If you are planning a trip to Sonamarg in 2026, Thajiwas Glacier should be at the top of your list. It is one of those places that looks even better in real life than in photos. A big, beautiful glacier located around a green meadow, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, it is honestly hard not to fall in love with it the moment you arrive.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know before you visit; what to do there, how to reach it, when to visit, and why Sindh Resort and Spa in Sonamarg is the best place to stay for your Thajiwas Glacier trip.
Thajiwas Glacier isn’t just an amazing tourist attraction but it’s an adventure filled place. Nestled at 9,800 feet above sea level and surrounded by wildflowers and snowcapped mountains, it offers activities that blend adventure with serenity.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek: Thajiwas Glacier trek is one of the most thrilling and scenic treks in Sonamarg. This short trek of just 3 kms starts from Sonamarg takes you to Thajiwas Glacier offering breathtaking views of frozen lake surrounded by lush green meadows of pine and fir trees.
Pony Riding: You can also enjoy pony rides from Sonamarg market. They take you through the meadow all the way to the Thajiwas glacier base. It is a thrilling and relaxed way to enjoy the beauty of landscape, especially if you have kids or elderly family members with you.
You can book ponies from Sonamarg market, and the pricing starts from Rs. 1500 –2000 per person.
Photography: Thajiwas Glacier is famous for its unique beauty of frozen lake. Early morning light is soft and blue. Afternoon light makes the glacier glow. This mesmerizing beauty of the glacier offers amazing opportunities for photography lovers.
Staying at Sindh Resort and Spa makes you capture the best scenes of light before other visitors arrive.
Sledging on Snow: If you are visiting between April and June, there will still be snow near the Thajiwas glacier. Local operators offer sledging on these snow patches. It is simple, fun, and a great activity for the whole family after a morning at the Sindh resort.
Nature Walk and Birdwatching: The meadow route to the Thajiwas glacier is lovely to walk through. In late June and July, wildflowers bloom all along the trail. You might also spot some Himalayan birds during your trek.
The walking trail starts just minutes from Sindh Resort and Spa, Sonamarg, making it easy to set off at your own pace without any rush.
Reaching Thajiwas Glacier is simple, even for first time visitors. The Thajiwas Glacier distance from Sonamarg base is just 3-4 km one way (about 2 hours on foot), making it an ideal one-day hike.
From Srinagar: Drive along NH1 through the beautiful Sindh Valley. The total distance from Srinagar to Sonamarg is about 87 kilometres and takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road. Many tourists drive directly from Srinagar airport to Sindh Resort and Spa, Sonamarg and visit Thajiwas glacier the very next morning.
From Sindh Resort and Spa to the Glacier: The glacier is just 3 to 4 kilometres from Sonamarg town and even closer from the resort itself. You can get there in three easy ways; walk the meadow trail, take a pony ride, or hire a cab to the meadow entry point and walk the last short stretch.
| Route | Distance | Time Needed |
| Srinagar to Sonamarg | 87 km | 2.5 to 3.5 hours |
| Sindh Resort to Glacier (on foot) | 3 to 4 km | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Sindh Resort to Glacier (by pony) | 3 to 4 km | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Sindh Resort to Glacier (by cab) | Up to meadow entry | 10 to 15 minutes |
Many visitors also plan a trip from thajiwas Glacier to zero point on the same day since both destinations are along the same route. Covering both in one day is very manageable and gives you a fuller experience of the Sonamarg valley.”
There is no entry fee for visiting Thajiwas Glacier. It is completely free and open for all domestic and foreign travellers. However, if you opt for a pony ride through the meadow, expect to pay around Rs. 1,500 to 2,000 per person. Hiring a local guide is also recommended for first-time visitors and can be arranged at a negotiable cost from Sonamarg market.
These small tips will make your visit much easier and more enjoyable:
Plan early: Start your trip early in the morning to skip crowds and enjoy the scenic views of the glacier.
Wear warm clothes: Carry jackets or fleece even in summer as the temperature at the glacier remains chilly in every month. Comfortable trekking shoes are also essential.
Carry water and snacks: There are a few small vendors near the Thajiwas meadow but do not rely on them. Pack a water bottle and some snacks from Sonamarg before heading out.
Book local guides: If you are a first-time visitor, then hiring a local guide will make your Thajiwas glacier trip smooth and safe.
Pack essentials: On your tour to Thajiwas glacier, always carry sunscreen, first aid kit, gloves and sunglasses for a stress-free trip experience.
Weather check: Always check the weather condition before planning your visit to Thajiwas glacier as the weather can change rapidly in the hills.

Before planning a trip to Thajiwas glacier, you must first know about the best time to visit the glacier
Summer (May-September): The best time to visit Thajiwas glacier Sonamarg is during summer season. From May to September, the weather remains pleasant and warm allowing travellers trekking and other outdoor activities. Also, during summer, Thajiwas glacier is surrounded by colourful wildflowers and lush green meadows which offers best photography opportunities.
The route to Thajiwas glacier also remains fully open in summer allowing easy access to tourists.
Winter: Due to heavy snow, the road to Thajiwas glacier remains closed for six months making it inaccessible for visitors. However, if the road conditions are good, you can visit the glacier during winter months also and enjoy ice skating and snowboarding there.
June to September is the best time for visiting Thajiwas Glacier. September is particularly fine as during this time, the crowd is less, the skies are clear, and the valley light is beautiful.
Sindh Resort and Spa, Sonamarg remains open through the season and the team can advise on the best days to visit based on current weather and trail conditions during your stay.

Where you stay in Sonamarg makes a real difference to your Thajiwas Glacier experience. If you stay in Srinagar and drive up each day, you lose two to three hours to the road before your day even begins. For a more immersive experience, there are also some great camping sites in Sonamarg for those who want to sleep right in the valley.
Sindh Resort and Spa, Sonamarg is located inside the Sindh Valley just minutes from the Thajiwas Glacier route. Waking up here means stepping straight into the mountain landscape; no long drive, no rush, no wasted morning hours.
The resort offers comfortable rooms with views of the surrounding mountains, warm meals to start and end your day, and a spa to help you unwind after a full day of glacier trekking and meadow walking.
The staff at Sindh Resort and Spa know the Sonamarg area well. They can help you plan your glacier visit, arrange local guides, sort out pony bookings, and suggest the best days to visit based on current trail and weather conditions.
For families, Sindh Resort and Spa offers a comfortable, well-located base where children can enjoy the glacier tour and then come back to a proper meal and a warm room.
For couples, the combination of mountain views, spa facilities, and easy glacier access makes it an amazingly cozy and romantic stay.
For solo travellers, the support and local knowledge of the resort team makes exploring Sonamarg much simpler.
Thajiwas Glacier is just 3 to 4 kilometres from Sonamarg town. From Sindh Resort and Spa, Sonamarg, you can reach the glacier in 45 to 60 minutes on foot, 10 to 15 minutes by cab, or around 1 to 1.5 hours by pony ride through the meadow.
June to September is the best time to visit Thajiwas Glacier. June and July are ideal for families and first-time visitors. September offers clearer skies and fewer crowds. The glacier remains accessible from April through October, closing in winter due to heavy snowfall.
Thajiwas Glacier offers walking on ice, pony rides through the meadow, snow sledging, nature walks, birdwatching, and photography. Most activities are suitable for all age groups. Sledging on snow patches is available from April to June when winter snow is still present near the glacier base.
No special permit is required to visit Thajiwas Glacier. However, entry rules in Sonamarg can change seasonally. It is always advisable to check current requirements before your visit.