Driss 
Sonamarg is typically attended as a day trip by the majority of visitors. Visitors will drive away from Srinagar approximately 80 kilometers to Sonamarg, have a couple of hours to take photos of Thijavas Glacier, have lunch by the riverside and make their way back to Srinagar before dark. The travel distance is a very reasonable drive and thus can be done as a day trip.
In my opinion, I could have easily done a day trip to this area, but after visiting the area for two nights, I can assure you that day visitors missed out on the highlights of the town.
What Sonamarg actually is?
Sonamarg means “meadow of gold.” It is approximately 2,800 meters above sea level and is located within the very scenic Kashmir Valley. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes featuring snow-capped mountains, significant glaciers, woods of cedar and pine trees, and the crystal clear, cold waters of the Sindh River, which runs through the town.
Sonamarg is not a busy hill town with many shops and busy streets, like a lot of the other hill towns in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is much quieter and much more peaceful than most other hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir. The primary motive of travelling to Sonamarg is for the vast open meadows, snow-capped mountain peaks, and the high-quality air.
The drive from Srinagar is part of the experience
The road from Srinagar to Sonamarg follows the Sindh River for most of its length. It passes through small villages, roadside dhaba stalls, and stretches of river that stop you midway.
The drive takes approximately two to three hours. I made three unplanned stops. One was for chai. One was because the river turned a shade of blue I had never seen before. One was just because I needed a moment.
What changes when you stay overnight in Sonamarg?
Here is what day trippers do not see. The meadow is at 6 in the morning, when the mist is still sitting low, and there is nobody else around. The way the peaks catch the first light and hold it for about ten minutes before everything shifts. The complete silence after the last tourist vehicle leaves in the evening.
I woke up early on my first morning and walked into the meadow alone. Even though my hands were numb with the cold, every moment was worth it.
Thajiwas Glacier: Go in the morning
Thajiwas Glacier is the main attraction in Sonamarg. It sits about three to four kilometres from town. The walk is doable too, through alpine meadows full of wildflowers in summer.
A good idea would be to go in the morning, when the light is better. The crowds are usually thinner. By afternoon, the paths get noisy, making it feel like a completely different place.
The Sindh River: Slower than it looks
The Sindh River runs right through Sonamarg. It looks relaxed from a distance, but moves fast up close. Local guides offer trout fishing with permits arranged on the spot.
I did not fish. I just sat by the river for an hour on my second afternoon. The sound it made over the rocks was the most relaxing thing I heard the entire trip. No effort required.
Where to stay in Sonamarg?
A few good options come up consistently. Four Points by Sheraton has mountain views from every room and a reliable in-house restaurant. Country Inn and Suites by Radisson is well-located with organised excursions available. Sheenwoods Riverside Resort sits right on the water and has a quieter, retreat-like feel.
Whatever you book, ask for a meadow-facing or river-facing room. Most hotels in Sonamarg have them.
So – Day Trip or overnight?
Taking a day trip provides you with a tour of the glacier, meadow, meal, and driving. You will return with great pictures and an understanding of the overall area.
An overnight stay provides you with the morning fog over the meadow, the empty meadow, and the river at sunset, along with a special feeling of being in an amazing place without feeling rushed to return.
Sonamarg does not expect you to give anything to it; however, those who take a little extra time will feel more rewarded.
Stay at least two nights. You will surely not regret it.
