3 Days in Sonamarg for a Food Trip

Sonamarg isn't just about stunning landscapes—it's a hidden gem for food lovers too. Over three days, you'll taste the best of Kashmiri cuisine, from rich wazwan feasts to simple street-side delights. I've spent years exploring the local food scene, and this itinerary covers the must-try dishes and where to find them.

Jammu and Kashmir, jammu-and-kashmir
3 Days
Food
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

Feasting on authentic wazwan at a local family-run eatery
Trying freshly baked bread from a traditional tandoor
Sipping kahwa tea with a view of the Thajiwas Glacier
Discovering hidden street food stalls near the main market

Best Time to Visit

MayJuneSeptember

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Day 1

Day 1 in Sonamarg

Start your Sonamarg adventure with its most iconic sights and flavors, from breathtaking mountain views to hearty Kashmiri meals.

Activities

Thajiwas Glacier Trek
Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Kick off your morning with a gentle trek to Thajiwas Glacier, Sonamarg's star attraction. The 3-4 km trail winds through pine forests and meadows dotted with wildflowers, ending at a stunning glacier surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Local pony rides are available if you prefer not to walk.

Thajiwas Glacier trailhead, 3km from Sonamarg townStart by 8:30 AM to avoid afternoon meltwater streamsFree for trekking, ₹500-800 for pony ride
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes - the trail gets rocky near the glacier
  • Bargain firmly for pony rides - rates are flexible
Lunch at Glacier View Restaurant

Refuel after your trek at this unassuming local favorite with panoramic mountain views. Their signature dish is the Kashmiri thali - a spread of rogan josh, dum aloo, rajma, and steaming rice topped with crispy saunth (dried ginger) garnish. Don't miss the kahwa (saffron tea) served in traditional samovars.

Near Sonamarg market, opposite petrol pump12:30-2:00 PM (they stop cooking fresh dishes by 2:30)₹250-400 per person
Tips:
  • Ask for the day's special - often fresh trout from Sindh River
  • Try their homemade walnut chutney with bread
Sindh River Walk & Photo Stop
Sindh River Walk & Photo Stop

Spend your late afternoon strolling along the turquoise Sindh River. The best photo spot is near the old wooden bridge where locals often graze their sheep. If you're visiting May-July, you'll see colorful nomadic Gujjar settlements with their distinctive woven tents along the banks.

Riverside trail starting near Sonamarg taxi stand4:00-5:30 PM (golden light for photography)Free
Tips:
  • Wear windproof layers - river breeze gets chilly
  • Look for the hidden waterfall 15 mins upstream from the bridge

Must Try Foods

Kashmiri Rogan Josh
Sindhi Trout (fresh river fish)
Sheermal (saffron bread)
Noon Chai (pink salted tea)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Srinagar Railway Station (80km, 3 hours by cab)
Nearest Bus Stop
Sonamarg Bus Stand (local buses from Srinagar every 2 hours)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Shared cabs available near market; private cabs can be booked through hotels (₹2000-3000 for full day)

No destinations found for this itinerary

Day 2

Day 2 in Sonamarg

A mix of scenic beauty and local flavors, with a visit to a high-altitude meadow and a taste of Kashmiri hospitality.

Activities

Baltal Valley Visit
Baltal Valley Visit

Head to Baltal Valley, a stunning meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It's quieter than Sonamarg but just as beautiful, with lush greenery and the sound of the Sindh River nearby. Perfect for a peaceful walk or just soaking in the views. If you're up for it, you can even take a short pony ride around the valley.

Baltal Valley, about 15 km from SonamargMorning, around 9 AM to 12 PM, to avoid afternoon crowdsFree (pony rides around INR 500-800)
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes—the terrain can be uneven.
  • Carry a light jacket; it gets breezy even in summer.
Local Kashmiri Wazwan Experience

For lunch, dive into a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan feast. This multi-course meal is a celebration of flavors, with dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Gushtaba. Many local guesthouses offer this experience—ask around for the most authentic spot. The slow-cooked meats and rich gravies are a must-try.

Local guesthouses or small restaurants in SonamargLunch, around 1 PM to 3 PMINR 800-1500 per person
Tips:
  • Call ahead to confirm—some places prepare Wazwan only on request.
  • Go hungry—it’s a lot of food!
Nilagrad River Dip & Tea Break
Nilagrad River Dip & Tea Break

Visit Nilagrad, where the reddish-brown waters of the river are believed to have healing properties. Locals swear by a dip here, but even if you skip the swim, it’s a serene spot to relax. Pair it with a cup of Kahwa (Kashmiri saffron tea) from a nearby stall while enjoying the mountain views.

Nilagrad River, about 10 km from SonamargLate afternoon, around 4 PM to 5 PMFree (Kahwa around INR 50-100)
Tips:
  • The water is icy—even a quick splash is refreshing!
  • Bargain lightly at tea stalls; prices can be flexible.

Must Try Foods

Rogan Josh
Yakhni
Kahwa

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Jammu Tawi Railway Station (about 300 km, 8-9 hours by road)
Nearest Bus Stop
Sonamarg Bus Stand (buses to Baltal run every 1-2 hours)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Easy to find shared or private cabs in Sonamarg; negotiate rates before hopping in

Day 3

Hidden Gems of Sonamarg

A relaxed day exploring lesser-known spots and savoring local flavors in Sonamarg, with a mix of nature and culture.

Activities

Morning at Zojila Pass Viewpoint

Head to the Zojila Pass viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. It's less crowded than Thajiwas Glacier but equally breathtaking. The drive itself is scenic, with winding roads and dramatic landscapes. Pack a thermos of kahwa (Kashmiri saffron tea) to enjoy with the view.

Zojila Pass, about 20 km from Sonamarg townEarly morning (7-10 AM) for clear skiesFree (unless hiring a cab)
Tips:
  • Dress in layers—it gets windy at the pass
  • Ask locals for the best photo spots—some angles aren’t obvious
Village Walk in Shitkari

Visit Shitkari, a quiet village near Sonamarg, to see traditional Kashmiri life. Walk past wooden houses, meet shepherds with their flocks, and maybe even spot a walnut woodcarver at work. The village is surrounded by apple orchards and tiny streams—perfect for a slow-paced wander.

Shitkari village, 5 km from SonamargLate morning (10 AM-12 PM) when villagers are activeFree (tip if visiting a local artisan)
Tips:
  • Wear comfortable shoes—paths can be uneven
  • Carry small change if you want to buy homemade jams or crafts
Lunch at a Local Home (Dastarkhwan Experience)

Skip restaurants and opt for a home-cooked meal with a Kashmiri family. Many locals offer 'dastarkhwan' (traditional dining spreads) for visitors. Expect dishes like rogan josh, dum aloo, and fresh nadru (lotus stem) cooked in mustard oil, served with warm rice and homemade yogurt.

Arranged through homestays or local guides in Sonamarg1-3 PM (typical Kashmiri lunchtime)₹500-800 per person
Tips:
  • Ask to help roll out the wazwan bread—it’s fun!
  • Try the salted noon chai (pink tea) post-meal for digestion

Must Try Foods

Nadru Yakhni (lotus stem in yogurt gravy)
Gushtaba (minced mutton balls in creamy sauce)
Shufta (nut and dry fruit dessert)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Srinagar Railway Station (80 km, ~3 hours by cab)
Nearest Bus Stop
Sonamarg Bus Stand (shared cabs and buses to nearby spots)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Shared cabs (called 'sumos') are common; private cabs can be booked through hotels

Travel Tips

Ask locals for their favorite food spots—they know the real hidden gems
Try the smaller, family-run places for the most authentic flavors
Don't miss the early morning bread—it's freshest then
Carry cash as many small eateries don't accept cards

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