Gulmarg and Sonmarg (more often written Sonamarg) are both famous for snow and meadows, so people naturally want both. They lie on opposite sides of Srinagar, west and north-east, and the city sits between them. That geography decides the plan.
- Gulmarg and Sonamarg are about 130 km apart, roughly 4 hours, via Srinagar.
- Day trips from Srinagar to each are usually easier than driving directly between them.
- Sonamarg is best May–October; Gulmarg is good all year, with snow December–March.
- Sonmarg and Sonamarg are the same place.
Distance and route
There's no direct mountain road: Gulmarg to Sonamarg means driving back past Srinagar, about 130 km and four hours. Because each is only 50–80 km from Srinagar, two day trips from a Srinagar hotel usually beat a hotel change.
What each offers
- Gulmarg: the Gondola to Kongdoori and Apharwat, the golf course meadow, skiing in winter, St. Mary's Church.
- Sonamarg: Thajiwas Glacier by pony or on foot, the Sindh River for rafting and trout fishing, and Zero Point beyond Zojila when the pass is open.
Seasons
Gulmarg is open all year and becomes a ski resort from December to March. Sonamarg's road can close after heavy snow in winter, and the valley is at its best from May to October. In deep winter, plan Gulmarg for snow and treat Sonamarg as optional.
A 4-day plan
- Day 1: arrive in Srinagar, Shikara ride
- Day 2: Sonamarg day trip
- Day 3: Gulmarg day trip (or stay overnight in Gulmarg)
- Day 4: Mughal gardens, depart
Our Srinagar 3 nights package follows this pattern. If you'd rather sleep in the mountains, the Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg tour spends a night in each.
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About the author: Written and checked by the Travel Wiki planning team, who arrange Kashmir and Ladakh trips every week from Srinagar and Bijbihara.
