Ans: The closest airport is Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, which is approximately 80 km away. From there, transport via taxi and bus is available to Sonamarg.
How To Reach Sonamarg
Planned on making a trip to the stunning valleys of Kashmir? Sonamarg, or (as it is known) the “Meadow of Gold,” should be high up on your list. Located approximately 80 km from Srinagar, Sonamarg is known for its magnificent mountain scenery, incredible glaciers, and stunning rivers of pristine nature.
This lovely hill station not only serves as a popular base for the Amarnath Yatra, but also as a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers. This in-depth Sonamarg travel guide will go through everything you want to know about reaching Sonamarg.
So if you are coming from Delhi or directly from Srinagar, here is a complete guide to help you reach this magical pocket of Kashmir.
About Sonamarg – The Meadow of Gold
Sonamarg is famous for its stunning scenery, adventure sports, and its location next to Thajiwas Glacier, Vishansar Lake, and Baltal Valley, and base camp for Amarnath Yatra. It sits at an elevation of roughly 2,730 meters and is surrounded by large peaks, including Kolhoi and Machoi, making it a dream destination for trekkers, bikers and photographers alike.
Things to do in Sonamarg:
- Thajiwas Glacier: A short trek where you can see ice in the summer.
- Zero Point (Zojila Pass): Remember, it’s a popular tourist site for snow all year round.
- Baltal Valley: A base camp for Amarnath Yatra
- Sindh River Valley: The perfect place to trout fish and nature walk.
Sonamarg Access Route & Location
Sonamarg is located on the Srinagar–Leh Highway(NH1), about 80 km northeast of Srinagar. The beautiful journey takes you through Ganderbal, Kangan, Mammar, Gund, and ultimately Sonamarg.
- Distance from Srinagar to Sonamarg: 80 km
- Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
- Best way to go to Sonamarg: Srinagar → Ganderbal → Kangan → Mammar → Gund → Sonamarg
The entire road runs along the Sindh River with amazing views of mountains, and the green scenery is captivating.
How to Reach Sonamarg by Road
Now, let’s break down how you can reach Sonamarg through different routes. This includes:
From Srinagar
The most common means of getting to Sonamarg is via road from Srinagar. The NH1 highway is smooth and beautiful, with views of pine forests, rivers, and snow-capped mountains.
- Distance: 80 km
- Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Taxi fare for Srinagar to Sonamarg: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 (this depends on season and vehicle).
- Bus service: JKSRTC and private bus services operate regularly (every day) between Srinagar and Sonamarg.
Sonamarg road condition: The road opens from April – November. This does not mean the road will not close during winter (December – March) due to snow, especially around Zojila Pass.
From Delhi
For travellers planning to reach Sonamarg from Delhi, there are two options:
By Air + Road:
- Take a flight from Delhi to Srinagar Airport (Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport).
- From Srinagar, hire a cab or board a bus to Sonamarg (80 km / 3 hrs).
By Road Trip:
- Duration: ~18–20 hours (ideal for adventure lovers).
- Delhi → Jammu → Udhampur → Srinagar → Sonamarg
- Distance: ~900 km
How to Reach Sonamarg by Air
Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is the closest airport (70-80 km away) to Sonamarg, with flights coming in from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Jammu through Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara.
Once you reach Srinagar, you can do the following:
- Hire either a private taxi or shared cab to Sonamarg (₹2,500-₹3,500).
- Book a day tour through your Kashmir tour operator.
- Closest Airport: Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar
- Distance to Sonamarg: 80 km
- Travel time: ~3 hours
How to Reach Sonamarg by Rail
As yet, Sonamarg does not have rail connectivity. The closest railheads to Sonamarg are:
- Srinagar Railway Station – This station is operational for inter-Kashmir travel.
- Jammu Tawi Railway Station – This is the main station that connects Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India.
To continue your travel:
- From Jammu – Tawi, take a cab or bus to Srinagar (270 km, ~ 9 hrs.)
- From Srinagar – it takes 80 km (road travel) to reach Sonamarg.
You will have several trains coming from primary stations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata to Jammu-Tawi, which makes it an easy and inexpensive pathway.
Sonamarg Seasonal Accessibility & Road Closures
It’s important to know the road conditions and what your options are during different seasons. So here’s what you need to know:
Summer (April – June)
This is the perfect time to visit Sonamarg as the meadows bloom, the weather is mild, and access to the Thajiwas Glacier will be available.
Monsoon (July – September)
It is a photographer’s paradise during this time frame, as the landscape turns green and moderate rains will occur. That said, there can be occasional landslides, and the roads may not be great.
Winter (October – March)
The heavy snow will lead to the Sonamarg route being closed after Gagangir and the Zojila Pass. Please check if it will be suitable before travelling at this time. Sonamarg route closures in winter: Generally from mid-December to early March.
Sonamarg Travel Tips
The best time to visit Sonamarg tends to be from April to June and September to October, as the climate is typically moderate and conducive to sightseeing. Even though it is summer, I know that it can get very chilly in Sonamarg in the evenings, so bringing warm clothing would be prudent.
There are several available accommodations in Sonamarg, which include hotels, resorts, and JKTDC guesthouses. The mobile network may be limited, so it’s worth having some offline maps.
ATMs are limited in Sonamarg, and so it may be better to have cash on hand for local expenses. Also note, some treks or areas around Sonamarg may require special permits for foreign tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sonamarg
Q1. Which airport is closest to Sonamarg?
Q2. How is the Srinagar to Sonamarg road?
Ans: The road to Sonamarg is enjoyable, picturesque, and follows the Sindh River the whole way. The road is open from April to November, but can be closed for a period of the winter due to snow.
Q3. Is it worth going to Sonamarg?
Ans: Absolutely, Sonamarg is certainly worth visiting! Characterised by alpine scenery, Thajiwas Glacier, Zero Point, and camping beside rivers, it is one of the prettiest spots in Kashmir.
