. Sonmarg town has been open, and Thajiwas Glacier, which had been among the spots closed after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, was in the batch of 14 destinations the Lieutenant Governor ordered reopened on 16 February 2026 (Business Today, 17 February 2026). Scroll reported in April 2026 that Srinagar cab operators were seeing visitors choose Sonmarg and Gulmarg ahead of Pahalgam.

Two things remain restricted. Trekking routes from the area, including the Great Lakes circuit (Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Gangbal) and Dara–Sonamarg, were still closed in June 2026, with operators asking for them to reopen (The Himalayan Post, 4 June 2026). And in July–August the Amarnath Yatra uses the Baltal base just beyond Sonmarg, which brings convoys, checks and full hotels. Check J&K Tourism and Ganderbal police advisories before you go.

What changed with the Z-Morh (Sonamarg) tunnel?

Until 2025, the road from Gagangir to Sonamarg ran along an avalanche-prone stretch and usually shut for months in winter, so Sonmarg town emptied out from about November to April. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel on 13 January 2025: a two-lane tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg built for over ₹2,700 crore, about 12 km long including its approach roads (Free Press Journal, 13 January 2025). It gives all-weather road access to the town.

The next piece, the Zojila tunnel towards Ladakh, was set for completion by 2028 according to the PMO at the time. Meanwhile the Border Roads Organisation kept Zoji La pass itself open through the 2025–26 winter for the first time, with only short closures after snow spells (The Tribune, 6 March 2026; Greater Kashmir, 17 January 2026).

For travellers this means: you can now see Sonmarg under snow in January, which used to be very hard. But the glacier trail and Zero Point excursions still depend on snow and local permission, so a winter visit is mostly about the town, the meadow and snow play.

Places to visit in Sonmarg

How do Thajiwas ponies and Zero Point taxis work?

Like Pahalgam, Sonmarg runs on local unions. Your Srinagar cab drops you in town and waits; beyond that you hire locally.

Sources: Travel Coffee’s Sonamarg guide (reviewed June 2026) for pony rates; the Sonmarg union rate card published by TravelMyKashmir (updated 13 October 2026). These are market rates, not Suzu prices, and change each season.

How do you reach Sonmarg from Srinagar?

The road goes north-east from Srinagar through Ganderbal and Kangan along the Sindh river, then through the Z-Morh tunnel into Sonmarg. Allow 2–2.5 hours in normal traffic and more in Yatra season.

Suzu rates from our Srinagar taxi service page (November 2026); union taxis, ponies, tolls and parking are extra. Going on to Ladakh? Our Kashmir Ladakh package crosses Zoji La from Sonmarg to Kargil and Leh.

When is the best time to visit Sonmarg?

Where should you stay in Sonmarg?

Most hotels and camps line the highway through town, close to the taxi stand and the Thajiwas road. Rooms are limited, so book ahead for May–June and the Yatra weeks. Many travellers stay in Srinagar and do Sonmarg as a day trip; one night in Sonmarg lets you reach the glacier early before the crowds, and is worth it if you are heading on to Ladakh. In winter, ask specifically about heating and power backup.

A Sonmarg day plan from Srinagar

You can’t comfortably do both Thajiwas and Zero Point in one day trip; stay a night if you want both. Sonmarg fits into our 6-day Kashmir tour with Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam (quoted to your dates) and the Magical Kashmir 6D/5N economy tour from ₹16,999 per person (twin sharing) on its live page. Compare all trips on our best Kashmir tour packages page, and read our guides to Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

What this means for your trip

Put Sonmarg on a clear-weather day early in your trip, leave Srinagar early, and budget separately for the pony or union taxi. Between May and October you get both the glacier and Zero Point; in winter, the tunnel gets you to a snowy Sonmarg, but treat the glacier and Zero Point as a bonus, not a promise. If you are travelling in July–August, pick a non-Yatra day or expect queues.

Sonmarg: frequently asked questions

Is Thajiwas Glacier open in 2026?

Yes. Thajiwas Glacier was among 14 destinations reopened on 16 February 2026 after the post-April 2025 closures. The trail itself depends on season: it is usually walkable or pony-able from about April or May to October and closes in deep snow.

Can my Srinagar taxi go to Zero Point?

No. Only Sonmarg union taxis are allowed beyond town to Zero Point, Zoji La and Baltal. Rate cards published in October 2026 show about ₹2,400–4,500 per vehicle for the circuit, by vehicle type; confirm at the stand.

Is Sonmarg open in winter now?

The town is reachable year-round since the Z-Morh tunnel opened on 13 January 2025, so you can see Sonmarg under snow. The Thajiwas trail and Zero Point excursions usually stay off in deep winter, and heavy snow can still close the road for short spells.

How far is Sonmarg from Srinagar?

About 80 km via Ganderbal and Kangan, 2–2.5 hours by car in normal traffic. Suzu’s same-day return trip starts at ₹3,000 in a sedan and a one-way drop at ₹2,499 (November 2026).

What is the pony rate for Thajiwas Glacier?

Approximately ₹700–1,500 per person for the round trip, as reported in June 2026; the local pony union sets the rate. Agree the price, the turnaround point and the waiting time before you start.

Is Sonmarg or Gulmarg better?

Gulmarg has the gondola and skiing; Sonmarg has the glacier walk, the Sindh river and Zero Point. In summer, see both. In winter, Gulmarg is the stronger snow base, and Sonmarg is a scenic day trip for snow in town.

Do I need a permit for Zoji La or Zero Point?

Sonmarg town needs no permit. For Zero Point, the union taxi handles the trip and police checkpoints decide access on the day, depending on weather and Yatra arrangements; check locally. Carry photo ID and follow instructions at checkpoints, especially in Yatra season.