sonmarg thajiwas glacier trek

Thajiwas Glacier Trek: A Must-Do Adventure in Sonamarg

Cherish the Thajiwas Glacier with Kashmir Online.

Sonamarg: A boon of Kashmir

Being among the high altitude meadows, streams gushing down the mountains, wind blowing here and there, all in the silence of nature. This is what you experience in the majestic scenes of the paradisical land of Sonamarg. The Sonamarg Valley is a renowned hill station in Kashmir’s central district of Ganderbal. It is thronged by thousands and lacs of travellers every year. It is also famous for the Sonamarg trekking, Amarnath Cave and hosts the terrifying pass of Zojila.

Today we will explore the famous Thajwas Glacier which is located in the vicinity of the Sonamarg hill station. The Thajwas Glacier trek is much loved among common tourists and trekking lovers. Talking about the Sonamarg adventure, let’s unveil the paths of this beautiful journey.

Thajiwas Glacier

The Thajiwas Glacier is a large glacial formation that is located three kilometres from the Sonamarg base and stands at an altitude of 9,186 feet. Placed in the Greater Himalayan range of mountains, this glacier is the source of the Ningli Nallah which flows into the Sind River afterwards. It attracts a huge amount of tourists and many scientists as well and has huge importance in Sonamarg adventure tourism.

Thajiwas Trek

The Thajiwas Glacier Trek is a one-day trek and one of the easiest trekking routes in Kashmir. It starts from the Sonamarg base and has beautiful viewpoints and food spots at various intervals that can re-energize you for the journey. Streams are seen flowing by at many intervals which makes the scenes more magical. You can walk on foot or take a horse, horse riding being the best for the older people.

This trek has different views and experiences to offer, every one of which is unique. From sightseeing, and photography to relaxing in the water, it is a wholesome journey. You can also do sledging on the Thajiwas Glacier.

Trek Duration

The Thajiwas Glacier trek will take you around two hours to reach by foot, depending on your speed and rest time. In total, it will take you around 4 to 5 hours till your return to the base. It is best to start your journey in the early morning and spend a good time at the Glacier.

Best time to trek

The Thajiwas Glacier trek is an important part of Sonamarg adventure tourism although it is only available to the people in the summer season. In the winter season, there are huge amounts of snow en route to the glacier. It is very risky and arduous to trek to the glacier, thus not available.

Vicinity attractions

If you are an explorer inside and want to explore Sonamarg trekking spots further after the Thajiwas Glacier, you have plenty of options. There are the alpine lakes of Durinar and the Royal Sar Lake or Basmai Lake which is also a point of attraction for many. If you are a wildlife person, you can visit the Thajiwas-Baltal Wildlife Sanctuary. The Great Lakes trek, the most famous and amazing trek of Kashmir can also be done from Sonamarg and has huge importance in Sonamarg trekking tourism.

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Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Thajiwas glacier.

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Reviews (0), things to take, available dates, include / exclude, thajiwas glacier trek a jewel in kashmir.

Thajiwas Glacier Trek is a gracious short trek in Kashmir and the main attraction which adds glory to the charm of Sonamarg.

It is located 3 km away from this fable tourist hub and Thajiwas is one of the easiest accessible glacier in the entire region.

This trek is a jewel in Jammu and Kashmir because it entails pleasure to nature buffs and adventure lovers.

Picturesque Access to the Thajiwas Glacier

Pass through the dense pine forests and undulating meadows of Sonamarg. Camp on the foot of the glacier and do not miss to catch the exceptional views offered on Thajiwas glacier Trek .

Explore the nearby areas and enjoy snow sliding. After revealing the beauty of glacier and lifestyle. Get down to Sonamarg and from there get back to Srinagar .

A Short Beginners and Family Trek

Thajiwas glacier trek is a short escapade. Relief yourself from the hectic daily schedule and spend time here with your family and friends in serenity.

The access is easy and it is for the people who are unwilling to walk much distance to reveal the adorning nature. Beginners, without any second thoughts can choose Thajiwas glacier trek in Kashmir.

Key Points of Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Level: Easy

Proper conditioning & training of body required

Need proper gear & clothing for sub-zero temperature

Shoes are the single most important equipment.

High Altitude requires proper acclimatization.

Beautiful landscapes so carry good photo gear & Extra battery backup.

Travel light

The backpack should not exceed 10kgs.

Must Read about Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Duration – 3 days (Srinagar to Srinagar)

Best Time – April to Oct

Level – Easy

Highest point – 3000 m

Weather –  Nights are cold and day temperature is pleasant during the season.

Temperature – Day (20°C to 30°C) Night (0°C – 10°C)

Starting point – Srinagar

Short Itinerary of Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Day 1 – Srinagar (1585 m) to Sonamarg (2800 m) via Ganderbal

Day 2 – Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier (3000 m) (3 km)

Day 3 – Thajiwas Glacier to Sonamarg and Drive to Srinagar

Day 1 : Srinagar (1585 m) to Sonamarg (2800 m) via Ganderbal

The vehicle will be arranged from Srinagar and the drive will be to Sonamarg via Ganderbal. Take a short break at the bank of Sind River at Wayil before reaching Sonamarg.

Day 2 : Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier (3000 m) (3 km)

Post breakfast, start the trek and pass through dense forests and undulating meadows ahead to the glacier’s head. Look at the beauty of pine trees lined up on the side of meadows and mesmerising sight of the down valley.

Have lunch at the glacier, between picturesque snow covered peaks, walk around and practice snow sliding. There explore the little huts and lifestyle of shepherds.

Day 3 : Thajiwas Glacier to Sonamarg and Drive to Srinagar

After revealing the beauty of glacier and lifestyle. Get down to Sonamarg and from there drive will be to Srinagar.

The day tour to Sonamarg and Thajiwas glacier ends here.

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the documents given below.

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc, Passport and Visa important to foreigners Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker) Declaration Certificates

Note: –   Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.

Necessary Items for trekkers

Backpack (50 to 60 liters) A strongly built backpack with good support is compulsory for a trek. (Rain cover is important)

Sturdy Trekking Shoes The shoes should be strong enough with good support. The people ask if sports shoes would be comfortable but it is good to bring the right trekking shoes.

The Clothes You Should Bring On a Trek Avoid keeping extra clothes because it only makes you backpack heavy.

Trek Pants – The jeans are never suitable for a trek so you need at least 2-3 trek pants for treks carry more for longer treks.

Jacket – Jackets are very important to carry on a trek it protects you against the chilly weather. So carry 2 jackets on a week long trek.

Layers of warm Clothing  Carry warm woolen layers or fleece. Carry more layers during winter season (at least 2 to 3) and less during summer.

Thermals – The Temperature decreases at night so you might be need thermals for Night.

T- Shirts – Bring those t shirts which dry fast.

Poncho –They are needed if you are trekking on a Rainy day to keep you dry.

Hiking Pole

Water Bottle 2

Cap or Balaclava

Woolen and Waterproof Gloves

Socks (Woolen and Regular)

Torch head light

Personal Toiletry Items –  (toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitizer etc.)

Carry Personal Medical Kit

Personal Medical Kit (Carry minimum 5 tablets and maximum 10)

Diamox – (Prevents altitude sickness)

Digene – (It cures discomfort in stomach, acidity)

Crocin Advance – (Cures fever and headache)

Aspirin/Combiflam – (Pain reliever)

Disprin – (Cures headache)

Avomine – (Prevents motion sickness)

Avil – (It treat allergies)

Norflox TZ & Lomofen – (Prevents Diarrhoea)

Ranitidine – (Reduces the amount of acid in stomach)

Volini/Moov spray – (For sprains)

Betadine/Savlon – (Antiseptic cream)

Stretchable/Elastic bandage

Note:- Use medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek, discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.

Sorry! Here are no Available dates right now. For Any Queries you can Email us with [email protected] and Call Us +91 9756197558

What is Included In This Trek?

Transport Facility Srinagar To Srinagar

Forest Permit and entrance fee

Accommodation in tents on twin share basis

All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner

(All camping gears)

High quality tents

Sleeping bags

Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents

Dining Tent

Dining Table

Kitchen team

Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication

Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide

Medical Kit

Oxygen Cylinders

Crampons and Gaiters

What is Not Include In This Trek?

Personal Insurance

Medical Certificate

Personal toiletry Items and Personal Medicine kit

On first day En Route to base camp the Breakfast and Lunch are Not Included

Last Day En Route Lunch and Dinner are Not Included

Transport Facility Kasol To Kasol

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• Thajiwas Glacier

Thajiwas Glacier, Sonamarg - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

India | Jammu & Kashmir | Sonamarg

#1 of 12 places to visit in sonamarg, distance (from sonamarg bus stand): 3 kms, visited from: sonamarg bus stand, trip duration (including travel): 2-3 hours, place location: not available, transportation options: walk/trek, website: na, phone no: na, place address: na, travel tips: none.

At a distance of 3 km from Sonamarg Bus Station, Thajiwas Glacier is a mountain glacier located in Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir. Referred to as 'The hidden jewel of Kashmir, it is one of the most famous places for trekking in Jammu & Kashmir, and among the most visited tourist places in Sonamarg. Perched at an altitude of 9,186 feet, Thajiwas Glacier is an exquisite beauty overlooked by Tajiwas Mountain, and surrounded by alpine meadows, conifer trees, and frozen lakes. The glacier is a perfect spot for trekking and camping enthusiasts. One can either trek all on their own or even hire a pony and a local to accompany you along. The trek is not difficult at all. On the way to the glacier, the tourists get to witness the beauty of the silver-shining frozen lake along with all the greenery around. There are also the Gujjar tribes who have their camps set up and earn their livelihood here. Thajiwas Glacier Trek is a short one that starts from Sonamarg town itself and ends at the Glacier which takes around 2 hours to complete. The 3 km long trek passes through lush green pastures, and a beautiful forest, and ends at a viewpoint from where you get a clear view of the glacier. There is also the option of hiring a pony to get to the glacier. The glacier remains covered in snow throughout the year where tourists can enjoy activities like sledding rides, building snowmen, and pony rides. There are a few tea stalls at the viewpoint where one can get something to eat before starting on your way back. The trek to Thajiwas Glacier opens by late March or early April and remains open until late October to early November, depending on the weather. Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM Entry: Free, Rs. 700 -1500 for Pony Ride

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THAJIWAS GLACIER

Thajiwas glacier is located 3 km from Sonmarg, and is called the “Jewel of Kashmir” with its frozen lake, snow-covered mountains, fir and pine trees, alpine meadows, gushing waterfalls, and small streams. A favorite destination for trek lovers, it is also known for activities like sledding, and pony riding, all of which can be experience with our well-curated Kashmir packages . The ideal time to visit this stunning place is between April and October.

Trek lovers take note! Thajiwas glacier situated just 3 Km from Sonmarg is one of the most striking and thrilling places you will witness. A treasure trove of Jammu and Kashmir, this glacier only gets exciting with activities like hiking, sledding, and pony rides.

Unsure if a camera could do justice to the sheer magic of this place, its frozen lake, mountains covered in a thicket of snow, its fir and pine trees, and alpine meadows are inexplicably stunning. Thajiwas glacier is also surrounded by waterfalls that can be reached via a hike. The beauty of this glacier is only enhanced by small streams that embed the place.

Tourists can also camp near the glacier besides spending a leisurely evening creating a snowman or indulging in a snowball fight. The best time to visit the glacier is between April and October when it is blessed with an ideal climate. Thajiwas Glacier is one of the most popular destinations in Sonmarg and the ideal way to cover this wonderland is by trekking to the top. Rightly called the “Jewel of Kashmir” , the spot is one of the best winter places to visit in Sonmarg.

• Thajiwas Glacier is located 3 km from Sonmarg and is known for its mystic views and its risky trek. • The destination is Jammu and Kashmir's treasure with its magnificent frozen lake, mountains covered in a thicket of snow, its fir and pine trees, and alpine meadows. • The destination is replete with activities like hiking, and pony rides. • Tourists must exercise caution as they trek through the glacier and watch out for rough icy edges or unstable ice. However, tourists can camp inside small caves that are present at the glacier, as you trek your way to the top. • Thajiwas is also blessed with a waterfall that tourists will pass along the trek as well as small streams that embed the place. • Due to its climate, the best time to visit the glacier is between April and October • The place is also immensely popular for the activity of sledding.

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Sonamarg – A COMPLETE Travel Guide and Itinerary

Sonamarg is one of the four most visited destinations of Kashmir, the other three being Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The place is easily accessible, remains open for most of the year, has plenty of hotels, offers amazing views, and is perfect for all kinds of trips. How you can plan your trip to Sonamarg is what I will be providing details on in this article.

Sonamarg is located on the Srinagar Leh highway at a distance of about 75 kilometers from Srinagar. The road remains open between April to November and gets closed in the winter season. 2 Days is an ideal time for visiting Sonamarg but if you are short on time, you can easily make it a day trip as well.

Public transport is also easily available. There is a daily bus between Srinagar and Sonamarg and other than that, shared cabs also travel on the route regularly.

For accommodation, there is a wide range of hotels to choose from, both for budget travelers as well as someone looking for a luxury stay. Read on to find out more.

For all other details on Kashmir like mobile connectivity, public transport, taxi services, and several other tips, please take a look at  How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir – A Complete Travel Guide .

To get the best hotel rates, and taxi charges, and to organize your trip to Kashmir, you can speak with Kunal @ 9910 402 252 . Give him my reference and you will surely get a discounted rate.

Below is a video that I shot in Sonamarg during my recent winter trip. You can also consider checking out this video for more details.

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About Sonamarg

The word Sonamarg (also spelled as Sonmarg) literally means a meadow of gold. It is named such because the peaks surrounding the town start to appear golden, due to the light of the setting sun, as in the picture below.

Sonamarg is not really a large place. You hardly need to drive about 2 kilometers to get from one end of the village to another. It is located at an altitude of 2,730 meters (8,960 ft) and gives rise to the ‘Three Sisters’— a group of rivers (the Lidder, Sind, and Neelum) that run parallel to each other and serve as tributaries for the Jhelum River .

Sonamarg has no permanent settlement because it remains inaccessible during the winter season. All the hotels shut down sometime in November and do not reopen until March.

Some locals however do stay back and remain in Sonamarg for all 12 months. There are talks about keeping it open for the entire year and the work to maintain the road connectivity even in the winter season is underway.

How to Reach Sonamarg

In order to get to Sonamarg, you will first have to reach Srinagar. You can also approach from Leh and Kargil’s side but that is of course a much longer route.

Srinagar is one of the major cities of India and a well-known tourist destination. So getting there should not be a problem. You can either reach by road or catch a flight. For more details on Srinagar, take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Srinagar .

How to reach Sonamarg from Srinagar

Once you have arrived in Srinagar, you can reach Sonamarg either by your own vehicle, rent a private taxi, or use public transport. Sonamarg is connected with Srinagar by a tarred road that remains in good condition for the most part of it.

By Car / Bike

If you are traveling in your car or by your motorcycle (or you could also rent a bike in Srinagar ) the journey from Srinagar to Sonamarg will take about 3 hours at most. The route will be as mentioned below.

Srinagar – Nagbal – Ganderbal – Wayul – Wayul Bridge – Hari Pora – Kangan – Gund – Sonamarg

This entire stretch is basically divided into two parts – the stretch between Srinagar and Wayul Bridge and then the rest of the route to Sonamarg.

Until Wayul Bridge (which is really a very narrow but short bridge), the road is single-lane, narrow, and heavily crowded. You will come across a lot of two-way traffic on it which will really limit your speed. It is just about 25 kilometers in distance but can easily take well over an hour.

Once you cross Wayul Bridge, the road turns into a broad highway, and the rest of the 50 kilometers until Sonamarg is a smooth drive. The scenery will also change drastically after you cross Kangan and you will really enjoy the drive.

I recommend starting a little early from Srinagar so that you can cross the Ganderbal stretch before the traffic builds up. But even if you start a little late, the entire journey to Sonamarg will not take more than 3 hours.

Alternate Route

There is another route that passes through Sumbal and joins this same road after Wayul Bridge. But that route is almost 95 kilometers in distance and does very little in terms of avoiding traffic. You will still have to make your way through heavy traffic until Sumbal and the travel time also increases to over 4 hours.

My recommendation is that you stick to the Ganderbal route. Wherever you were staying in Srinagar, make your way to Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, and follow the road from there. If you aren’t sure of the way, turn on Google Maps and it will guide you properly.

Srinagar to Sonamarg Bus

There is a daily bus available between Srinagar and Sonamarg. This service remains available from May to September (or October, depending on the weather). The bus starts from either Batmaloo or Parimpora in Srinagar.

Also Read: Places to Visit in Gulmarg & Things to Do

Srinagar to Sonamarg Bus Timings

This bus starts from Srinagar (Batlamaloo or Parimpora) at around 8 in the morning and reaches Sonamarg about 5-6 hours later. It takes a lot of breaks in between, stops at almost every village and that is why the travel time is higher.

Srinagar to Sonamarg Bus Fare

The fare of this bus is Rs. 150 per person.

Srinagar to Sonmarg Shared Taxi

The frequency of the bus between the two places is not that great. There is mostly one bus in the day or at most two. Hence, a better way to travel will be by shared cabs. But for this, you will have to break the journey into two parts.

You will first board a shared cab for Kangan from Srinagar. The cabs are available from either Hazratbal or Jahangir Chowk in Srinagar.

Once you get to Kangan, you will then have to find another cab for Sonamarg. These cabs are easily available in both Srinagar and Kangan and travel throughout the day.

Srinagar to Sonamarg Taxi

The best way to travel, if you aren’t traveling by your own vehicle, is definitely to hire a private cab. This makes the journey more comfortable and you can also take plenty of breaks in between for sightseeing.

Finding a private taxi will be very easy in Srinagar. You can just talk to your hotel owner and they will arrange one for you. Or you can call any of the contacts I have provided on the Contact Me Page and see if they can offer you a good deal.

Srinagar to Sonamarg Taxi Fare

For shared cabs, your total fare for Soanamrg will be around Rs. 190. If you rent a private cab, you will pay between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000 for a day, depending on your negotiation skills, the tourist season, and the type of cab you rent.

For more details, please take a look at Taxi Rates in Kashmir .

How to reach Srinagar from Sonamarg

For your return journey, the same options that I mentioned above remain open. There is a daily bus available from Sonamarg to Batlamaloo or Parimpora from Srinagar that you can board.

If not the bus, you can look for a shared cab from Sonamarg to Kangan and then Kangan to Hazratbal or Jahangir Chowk in Srinagar. If you were driving on your own, the return route will also remain the same.

Where to Stay in Sonamarg

Now that you have reached Sonamarg, let us talk about your options for accommodation. Sonamarg has a wide range of hotels, both for people looking for budget accommodation or for someone with no budget constraints.

Best Place to Stay in Sonamarg

Sonamarg actually starts with hotel buildings on both sides of the road. As you enter the town, you will notice hotels spread over the entire valley and can pick the one that suits you the best.

The hotels at the start of the town are a bit on the deluxe and luxury side. In these hotels, you can expect the fare to be anywhere between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 or even higher. If budget is not a problem, look for a hotel at the beginning of the town as the views from here are the best.

Best Hotel in Sonamarg

If I am to suggest a name, I will recommend Hotel Barzman. It is my preferred place to stay whenever I am in Sonamarg. The hotel is spread over a large area, offers great views, rooms are large and spacious and the service is good.

You can read a detailed review of the hotel at Hotel Barzman – A Great Place to Stay in Sonamarg or can also watch the video below on my YouTube Channel.

It is run by a gentleman called Mohsin and his number is 7889837274 . Give him my reference and you will definitely get a discounted price.

Budget Hotels in Sonmarg

If you were looking for budgeted accommodation, go all the way to Sonamarg Market. Do not look for a hotel at the beginning of the town. In the market area, you will notice several restaurants with boards reading ‘Rooms Available.

Out there, you can get a room for as low as Rs. 600-800 per night, or even lower, depending on your negotiation skills.

What to see in Sonamarg

What is there to see in Sonamarg? Well, the first answer to that question will definitely be the natural beauty of the place. The location of the entire town is impeccable and you are sure to fall in love with the views it offers.

I actually wrote an entire article detailing all the tourist places you can see here. You can read it at Places to Visit in Sonamarg & Things to Do . But for a brief overview, mentioned below is a list of tourist attractions in Sonamarg and its nearby areas.

Thajiwas Glacier

Thajiwas Glacier is by far the biggest tourist attraction of Sonamarg. Contrary to common belief, you do not go all the way to the glacier. Rather, you actually trek about 3 kilometers from Sonamarg to a place called Snow Point. From there, you get a clear view of the glacier and can also indulge in activities like sledding.

The trek is not difficult at all and is a walk of about 90 minutes to 2 hours from Sonamarg to Snow Point. You can either walk on your own or can even rent a pony for the same.

The standard rate of pony is between Rs. 700 to Rs. 1500 in the tourist season and between Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 in the off-season. How much you will pay will entirely depend on how well you were able to negotiate.

To read about this trek in detail, please read How to Plan Your Trek from Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier or watch the video of the trek below.

Zojila Pass

Next in line would be the well-known Zoji La Pass. It is at an altitude of 11,575 ft and located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Sonamarg.

Why would you want to go to the pass? There are two reasons for this. One is that the views from the top are simply amazing. The second reason is that the drive itself is quite adventurous and will have your heart jumping to your throat at several places.

Cabs can also be rented in Sonamarg to visit Zojila. To read more, please take a look at How to Plan your Trip from Sonamarg to Zoji La Pass.

Also Read: Zojila Pass – Status, Timings & Road Conditions

Zero-point is actually a spot about 2 kilometers from Zoji la Top. From Sonamarg, you drive to the top of the pass and then drive another 2 kilometers towards Dras to reach a spot where there are a lot of Dhabas.

I am not sure why they named it Zero Point but you can get something to eat and drink there, click some photos, and get a view of the other side of the pass before starting to drive back to Sonamarg.

How to reach Zero Point Sonmarg?

Taxis are available in Sonamarg itself for a day trip to Zojila Pass and Zero Point. These taxis usually charge about 4-5k for a day trip. Speak to your hotel owner and they may be able to arrange a cab for you at a lower price. You can also take a look at the video below for the Zojila Pass drive and snow point.

Sarbal is a small village about 2 kilometers from Sonamarg market. It is a small charming village located in the forest and you should visit here just for the views and experience the local life in the villages of Kashmir.

This place is about 2-3 hours of a trek away from Sonamarg. The trek is actually a little difficult and steep because you literally climb up the face of a mountain.

It is called Table Top because it is a flat piece of land on the slope of the hill. From there, you get an amazing view of Sonamarg, Thajiwas Glacier, Sind River, and the entire valley, especially at Sunset.

That pretty much is it. Sonamarg is really a small town and there are not many other places to visit here. You can also drive to the other side of the river and get a superb view, like in the first picture of this article.

There are several other lakes around Sonamrg like Tarsar Marsar, Vishansar, and Kishansar but they are all located deep inside the forests and will require you to trek for a few days.

To know more in detail, please take a look at Places to Visit in Sonamarg & Things to Do  or you can also take a look at the video below.

Things to Do in Sonamarg

You can follow the link above to read about this as well in detail but for a brief overview, mentioned below are the tourist activities you can enjoy in Sonamarg.

This one goes without saying. Sonamarg is really a haven for people interested in trekking. There are short treks like Thajiwas and Table Top as well as several others that will need you to walk in the forests for several days.

Hire a pony and ride it to the Thajiwas Glacier. It is definitely a lot of fun.

What is sledding? The activity is basically you sitting on a wooden sled and riding it down on the snow. It remains available for all 12 months, even in summer. There are several places near Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains for all 12 months in small patches and serves as sledding spots.

This of course happens only in the winter season for a few weeks as soon as Sonamarg opens. There is plenty of snow left by the end of March and early April and you can enjoy skiing in the valley near Thajiwas Glacier trek.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sonamarg

The best time to visit Sonamarg is the months of April, May, and September. But it will also depend on a few other factors. For a more detailed version of this information, please take a look at When is the Best Time to Visit Sonamarg or you can see the video I provided a link to above.

Sonamarg remains open from late March to November and closed in the winter season. There is work ongoing to keep it open for all 12 months but that will still be a couple of years before it happens. For now, you can only visit Sonamarg from late March to late October or early November.

When should you go will entirely depend on what kind of trip you were looking forward to. If you want to see snow, then you should go as soon as it opens, in March or early April.

For visiting with family, I will recommend going in May, June, and September. If you want a budget trip, try visiting in October. For photography, August and September will be the best time to go.

For a honeymoon, April will be best. If you want to go trekking, May and June is the greatest time.

Weather in Sonamarg

Sonamarg has a sub-tropical climate which means that winters here are very cold but summers are pleasantly warm. It snows here heavily from December to March and that is why the roads get blocked.

The temperature at this time drops several degrees below zero and the entire town gets deserted after even the locals move out.

Sonamarg continues to receive snow until early April. In the months of May to June, it mostly remains pleasant and dry during the day. I witnessed snowfall in Sonamarg in late April as well. So yes, the weather here can change suddenly at any time.

Monsoon arrives by late June and it rains heavily in this region throughout July and August, until early September. It starts to get cold again in late September and by mid-October, it can snow anytime in Sonamarg. The weather remains to be very cold until March next year.

Also Read: Clothes to Pack for Kashmir Trip

Clothes to Pack

This will majorly depend on which month you are traveling in but a windproof jacket is a must at all times. If you were traveling early in the season, then you must bring heavy woolen clothes to protect you from the cold.

The same rule applies to visiting in October or early November. Temperatures at this time can dip to zero and it can get extremely cold at night.

You should pack some thermals, woolens, gloves, caps, warm socks and a good jacket for this time. Your jacket should also include a hoodie that can protect your neck, head, ears, and face. A muffler too can come in very handy.

For the summer season, your regular cotton clothes and a jacket will do the job. Days remain pleasantly warm in Sonamarg during summer and you will actually be walking around just wearing a T-Shirt. Evenings and nights will still be very cold though so a jacket is a must in all months.

If you are traveling during monsoon, then pack clothes that can dry fast, polyester for example. Keep a pair of rubber sandals handy for walking or riding around in the rain; like Crocs for example. If you are traveling in a car then keeping an Umbrella with the rest of your luggage can prove to be a good idea.

Srinagar to Sonamarg itinerary

Last but not least, let me also talk about the itinerary that you can follow to visit Sonamarg from Srinagar. My recommendation will be that you spend at least one night in Sonamarg to better enjoy the place and visit its tourist attractions.

Day 1: Sringar to Sonamarg

Start early from Srinagar, possibly by 7 am, and you will reach Sonamarg by 9 AM. Take a break, get something to eat, and continue to Zojila Pass and Snow Point.

It will take you another 3-4 hours and you should be able to get back to Sonamarg by late afternoon. Check into a hotel and spend the evening just relaxing, walking by the river or you can also pay a short visit to Sarbal Village.

Day 2: Trek to Thajiwas Glacier and return to Srinagar

Leave your hotel by 8 am and trek to Thajiwas Glacier Snow Point. Irrespective of whether you walked or hired a pony, the entire trek will take about 3-4 hours.

Return to Sonamarg by noon, check out of the hotel, have lunch, and return to Srinagar.

Srinagar to Sonmarg Day Trip

A day trip to Sonmarg from Srinagar can also be easily made but you will have to then leave either Thajiwas Glacier out of the itinerary or Zoji La Pass.

Start by 7 or 8 am from Srinagar and arrive in Sonamarg by 9 or 10 am. Now you will have to choose what you want to do. You can either continue driving straight to Zoji La Pass and Snow Point or you can trek to Thajiwas Glacier.

Irrespective of what you pick, it will be a 3-4-hour affair. Have lunch in Sonamarg, spend some time in the town market, go down to the river, and start your return journey to Srinagar. You will be able to get back to the city by 5 pm to see the sunset at Dal Lake.

Mobile Network & Data Connectivity

All cellular companies have coverage in Sonamarg. No matter which network you are on, your phone will be working fine here. The reception will be strong and voice clarity satisfactory.

Data connectivity also will be good and you will have 4G. Most of the hotels here have wifi facilities with an average data speed of around 10 MBPS.

During the COVID situation when everyone was working from home, I actually did work from Sonamarg for a few days and was able to do so without any problem at all.

For more details on this, please take a look at Mobile Network in Kashmir & Data Connectivity .

Shopping in Sonamarg

There isn’t much to buy here. Sonamarg has a small market but it is just a few shops selling day-to-day items. If you want to buy souvenirs from Kashmir, you should try the market in Srinagar and not Sonamarg.

While you are sightseeing and even in your hotel, a lot of sellers will approach you selling shawls and pashmina, etc. They will claim it to be the original item and will call themselves ‘an artist’ selling at a much lower price than the showroom.

In my opinion, do not fall for that. You will just be scammed. These people are really persuasive and hard to get rid of but just say no and look for a reliable shop in Srinagar for your shopping.

Also Read: Food to Try in Kashmir – What to Eat

What & Where to Eat

The market in Sonamarg is lined with numerous restaurants. You will have plenty of options to choose from, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

If you are a non-vegetarian, you will really love the food here. There is a small restaurant there called Lolabi. Try the Kashmiri Wazwan there. I have eaten at different restaurants in Sonamarg but the food at Lolabi tasted the best.

If you are vegetarian, there are a few vegetarian-only restaurants as well. You will come across several boards reading ‘Shudh Vaishno Dhaba’. You will be disappointed though. Vegetarian food here is really below average and is not going to taste that good.

Do keep in mind that the food in Sonamarg is a little on the expensive side. No matter what or where you eat, the prices will seem a bit steep but that is the case with almost every restaurant here.

Other Facilities

Mentioned below is information on other facilities available in Sonamarg.

ATM / Banks

There is a branch of J&K bank in Sonamarg and it has an ATM as well. I have withdrawn cash from this ATM a few times while traveling to either Sonamarg or Ladakh and have always found it functional.

To be on the safer side though, I will recommend bringing enough cash from Srinagar city itself.

The hotels in Sonamarg all accept cards and UPI payments as well but the same cannot be said about the restaurants and the shops. Some may accept while others may not.

Mechanics / Petrol Pump

The nearest petrol pump is in Gagangeer, at a distance of about 10 kilometers from Sonamarg. Between Srinagar and Sonamarg, there are several petrol pumps but there is none in Sonamarg itself.

There are no mechanics as well here. The nearest help, for a minor repair, is available in Kangan. For something major, you will have to look for a mechanic in Srinagar only.

Medical Facilities

There is a Primary health center in Sonamarg and dispensaries as well. But for any serious medical condition, you will have to rush back to Srinagar.

Also Read: Places to Visit in Pahalgam & Things to Do

Srinagar to Sonmarg Road Condition

The road between Sonamarg and Srinagar is smooth sailing all the way. The only difficult part is between Srinagar and Wayul Bridge.

It is not so because the road is bad but because it is a little narrow, passes through markets and has heavy traffic. So your speed on this stretch will be a little slow. But after Wayul Bridge, the road turns into a broad well-tarred highway and the drive gets easier.

Sonamarg Altitude

Sonamarg is located at an elevation of 2,730 meters (8957 ft).

Best Vehicle for Sonamarg

There is really no best vehicle as such. The locals here drive around in Maruti Alto as well. All that is needed is that your car or motorcycle is well maintained and capable of climbing up the mountain roads.

Get your vehicle checked (serviced if required) and you will be OK. If you were going to ride a smaller-engine bike, my recommendation would be that you ride solo and as lightly as possible if you also want to ride up to the top of Zojila Pass.

Sonamarg in Winter

Sonamarg remains closed in the winter season after the road gets blocked by the snow. You will not be able to reach Sonamarg between December and March. The farthest you can go is Gagangir but will have to turn back from there.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Sonamarg.

Why Sonamarg is called a meadow of gold?

Sonamarg is known as a meadow of gold because the top of the mountains around the town starts to appear golden during the hours of sunrise and sunset.

How to reach Sonamarg from Delhi?

To reach Sonamarg from Delhi, you will first have to reach Srinagar by either road or flight. From Srinagar, you can travel to Sonamarg by road in either a bus, a shared cab, or a private taxi.

How far is Sonamarg from Srinagar?

Sonamarg is at a distance of 79 kilometers from Srinagar, depending on where you start from in Srinagar.

How to reach Sonamarg from Mumbai?

To reach Sonamarg from Mumbai, you will first have to reach Srinagar by either road or flight. From Srinagar, you can travel to Sonamarg by road in either a bus, a shared cab, or a private taxi.

Is Sonamarg Safe?

Sonamarg is one of the most visited destinations in Kashmir and a safe place.

Best Way to reach Sonamarg from Srinagar

The best way to reach Sonamarg from Srinagar is by a private taxi, if within budget, or a shared taxi if you are looking for a budget-friendly mode of travel.

Sonamarg is also Known As

The name Sonamarg literally means a meadow of gold. It is spelled both as Sonamarg and Sonmarg but it is the same place.

Word of Caution about Pony Owners

The pony owners in this area are a real nuisance. They literally harass tourists and will do their best to trick money out of you. Be very careful while dealing with them.

Why do I say that? It is because the pony owners or the so-called ‘ghode-walas’ think they have a monopoly on this route. If anyone wants to go that way, he must hire them for the purpose, or shouldn’t be allowed. This is the very reason why they got that road shut down because then no one would hire them otherwise.

They will ask you and keep asking you even if you have already said no a hundred times. They literally start to harass tourists. There have been instances when the arguments even got physical when they demanded more later than what was agreed upon initially.

The nuisance of these pony owners actually is prevalent all over Kashmir, especially in places like Gulmarg , Sonamarg, and  Pahalgam , which receive thousands of tourists each year.

I agree that these are poor villagers with limited means of survival but that does not give them a right to harass and trick tourists out of their money. Over time, they have turned more into ‘scammers of Kashmir’ than hard-working individuals.

They will just tail you and keep asking irrespective of how many times you say no. It is the same for the pony owners and the guys who take tourists for sled rides. If you stop, they will stop with you and just keep staring at your face.

Watch Your Step

Because of these ghode-walas, there is horse dung and its smell is almost everywhere. Watch your step or you may just end up stepping in it. There is little you can do to escape the smell other than just cover your nose.

Wildlife in the Area

The area around Sonamarg is known as Bear Valley. There is a considerable population of bears in the surrounding forest. Sighting a bear every now and then is nothing new for the locals. There have been Bear sightings early in the morning and in the late evening. See the video below.

Please do not venture out alone in the forest, especially early in the morning or late at night. For the Thajiwas glacier trek, a safe time to start is after 8 AM and not before that.

Do not Litter

As you can see in the video above, this bear came down looking for food and was going through the trash behind one of the dhabas. You can also see the amount of trash lying around that will definitely attract wildlife.

This poses a risk both to the wildlife and the tourists. Please do not litter and dispose of your garbage sensibly. Surprisingly, authorities seem to take no action in this regard.

There is not even a single dustbin anywhere in Sonamarg. So as responsible tourists, it will really become your responsibility to not throw trash around just about anywhere.

I hope the information above on planning a trip to Sonamarg was of help. If you have any questions, you can contact me on Instagram  and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider  subscribing to my YouTube channel  and asking a question there.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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How to plan a trip to kashmir –..., zojila pass road status and condition 2024 –..., kashmir taxi rates 2024 – 2025 | taxi..., 15 comments.

Dear Vargis, It was a wonderful reading through you detailed narrative covering almost all aspects of travel to Sonmarg and nearby places of interest. Thank you very much and I must appreciate your effort in providing such detailed info to potential tourists. I am myself planning to make a trip from Leh to Srinagar via Kargil & Sonmarg in July. I am told that during Amarnath season (July -Aug) taxis have to leave Sonmarg (& Pahalgam) for Srinagar before 1.00 pm everyday as per govt travel advisory. Is that correct? Thanks

Hello, i will be going to Kashmir in July 2024 (3rd week), just wanted to double check if Sonmarg will be crowded due to Yatra. Should Sonmarg be avoided? Idea was to spend a night but have received suggestions to avoid it. Your thoughts? Alternative is Gulmarg if not Sonmarg.

Entire Kashmir will be crowded at that time due to Yatra will several restrictions in place. If possible, postpone your trip by a month

Do we find snow or can we expect snowfall in mid November in sonmarg?

Depends on the weather but very less chances

Very helpful and comprehensive article.Thank you

Thank you !!!

Hi vargis ji, Will there be snow in Gulmarg during October end? Any place u suggest for snow at this period?

Hi Poornima – Snow will be hard to find anywhere at October end

Hi vagis bro, I am planning a trip to sonmarg for KGL trek . i need a guide com hours man , U know anyone ..?

Sorry Bhai. Don’t know any guides.

The private taxi if booked from Srinagar to Sonmarg, charge for one day. Is this include going to Sonmarg, local sight seeing and then retuen to Srinagar?

It depends on you. You can book for a drop or a complete return journey including sightseeing

Your explanation is very beautiful and also so informative that a lay person can easily reach the destination. Only one thing is that hire cab prices for single / twin traveller is expensive and also there are huge gap between your rate and the actual price. I am planning to go Kashmir in 2nd week of October with my sister and as both of us sr. Citizen can u give me your valuable suggestions to perform the tour without any problem. Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Banerjee. The taxi charges keep changing based on the tourist inflow. If there are hardly any tourists around, they will agree to even half of what I mentioned above. In peak tourist season, these rates go up like crazy.

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Thajiwas Glacier

₹ 12,209 onwards

Label : Top Attraction

Tags : Mountain

Location : Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 191203

Timings : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Best Time to Visit : April to October, although there's snow throughout the year.

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

Thajiwas Glacier, Sonamarg Overview

Thajiwas Glacier which lies at a distance of 3 km from Sonamarg in Kashmir is an exquisite beauty situated 3000 m above sea level covered in snow all through the year. The glacier is a perfect spot for trekking as well as camping. One gets to experience the beauty of the glacier by trekking all the way there from Sonamarg. There is also the option of hiring a pony to get to the glacier. It remains covered in snow throughout the year.

On the way to the glacier, the tourists get to witness the beauty of the silver shining frozen lake along with all the greenery around. There are also the Gujjar tribes who have their camps set up and earn their livelihood here. In addition to all this, alpine meadows are scattered all over in the Thajiwas Glacier along with numerous waterfalls. This makes the glacier one of the most famous and most visited tourist attractions of Sonamarg. The tourists get to ride the sledge during the summer season too. 

Must Know Before You Visit Thajiwas Glacier

Note : 1. During the peak season, sledges and ponies are made available to the tourists. Beware of exploitation from ponywallahs. Rates can skyrocket during summers. 2. Since the surface of the glacier can be slippery, it is better to wear proper footwear to avoid getting hurt. 3. There are option to hire a tour guide, although it's not entirely necessary.

Thajiwas Glacier Highlights

1. thajiwas glacier trek.

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• Discover The Best Adrenaline Pumping Adventures One Can Experience In Sonmarg Of Jammu Kashmir

Discover The Best Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures One Can Experience In Sonmarg Of Jammu & Kashmir

Sonmarg, tucked away amidst the imposing himalayas, is a haven for adventure junkies craving a surge of excitement surrounded by mother nature's grandeur. beautiful to behold with its dreamy landscapes and untamed natural allure, it provides a sublime retreat for those besotted with nature. renowned for its stunning vistas and exhilarating escapades in the midst of awe-inducing himalayan peaks, it truly is a destination that captivates the soul..

Ishika Jain Updated: Sep 06, 2024 8:00 PM IST

Peculiarly located in the midst of breathtaking Himalayan peaks, Sonmarg is a picturesque destination and an escape for those who love adrenaline rush amidst the beauty of nature. It offers thrilling escapades for adventurous enthusiasts due to its scenic landscapes and immaculate beauty.

1.Trekking and Hiking

Sonamarg is a haven for trekkers with various trails from moderate to challenging. One of the most popular trekking routes is to Thajiwas Glacier. This takes you through lush green meadows, dense forests, gushing streams before finally offering you a breathtaking view of the glacier surrounded by snow-capped peaks. For experienced trekkers, the trek to Vishansar Lake and Krishnasar Lake offers more demanding challenges with rewarding views of alpine lakes and meadows.

2.White Water Rafting on Sindh River

The Sindh River that snakes through Sonamarg provides an ideal setting for white water rafting enthusiasts. The river has different grades of rapids hence suitable for both novices and professionals in this field. Paddling through these roaring waters surrounded by towering mountains is what adventure seekers will always keep as a memory.

3.Camping under the Stars

If you are looking for an element of thrill combined with calmness then camping in Sonmarg is not optional among other activities. There are many camping sites along Sindh River's banks or within its pine trees covered meadows. It's unforgettable to camp under a star filled sky while hearing the sound of a river running down in the background which leads you back into the arms of Mother Nature with open arms.

4.Gondola Ride To Thajiwas Glacier

Take a Gondola ride up to Thajiwas Glacier where you can have a unique adventure experience also enjoying aerial views.The ride reveals magnificent panoramic scenes across Sonmarg valley as well as surrounding snow capped hills.As you reach it, engage in winter sports such as sledging or snowboarding during winters which make mountain experience more thrilling.

5.Trout Fishing in Krishansar Lake

Krishansar Lake, which can be reached by trekking from Sonmarg, is a peaceful place for trout fishing lovers. Its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings make it an excellent spot for fishing surrounded by the beautiful nature. This allows you to spend a peaceful day by the lake casting your line against a backdrop of tranquility punctuated only by birdsong at intervals.

6.Skiing in the Winter Wonderland

Sonamarg becomes a snow paradise during winters, giving one ample chances of skiing and snowboarding. For beginners learning skiing gentle slopes around town are suitable while advanced skiers will head higher altitudes to enjoy challenging runs and off piste adventures.

Sonamarg, with its stunning landscapes and thrilling opportunities, attracts lovers of extreme sports from all over the globe. The possibilities are endless; you may find yourself trekking across alpine meadows or rafting down wild rivers or even skiing on snowy slopes; discover the excitement of these things together with magnificent views of snow clad Himalayas at Sonmarg. The spirit of adventure should be embraced while at Sonamarg because it will make young people's hearts pound as they travel throughout their lives.

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7 most beautiful meadows in Kashmir you must visit before the snow arrives

Precious Rongmei , TIMESOFINDIA.COM Updated : Sep 3, 2024, 10:31 IST

Do you know why Kashmir Valley is often referred to as paradise on earth ? Here’s why - no matter what time of the year, whether it is in the dead of winter or the spring/summer, everywhere you look, you will see some of the most beautiful sights. And yes, by sights, we mean meadows. There is no doubt that they are also incredibly photogenic. The gentle flower-covered meadows of Kashmir never fail those who are looking for quiet holidays.

Also known as the Meadow of Flowers , Gulmarg is famous for its lush green meadows. During the summer, the gentle hills and meadows are covered with vibrant wildflowers. The scene, however, changes dramatically in winter. That’s when Gulmarg transforms into a world-class ski destination.

Sonamarg, meaning Meadow of Gold , is renowned for its golden-hued meadows. Have you been to Sonamarg or Sonmarg during autumn? The fall colours are simply spectacular. Sonamarg is also the gateway to the famous Amarnath Yatra, and offers stunning views of the Thajiwas Glacier. For those interested in trekking, Vishansar, Krishansar, and Gangbal treks start from Sonamarg.

For those who don’t know, Pahalgam is also known as the Valley of Shepherds . This picturesque town is surrounded by lush meadows, dense forests, and the Lidder River. When not covered in snow, one can see vast green meadows all around, punctuated by babbling brooks. The meadows of Pahalgam are also ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and horseback riding.

Yusmarg, or Meadow of Jesus , is a tranquil and lesser-known meadow located about 50 kilometres from Srinagar. Yusmarg is one of the offbeat destinations in Kashmir, and offers a quiet escape with its green pastures, pine forests, and the Doodhganga River. Young ones can try pony rides when in Yusmarg.

Betaab Valley

This valley is named after the Bollywood film Betaab which was shot here. Betaab Valley is a stunning meadow located near Pahalgam. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and the Lidder River, the valley is known for its picturesque landscapes and is a popular spot for picnics and photography.

Located just 12 kilometres from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is a serene meadow perfect for a quiet holiday. The valley is known for its idyllic landscapes, surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks. This is also the starting point for the Kolahoi Glacier trek.

Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is a beautiful meadow known for its lush greenery and the Shaliganga River, which flows through it. The meadow is perfect for those looking to spend some time with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is less touristy than other popular Kashmir destinations, but beautiful nonetheless.

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Chelyabinsk city, Russia

The capital city of Chelyabinsk oblast .

Chelyabinsk - Overview

Chelyabinsk is one of the largest industrial, economic, cultural, and business centers of Russia, the administrative center of Chelyabinsk Oblast. This city is located on the geological border of the Urals and Siberia, in the Asian part of Russia, on the eastern slope of the Ural Mountains, on both banks of the Miass River, about 1,800 km east of Moscow.

The population of Chelyabinsk is about 1,179,000 (2022), the area - 500 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 351, the postal codes - 454000-454930.

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Chelyabinsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

26 July, 2024 / Magnificent Landscapes of Ayskiye Pritosy .

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15 February, 2013   / Powerful explosion has happened in the sky over Chelyabinsk today morning. According to the officials, it was the result of a meteor rain. About 500 people sought medical attention mostly injured by fragments of broken glass. A bright flash was seen over the entire region, including Ekaterinburg and Tyumen. You can find more info in our blog post about Chelyabinsk meteorite explosion .

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Foundation of chelyabinsk.

In 1736, the fortress named Chelyaba (most likely, a Bashkir word) was founded on the Miass River. One of the reasons for the construction of this and several other fortresses located nearby was the threat of attacks of the Bashkirs on caravans with supplies. The fortress became part of the Ufa Province.

In 1748, the first stone church was laid in the fortress. In 1781, it received the status of a town called Chelyabinsk. In 1782, the coat of arms of Chelyabinsk was approved by decree of Empress Catherine II. A loaded camel depicted on it meant that trade routes passed through this town located in the Asian part of the Russian Empire. In 1795, the population of Chelyabinsk was about 2,700 people.

By the middle of the 19th century, this town played an important role in trading in the Urals. Until the end of the 19th century, Chelyabinsk remained a small town. In 1882, its population was about 7,700 people. The second birth of Chelyabinsk took place in 1892 - after the completion of the construction of the Samara-Zlatoust Railway, which connected Chelyabinsk with the European part of the Russian Empire.

After 1892, the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway continued further to the east of the country. In 1896, the further development of Chelyabinsk was facilitated by the commissioning of the branch of the Ural Mining Railway, which connected Chelyabinsk with Yekaterinburg. In just a few years, the town became one of the leaders in bread, butter, meat, and tea trade in the Russian Empire. Chelyabinsk was unofficially called “The Gateway to Siberia”.

More historical facts…

Chelyabinsk in the first half of the 20th century

In just a decade, the population of the town grew significantly (in 1897 - about 20 thousand people, in 1910 - more than 60 thousand), and the territory increased by one third. For rapid growth at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, similar to American cities, Chelyabinsk was sometimes called “Chicago beyond the Urals”.

The armed rebellion of the Czechoslovak Corps after the events at the Chelyabinsk Railway Station on May 14, 1918 and the capture of the city on the night of May 26 to 27, 1918, led to its participation in the Civil War in Russia on the side of the Committee of Members of the Constituent Assembly and later on the side of A. V. Kolchak (one of the leaders of the White Armies opposing the Reds (Bolsheviks)). In July 1919, the Reds occupied Chelyabinsk and Bolshevik authorities began to form in the city. In 1923, the population of Chelyabinsk was about 54,300 people.

On September 3, 1919, Chelyabinsk became the center of the Chelyabinsk province. On November 3, 1924, it was transformed into the Chelyabinsk district of Ural Oblast. On January 17, 1934, Ural Oblast was divided into three separate regions - Sverdlovsk Oblast with a center in Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast with a center in Chelyabinsk, and Ob-Irtysh Oblast with a center in Tyumen.

In 1937, there were discussions about renaming the city of Chelyabinsk in Kaganovichgrad in honor of Lazar Kaganovich, a Soviet politician and administrator. During the first Soviet five-year plans, Chelyabinsk became one of the largest industrial centers of the USSR. From the beginning of the 1930s, tractor, abrasive, ferroalloy, electrode, machine tool, and zinc plants began to operate. In 1939, the population of Chelyabinsk was about 273,000 people.

Chelyabinsk during the Second World War

During the Second World War, Chelyabinsk played a very important role as a production base. The population of the city grew rapidly from 270 to 650 thousand people. On the basis of more than 200 enterprises evacuated from the western regions of the USSR that merged with local industries, several giant plants were opened: the Chelyabinsk Forge and Press Plant, the Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant, and the Chelyabinsk Pipe Rolling Plant.

After combining the capacities of the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant with two evacuated enterprises - the Leningrad Kirov Plant and Kharkov Engine-Building Plant, mass production of tanks (KV-1, IS-2, T-34) and self-propelled guns (SU-152 and ISU-152) began. In total, during the war, about 60 thousand tank diesels and 18 thousand fighting vehicles (20% of all Soviet fighting vehicles) were produced in Chelyabinsk. By the end of the war, every third Soviet tank and combat aircraft had Chelyabinsk steel. The city acquired a new unofficial name - Tankograd (The City of Tanks).

During the war years, about 220,000 people were sent from the front to Chelyabinsk for treatment, 78% of them returned to service after healing their wounds. In 1941-1944, the Kiev Medical Institute, evacuated from the capital of Ukraine, was training medical doctors in Chelyabinsk. In 1944, the Chelyabinsk Medical Institute was established on its basis.

Chelyabinsk in the second half of the 20th century and beyond

In the post-war period, Chelyabinsk became a supplier of equipment, machinery, and specialists for the reconstruction of Stalingrad, Donbass, DneproGES, and other industrial centers. In 1947, a new development plan was approved, which provided for multi-storey buildings in the city center and areas adjacent to industrial enterprises. This radically changed the panorama of Chelyabinsk.

By 1960, there were already about 15 thousand students in Chelyabinsk. In 1976, Chelyabinsk State University was founded - the first classical university in the South Urals. By the 1980s, the capital of the South Urals became a major scientific center of the USSR with 7 universities and about 40 research and design institutes.

On October 13, 1976, a millionth resident was born in Chelyabinsk. By 1980, its enterprises produced more than 50% of Soviet stainless steel, 20% of pipes, 30% of ferroalloys. At this time, the new building of the Chelyabinsk Drama Theater with 1,200 seats was opened, the Chelyabinsk Puppet Theater gained all-Russian fame. In 1986, Chelyabinsk celebrated its 250th anniversary. In honor of this, a geological museum, a chamber and organ music hall were opened.

The first half of the 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR and the transition to a market economy, was a difficult time for Chelyabinsk and its huge plants. From the second half of the 1990s, industry gradually resumed production, and a lot of plants entered the world market.

In 2004, the pedestrian street of Kirovka was opened. It has become a favorite place for walks of Chelyabinsk residents and guests of the city. In 2006, the new building of the State Historical Museum of the South Urals was opened. In 2009, the ice arena “Tractor” with a capacity of 7,500 spectators was built. In the 2010s, after the recession of the 1990s, construction and commissioning of new housing intensified.

On February 15, 2013, a large meteor with a diameter of about 17 meters and a mass of about 10 thousand tons entered the atmosphere in the vicinity of Chelyabinsk (the Chelyabinsk Meteor). Fortunately, it exploded in the sky relatively high above the city. However, 7,320 buildings were damaged and 1,613 people were wounded as a result. Its debris fell into Lake Chebarkul, from where the largest fragment was later raised and delivered to the Chelyabinsk Museum of Local Lore.

Chelyabinsk views

Winter in a residential area in Chelyabinsk

Author: Andrey Kalachev

Trinity Bridge in the center of Chelyabinsk

Author: Angelina Galimzyanova

Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Virgin near the Chelyabinsk Railway Station

Author: Aleksey Podbelsky

Chelyabinsk - Features

Chelyabinsk, one of the ten largest cities in Russia, is located almost in the center of the continent of Eurasia (about 1,400 km from its geographical center), east of the Ural Mountains, 216 km south of Yekaterinburg.

This city is located on the border of the Urals and Siberia. That is why it is also informally known as “The Gateway to Siberia”. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, after the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, a lot of travelers bought postcards at the railway station of Chelyabinsk and sent them around the world as evidence of their stay in Siberia. Leningrad Bridge connects the Ural and Siberian banks of the Miass River, thus it is a bridge from the Urals to Siberia.

On the coat of arms of Chelyabinsk you can see a loaded camel, as a sign that important trade routes passed through it, and a fortress wall showing that Chelyabinsk was founded as a fortress.

The climate of Chelyabinsk is temperate continental (transitional from temperate continental to sharply continental). Winters are long, moderately cold, and snowy. The average temperature in January is minus 14.1 degrees Celsius. Summers are moderately warm and dry. The average temperature in July is plus 19.3 degrees Celsius.

Due to the fact that Chelyabinsk is an industrial city with a large number of factories, the environmental situation in the city is poor. The level of air pollution is high. The city has an increased level for a number of diseases compared with the average for Russia.

Chelyabinsk is one of the largest industrial centers of Russia. The main industries are metallurgy, manufacture of finished metal products, engineering. Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Plant is the largest ferroalloy plant in Russia. Chelyabinsk Zinc Plant produces about 2% of the world and 60% of Russian zinc. Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant is the largest producer of stainless steel in Russia.

Through Chelyabinsk, traffic flows from the European part of Russia to Siberia. In particular, this city is the final point of the federal highways M5 Ural (Moscow - Chelyabinsk), R254 Irtysh (Baikal) (Chelyabinsk - Novosibirsk), A310 (Chelyabinsk - Kazakhstan). Public transport is represented by buses, trolleybuses, trams, and minibuses. The international airport “Chelyabinsk” offers flights to several large Russian cities, mainly to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Chelyabinsk has historically developed as a center of several cultures: first of all, the cultures of the indigenous inhabitants of the region - the Bashkirs, Tatars, and Russians. There are Orthodox churches and mosques, a Catholic church, several Protestant churches, and a synagogue in the city.

Main Attractions of Chelyabinsk

Kirovka Pedestrian Street - an analogue of the pedestrian street of Arbat in Moscow. Here you can see a number of interesting monuments (“Zero Milestone”, the monuments to volunteer tankers, Alexander Rosenbaum, the founders of Chelyabinsk), as well as sculptures (“The Boy with the Camels”, “The Artist at the Mirror Easel”, “The Saxophonist”, “The Coquette”, “The Beggar”, “The Merchant”, and others).

Also on this street there are shops, cafes, entertainment facilities, buildings of the early 20th century, and the business center “Chelyabinsk-City”.

Aloye Pole (Scarlet Field) - a park located in the very center of Chelyabinsk, one of its most popular holiday destinations. In the 19th century, it was a square where the city fair was held. In 1905, a demonstration of workers was dispersed by force here. That’s why the place got a new name - “Scarlet Square”. In 2000, the park received the status of a historical place.

Central Park of Culture and Rest named after Yury Gagarin . This park adjacent to the relict pine forest is the most beautiful park in Chelyabinsk with rides, sports grounds and playgrounds, a contact zoo, a summer movie theater. Fresh air, thick crowns of trees, blue expanse of ponds, comfort, and cleanliness attract residents and visitors of the city.

Chelyabinsk Zoo . On an area of 8 hectares, more than 130 species of animals live, of which more than 80 are listed in the Red Book including polar bears, Amur tigers, leopards. There is also a contact zoo on the territory, where children can also feed animals and play with them. Truda Street, 191.

Historical Museum of the Southern Urals . There are three permanent exhibitions dedicated to nature and ancient history, folklife, and history of the 20th century. The museum has old photographs, documents, books, paintings of the 18th-20th centuries, household items and clothing of Russians, nomads, and Tatar-Bashkir tribes, Zlatoust engravings, ancient coins, mineralogical collections, bones of extinct animals, and stuffed animals.

The museum also exhibits the largest (weighing half a ton) of the found fragments of the Chelyabinsk Meteor that exploded in the sky above the city at an altitude of about 15-25 km in 2013. Truda Street, 100.

Museum of Fine Arts . This museum has several thousand exhibits of Western European, Eastern, and Russian art. Here you can see the works of world-famous artists: Aivazovsky, Levitan, Shishkin. Also there is an interesting collection of icons of the 16th-19th centuries. Truda Street, 92a.

Museum of Arts and Crafts of the Urals . Here you can see the whole range of folk art crafts of the Southern Urals: products of the Zlatoust weapons factory, exhibits demonstrating the skill of local carvers and jewelers, hand-painted utensils, porcelain products of the South Ural factory, etc. Revolution Square, 1.

Chelyabinsk Railway Museum . The museum exposition is located in two places: in the building #63 on Tsvillinga Street, where more than 14 thousand exhibits are stored, and at the Chelyabinsk Railway Station (Zheleznodorozhnaya Street, 1/1), where you can see various railway equipment: steam locomotives, electric locomotives, modern trains, military trains, and special equipment. In the exhibition halls, you can see rails, station bells, old tickets, lights, signaling devices, and other items.

Museum of the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant - the largest and most popular museum in the region. It is dedicated to the history and activities of the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The museum has several thousand photographs, documents, personal belongings of employees, posters, newspaper clippings. It is better to visit this museum with a thematic tour, during which you can not only learn interesting facts, but also feel the true spirit of the plant and the city of Chelyabinsk. Lenina Avenue, 19.

Holy Trinity Church (1914) - the largest church in Chelyabinsk built of red brick and topped with a green roof. The main feature of this building is a large number of arched windows on all tiers and an abundance of decorative ornaments on the facade. Inside, the walls and ceiling are painted with murals on biblical themes. Kirova, 60?.

Monument to Kurchatov . Igor Kurchatov, the famous Soviet scientist and creator of the first atomic bomb in the USSR, was born in the town of Sim of Chelyabinsk Oblast in 1903. In 1986, in honor of the 250th anniversary of Chelyabinsk, the monument “Split Atom” was erected in his honor on Nauki (Science) Square. It consists of two vertical platforms 27 meters high, which symbolize an elementary particle, and the figure of Kurchatov standing in the middle. Lenina Avenue, 86.

Chelyabinsk city of Russia photos

Sights of chelyabinsk.

Palace of Pioneers and Schoolchildren in Chelyabinsk

Author: Yuri Palmin

Circus in Chelyabinsk

Author: Nico Kaiser

Stele to the Defenders of the Fatherland in Chelyabinsk

Author: Olga Kopp

Pictures of Chelyabinsk

Stele at the entrance to Chelyabinsk

Author: Alexander Sapozhnikov

Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows in Chelyabinsk

Author: Angie Ambrosio

The questions of our visitors

The comments of our visitors.

I heard an interview with a woman from Chelyabinsk several days after the meteor exploded over your city on February 15th, 2013. She said "We should use this meteor to bring people to our city. We need our own Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty".

I think the meteor could help your city draw tourists, if the city is willing to invest money to make this happen. Specifically, you could build a museum that would:

Besides the museum, have boat rides on the lake where pieces of the meteor broke through the ice.

To support the museum (and tourists) year-round, would it work to put together ski packages, transporting skiers to the Urals by bus via the M5 highway (or others) during the day and bringing them back to Chelyabinsk at night? Can you improve air connections US-Europe-Moscow-Chelyabinsk? Add a few restaurants? Etc.

A meteor like yours hits the Earth once a century. If you want it, you could make Chelyabinsk a tourist destination. It's worth a try. David Irvin

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