Sonmarg in November: Gateway to Winter

Sonmarg is a frequently visited hill station of Kashmir. Nestled by the Himalayas, the year-round destination makes up a summer holiday destination as well as a great spot for winter activities.

Given that it is an alpine region, enjoyable weather is experienced here throughout the year. Same is the case in November too. November is one of the best times for a trip to Sonmarg. Since the winter is yet to commence, it is not extremely cold till now. To see the fall colours in the “Valley of Golden Light”, it is the ideal time.

In Sonmarg, there are a number of sightseeing locations to explore. In addition to that, it is every adventure seeker’s bliss. Activities like ATV rides, trekking, pony rides, are readily accessible here. With Cliffhangers India, you can plan a trip to Sonmarg in November at an affordable rate. 

We have provided you with a detailed travel guide for a trip to Sonmarg in November. Every important detail is mentioned in this blog. Take a look! 

Sonmarg Weather and Temperature in November

Temperature in Sonmarg in November ranges between 5°C to 10°C, resulting in pleasant weather. Since it is still autumn in the town, the climate is neither too warm nor too cold.

Snowfall hasn’t started yet as the temperature is yet to go sub zero. It is a comfortable time for sightseeing at different attractions as well as experiencing some activities.

While the sun is out and about in the clear sky during daytime, nights fluctuate more on the cool side. Hence, carry some warm clothes along with light sweaters and cardigans to remain safe. Remain updated about the prevailing weather forecast.  

Does Sonmarg get Snowfall in November?

As far as the start of November is concerned, it is still time for the snow season. The temperature in November is still above freezing point. To experience snowfall in Sonmarg, delay the trip to the last weeks of November.

By then, Sonmarg starts receiving snowfall. It is still light as compared to winter. Plan a tour to Sonmarg from December to February for the ultimate experience of white snow.

In January and February, it snows heavily, turning the entire town into a winter wonderland. Trees, valleys, meadows are all enveloped in white snow.

The lakes freeze as well. You can enjoy many activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, sledging, ice-skating, etc. 

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Sonmarg's Road Conditions in November

Roads of Sonmarg are in decent condition in November. The snow season is yet to commence, hence the roads are clear and motorable. The road from Srinagar to Sonmarg that is part of Mughal Road as well is well-maintained by BRO.

Generally, road conditions are good for the internal roads as well. However, the climate of the month can impact the road conditions especially when it snows in November last. The roads can get slippery and a bit challenging to move for bike rides especially.

If you are on a road trip to Sonmarg in November, carry some snow chains as it clears the snow from the route. Keep a track of the weather conditions and road updates as some temporary closures might be expected. Drive slowly and cautiously. 

Top Reasons to Visit Sonmarg in November

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White Snow: The trip to November can result in a lifetime opportunity to witness live snowfall. In a good year, towns like Sonmarg receive their first snowfall in November only. For heavy snowfall, visit the place in the later days of November. 

Less crowded: November is the off-season for Sonmarg Tourism. The peak summer season has ended and winter influx is yet to begin. The serene ambience is perfect to spend some time with your friends and family here, away from the busy city life. Places like Baltal Valley are ideal for such nature outings. 

Adventurous activities: November offers a range of adventurous activities. When it’s not snowing, you can go for short treks, ride the ATVs, pick pony rides and much more. As the snowfall begins and everything is covered in layers of snow, activities like skiing, sledging and snowboarding are enj0yed here by tourists. 

Accessibility: Located at a distance of 80 kilometres from Sonmarg, it is easily accessible via taxis and cabs. You can even plan a scenic road trip to Sonmarg as well especially if you are coming here before Mid-November. 

Photographic spot: Sonmarg offers beautiful natural sceneries to click pictures. One amazing spot for such photos is the Thajiwas Glacier that gives a gorgeous view of the entire town. You can also visit the Zero Point as the place is home to many migratory birds and verdant forests, perfect for wildlife photography.

Cultural immersion: In Sonmarg, you can visit the local villages and get to know about the traditional life of people living in high-altitudes. You can pick homestays available there to spend some more time. Taste the dishes of Kashmiri cuisine as they are mouth-watering as well as nutritious. 

Top Attractions to Explore in Sonmarg in November

Nilagrad River

At a distance of 23 kilometres from Sonmarg, Nilagrad river is famous for its reddish colour. It is due to minerals like iron found high in content in the waters.

The Nilagrad river finds its source from the Indus River. The area is dotted with picturesque vistas and wildflowers. If you visit here on Sunday, you will see locals from nearby villages coming here to take a bath as the water is believed to have medicinal properties.

In November, the climate here is cool but the lake hasn’t frozen yet. You can spend some time here in the comfortable weather and click pictures. The river is accessible throughout the week. 

Thajiwas Glacier

 at an altitude of about 9200 feet, Thajiwas Glacier is one of the top places to visit in Sonmarg. Wherever you are in Sonmarg, you can easily spot it.

Accessibility to the Thajiwas Glacier is very convenient as it is only 3 kilometres from the main town. People often enjoy the thrill of trekking without getting tired.

It is an easy journey of 6 kilometres to be done in 4-5 hours including the exploration. You can also hire a pony to get there. At Thajiwas Glacier, even in November, you can see some snow.

Near the glacier, some small shops can be seen where you can get refreshments. Camping is a popular activity that tourists often do. 

Baltal Valley

Baltal Valley lies at the base of Zoji La Pass. One of the most beautiful places of Sonmarg, it is located at a height of 2743 m from the sea level. Here, you can see small waterfalls, creating a giggling sound, glaciers melting into rivers and a range of mountains nestling it.

The major highlight of the place is Sindh River. Here, enjoy activities like boating and river rafting. It is also filled with trout fishes and fishing and angling is one of the favourite activities among adventure buffs. You can pitch your tent and stargaze here at night.

The total distance between Sonmarg and the valley is 15 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes to get there. 

Local Villages

Local villages might seem like a rare example of top attractions of Sonmarg but as you explore them, you understand the rich heritage and culture that the town holds.

As you visit there, it seems like you are going back in history. Still preserving their traditions, languages and beliefs, these villages show us the nitty-gritty of Sonmarg.

Here, you can stay in homestays available at lower rates. Try the local Kashmiri cuisine at small eateries and dhabas. There are many small temples and shrines found in these villages. Do explore them as they are culturally significant. 

Zero Point

The zero point is found on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, about 25 kilometres from the town of Sonmarg. After this, the road is not motorbike and vehicles can’t move forward, hence it is called zero point. It is the gateway to Ladakh region.

Here, you see natural beauty at its best. Confluence of three rivers, maple trees, valleys, and snowy mountains are the main features of Zero Point. Zoji La Pass needs to be crossed to get here. 

If you come here in November, it is decently cold with temperatures around 0°C. You might see some snow as well. People often do activities like trekking, sledging, snow biking, etc. 

Activities to Enjoy in November

Pony Riding

Pony riding is a popular activity of Sonmarg in Kashmir. The very popular route for the ride is the Thajiwas Glacier ride. The ride takes about 90 minutes depending on the starting point. There are many ways to book it.

You can either book it in advance via online websites or ask your hotel to book one for you. In peak season, the price is about 800-1500 INR while it is around 600 INR in off season.

Don’t hesitate to negotiate with the owners. Ponies are very friendly and you can even feed them bread. In Sonmarg, horseback riding is available as well to add some fun. 

Photography

It is no secret that Sonmarg is one of the most beautiful places of India. The natural beauty found here is immaculate. The lush valleys, grazing cattles, flowing rivers, Snow-capped mountains seem like a painting on a canvas. It is an ideal place for photography.

While nature photography will give you some raw and untouched beauty, wildlife photography is another one to practise. As you visit Sonmarg in November, carry all the camera gears like tripod, camera, lenses, batteries, etc.

You can even click your portrait here with the help of a tripod. In some places, you have to pay a small amount for camera permits, especially in National Parks and sanctuaries.

Local Cuisine

Your trip to Sonmarg in November would be incomplete without enjoying the mouth watering dishes of Kashmiri cuisine. The general process used in the preparation is slow cooking of meat with lots of spices, cultivated locally.

Some popular dishes of Kashmiri cuisine are Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Yakhni, Kashmiri Rajma, Tabak Maaz, Goshtaba. Every day you spend in Sonmarg, start your morning with a cup of Kahwa with Kashmiri Telvor. 

You can either pick a fine-dining restaurant or enjoy the experience in a local restaurant. A big feast of Wazwan is served in Kashmir including the main essence of the local cuisine. It costs around 3000 INR but worth every penny. 

Fishing

The perfect spot for fishing in Sonmarg is at the Sindh River. Different varieties of trout fishes fill the river such as brown trouts, rainbow trouts, Himalayan trouts.

Fishing at different lakes like Gangabal Lake, Vishansar Lake,etc. It is the last month for fishing in Sonmarg as after December, all the water bodies are frozen. Before visiting these spots for fishing, you need to get a permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department.

The best time for fishing ranges from April till November when the water bodies are not frozen. Carry all the necessary fishing gears. 

Visit Walnut Orchards

In November the harvesting season in Kashmir is at its peak, visiting walnut orchards in Sonmarg is the ideal thing to do. The tasty nut is grown in abundance in the valley especially in the lush sonmarg orchards.

At these orchards, you can learn about the cultivation and harvesting process from the farmers working there. You can taste them as they are mouth-watering and nutritious. You can also take some back home as a souvenir.

The orchards are present in an ethereal setting where you can also click pictures. Some popular walnut orchards include Sonmarg Walnut Orchard, Thajiwas Walnut Orchards and Nilagrad Walnut Orchards. 

FAQ's

In November, it doesn’t snow in Sonmarg. However, by the end of the month, the alpine regions of the town started receiving snowfall. To catch live snowfall, plan the trip in November last or in Winter. 
November is one of the most preferred times to visit Sonmarg. The cool weather with accessibility of attractions and activities is a real advantage of taking the trip in November. 
Sonmarg is famous for its alpine lakes such as Gangabal, Gadsar, Vishansar lake and high-altitude passes including Zojila Pass. You can indulge in a number of activities here, especially skiing in winter. 
For seeing snow, you can visit the Thajiwas Glacier, Baltal Valley, etc. These places are popular for snow sports as well such as sledging, snowmobiling, etc. 
No, Sonmarg is not closed in winter. In fact, it is one of the peak seasons for Sonmarg tourism when people from all over the world come to enjoy various winter activities. 
Zojila Pass is open in November. However, it is advisable to only go in the starting of November as by the end, it starts snowing at the Pass. 
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