Thajiwas Glacier, Sonmarg

A paradise on Earth, the name “Sonamarg” itself signifies its beauty: The Golden Meadow. Set in a backdrop of snow capped mountains and bright flowers, this place is sure to get your energy flowing.

Sonamarg, which means ‘ meadow of gold ‘ has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. the Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. In late April when Sonamarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months. However, there is need for some stricter regulation to save the environment of the area from over tourism. Litters such as plastic bottles, etc., are strewn all over along the track.

It offers many adventurous routes with amazing green water & frozen lakes around and Thajiwas glacier is a one such major tourist attraction in the region. Located 7 km from Sonamarg, it is an ideal spot for enjoying a sledge ride on the snow even in mid-summer. The nearby area is perfect camping site too.

Best Season

Sonamarg experiences cool climatic conditions to snow covered chilly periods but the best season to visit Sonamarg is from April to October.

Winters (November to March) are chilly with temperature goes down to subzero levels. Snow bound landscapes are the typical views in winters and snowfall is common.

Summers (April to October) are bit warm and pleasant with cool atmosphere and climate. Average temperature is around 20°C. Summers is ideal for sightseeing, adventures and pilgrimage. Snowcan be found on high altitudes.

Monsoon (July to September) is not very vigorous but the hilly rugged terrains can become slippery. It is challenging to take up trekking through the curved and caved paths.

The striking hill station of Sonamarg essentially has cool and pleasant climate during the summer and is the right time for holidays and adventure in the hilly terrains. Winters on the other hand is snow bound and snowfallis common, making it a good time for honeymoon and winter sports. Monsoons in Sonmarg is not very annoying, but adventures like trekking may be difficult to enjoy due to slippery roads.

How to Reach

Sonamarg is easily accessible from Srinagar or Srinagar Airport (SXR), the capital of Kashmir, in under 3 hours by car or bus on NH 1D 87 kilometers which leads along Nallah Sindh a key tourist attraction. Sonamarg is inaccessibe during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, NH 1D is being closed in December every year, the local traffic is permitted only up to Gagangear village, which is the last permanent settlement of this area. Only the Choppers of Indian army lands at Sonamarg during winter carrying essentials for the army camp, and the army personnels are the only people who stays at Sonamarg during these harsh weather conditions. After Kargil war these high altitude alpine meadows have seen heavy deployment of Indian army. The government has given a green signal to dig a 6 kilometer tunnel at Gagangear and 14 kilometer tunnel at Zojila, which will not only keep Sonamarg open round the year but also the Ladakh, this project is still in papers.

(source:jktourism.org)