Sonamarg in winter is now a real option for a Kashmir trip. Since the Sonamarg (Z-Morh) Tunnel opened in January 2025, the town can be reached through the winter on most days, and our new reel from 13 October gives a taste of what that looks like.
Please note: the reel is reference footage from last year's snowfall at the Sonamarg Tunnel. It is not today's conditions. As of mid-October 2026 we are not reporting live snow in Sonamarg. We shared it to show what winter here can look like.
Watch it on our Instagram: Sonamarg winter teaser reel (13 Oct 2026, last year's footage)
Sonamarg in winter at a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Can you reach Sonamarg in winter? | Yes, on most days. The 6.5 km Sonamarg (Z-Morh) Tunnel opened on 13 January 2025 and bypasses the old avalanche-prone stretch near Gagangir |
| Can the road still close? | Yes. Heavy snow, avalanche warnings and snow clearing can stop traffic for hours or sometimes days |
| Zoji La (beyond Sonamarg) | A separate question. It is decided day by day by the J&K Traffic Police and often has cut-off times (for example, light vehicles leaving Sonamarg towards Kargil only until 1 pm) |
| Hotels | Fewer open in winter. Confirm heating and hot water before booking |
| Thajiwas Glacier | Snow point about 3 km from Sonamarg, on foot or by pony. Whether it is open is decided on the day |
| Cab from Srinagar | Etios ₹2,500, Innova Crysta ₹3,500, tolls and parking included |
The road: what changed with the tunnel
Before the tunnel, snowfall and avalanches cut Sonamarg off every winter, and most hotels stayed shut. The Sonamarg Tunnel on NH-1 links Gagangir to Sonamarg in Ganderbal district and was built to keep the town open all year.
That does not mean the road never closes. After heavy snow the Srinagar–Sonamarg road can be held for snow clearing, and the traffic police publish a daily plan. Their advisory for 12 October 2026 allowed light vehicles both ways on the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri road "subject to weather and road conditions" and asked drivers to carry and use anti-skid chains on slippery stretches.
Zoji La and Zero Point
Zoji La is the high pass beyond Sonamarg on the road to Ladakh. It used to close from about December to April. In winter 2025-26 the Border Roads Organisation kept it open for a record stretch thanks to lower snowfall and constant clearing, but it still shuts for days after heavy snow. The Zojila Tunnel under the pass is not open yet. If Zero Point is on your wish list, treat it as a bonus that depends on the day.
What's open in Sonamarg in winter
- The town and snow meadows: reachable on most winter days, and the reason people go.
- Thajiwas Glacier: about 3 km from Sonamarg, reached only on foot or by pony. It was closed to tourists for much of 2025 and reopened on 16 February 2026. In winter, ask on the day whether the trail is running.
- Snow activities: sledging and snow walks run when the snow and operators allow. Snow bikes are restricted to set areas under a Sonamarg Development Authority circular.
- Hotels: some stay open, others scale down. We only book stays that confirm heating and hot water.
Staying safe in winter
- Check the daily traffic plan before leaving Srinagar, or call the Traffic Control Unit on 0194-2450022.
- Travel in daylight and leave early. Cut-off times apply beyond Sonamarg.
- Use a private cab with an experienced local driver and anti-skid chains. Shared transport is unreliable in winter.
- Don't go up to Thajiwas or Zero Point during an avalanche warning.
- Carry warm layers, waterproof shoes, gloves and some cash. The mobile signal can be weak higher up.
- Keep a spare day in your plan in case the road is held after fresh snow.
How we plan Sonamarg in winter
We usually do Sonamarg as a day trip from Srinagar in a private cab: Etios ₹2,500 or Innova Crysta ₹3,500, tolls and parking included. Our driver checks the road plan that morning, and if the road is held we move the day. See the full Srinagar to Sonamarg taxi fare page.
You can add Sonamarg to any of our winter packages:
- Srinagar package from ₹12,999
- Gulmarg package from ₹16,999
- Pahalgam package from ₹19,999
FAQs
Is Sonamarg open in winter?
Yes, on most days, thanks to the Sonamarg Tunnel opened in January 2025. Heavy snow can still close the road for hours or days.
Is there snow in Sonamarg right now?
Our reel is last year's footage, not today's. Message us for current conditions before you plan.
Can we go to Zero Point in winter?
Only if the traffic police and weather allow it that day. Zoji La closes after heavy snow.
How much is a cab from Srinagar to Sonamarg?
Etios ₹2,500 and Innova Crysta ₹3,500, tolls and parking included.
Plan your winter trip with Travel Etios Kashmir. Call or WhatsApp 7006085655 or 9596044418. Registered with J&K Tourism: JKEA00005366.
Photos: Travel Etios Kashmir, from our own reel of last year's snowfall.
