Srinagar, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam
Kashmir circuit with a spare day
The four classic stops in a sensible order, plus one day in Pahalgam with nothing booked. Use it for Aru, a long river walk or a lie-in.
Sonamarg and the road to Zoji La
Glacier meadows on the Sindh, and the start of the Great Lakes trek.
2,800 m May to October
AltitudeAbout 2,800 m
From SrinagarAbout 80 km, 2.5 hours
Best monthsMay to October
Our trips here3 trips
Why go to Sonamarg
Sonamarg is the last big meadow on the Srinagar to Leh road, at about 2,800 m, with the Sindh river below and the Thajiwas glacier above. A walk or pony ride from the main meadow takes you to the foot of Thajiwas, and old snow on the path well into June.
Past Sonamarg the road climbs to Zoji La, about 3,528 m, the pass into Ladakh. When it is open, local taxis run to Zero Point on the far side. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in 2025, Sonamarg itself can be reached through the winter, though snow still decides what you can do once you are there. It is also where the Great Lakes trek begins.
What to see
- The walk or pony ride to Thajiwas glacier
- A local taxi up to Zoji La and Zero Point, when open
- Rafting on the Sindh
- The start of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek
- Gold birch and poplar by the river in October
Local tip
Zero Point trips depend on the pass being open and on local taxi rules, which change often. We confirm both the evening before.
Our trips that include Sonamarg
Each one has a full day-by-day plan, and every one can be changed.
Sonamarg to Naranag, with Srinagar either side
Kashmir Great Lakes trek
Seven alpine lakes, three passes and about 70 km of trail from Sonamarg to Naranag. We build in a buffer day at Gangbal and finish with a houseboat night.
Srinagar, Sonamarg, Pampore and Pahalgam
Autumn colour and saffron
Timed for chinar season and the saffron bloom. Early light in Srinagar, purple fields at Pampore and the golden birch and poplar around Aru.
What to do around Sonamarg
Season, timing and where each one happens. We arrange guides, permits and tickets.
Treks and hikesKashmir Great Lakes trek
Seven alpine lakes and three high passes over about 70 km, from Sonamarg to Naranag. Hard work, and the finest week of walking in Kashmir.
- Where
- Sonamarg to Naranag
- When
- July to mid-September
- Time
- 8 to 9 days
Rivers and lakesTrout fishing
Brown trout in the Lidder, the Sindh and the streams of Gurez. You need a licence from the Fisheries Department, which we arrange along with a local guide.
- Where
- Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gurez
- When
- April to September
- Time
- Half day
Camping and photographyZoji La and Zero Point
Beyond Sonamarg the road climbs to Zoji La, about 3,528 m, between walls of old snow. Local taxis run to Zero Point on the Ladakh side when the pass is open.
- Where
- Above Sonamarg
- When
- May to October, road permitting
- Time
- Half day
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