292radhikas
★★★★★5.0Wrote on 14 Sept 2023
Beautiful place but females solo traveller beware
Thajwas glacier distance is at the walking distance but some people can opt for Pony. I decided to walk. You will have stall for snacks with tea and coffee and also maggi. Good to spend a day. But after my trip I found men showing usual interest. Connecting in insta and dropping whatsapp text. I checked with other 2 friends of mine who experienced the same. Getting a text like "Hello Dear" and miss you we all received. These are both married men and single men. So beware!! Otherwise place is safe to travel but need to be cautious.
Travel51775410394
★★★★★5.0Wrote on 4 Sept 2023
Sonmarg is literally heaven on earth.
Great place to visit while in Sonmarg. It’s a little hike of about 25 minutes. Donot fall for what the Pony riders tell you. It’s quite achievable on foot and I had a baby who carried all along.
Ria1104
★★★★★5.0Wrote on 1 Sept 2023
Nice Place but Commercialized
We did the typical day trip to Sonamarg almost at the end of our Kashmir trip. We had already completed Tarsar Marsar trek and already got mesmerizing views, so we were not expecting much from Sonamarg. When our car dropped at us at the start of the route to Thajiwas glacier and as usual, few horse owners came after us. Though I am strictly not in favour of animal-rides but agreed on peer pressure only on the condition that the horses are treated humanely and given sufficient breaks. Luckily, that day there was very less rush, so the horse owners agreed to our terms. The three of us were given three mules, Badal, Chetak and Badshah and we started with the ride. More than the surrounding scenery I was more amused with these three horses and their little activities. Soon I found out which horse had bonding with which one and hated which one. After reaching I even fed the three of them biscuits (it was the first time I came to know that horses also eat biscuits). Now, regarding the scenery...the starting of the trek was pretty dusty and views were OKish. But after we crossed the meadows and had a final ascend, the Thajiwas glacier got visible to us. Beyond the green meadows lay the mountains partially green and partially snow covered. There were cold little water streams originating from the glacier and flowing into the green meadows. This mixture of greenery and streams and snow is actually the real beauty of Kashmir and is something you will remember forever. We spent quite some time beside the streams just soaking in the beauty. There are a series of shops in this place selling maggi, biscuits, chai and kawah. We tried some but soon lost our peace as local kids continuously pestered us for money or food in these shops and shopkeepers allowed them to do so. Now, you can offer food to one or two kids but if six/seven kids line up its not easy. Plus, these kids are as if trained to go up to the tourists, particularly ladies, and beg. Instead, they should be sent to school. If we ignore the commercialization of the place we can conclude that it is a really beautiful place. If you are in Srinagar as a tourist (without any trek plans) then I would highly recommend Thajiwas glacier. However, if you have trekking plans then you can skip this as you will surely get similar views in all Kashmir treks. Also, in case you plan to hire horses, please make sure to treat them humanely and ask your guide to do so. Allow your horses to take water breaks on the way and do not forcefully make them go faster.
LaliDeLima
★★2.0Wrote on 11 Jun 2023
A beautiful experience complely ruined by unregulated locals
We were dropped at Sonamarg town and decided to trek upto the glacier. It is a fairly easy climb if you're used to walking and moderately fit. The forest through which you trek is quite beautiful. However about a third of the way up we were intercepted by 2 men who started offering their services as guide. We refused but they just would not leave us alone. They followed us right upto the glacier pestering us to take sled rides etc. It was highly upsetting and complely ruined what would otherwise have been a lovely experience. At the start of the trek we were constantly accosted by pony wallahs. At the glacier it's a complete mess. Pony wallahs blocking the route back, stalls with everyone hassling you for various services. It is impossible to just enjoy the place in peace. Add to this, the waste thrown everywhere by tourists is distressing. It's such a pity but a beautiful tourist destination has become a destination where tourists are completely harassed.
NorthStar27628697739
★★★★4.0Wrote on 10 Jun 2023
First experience in Kashmir almost bad due to localities
Too many people approached us for pony ride , sledge ride, sledge ride helper, photographer, Instagram reels photographer. At a point it was so irritating and felt like leaving that immediately. Despite being half informed by my driver i did got cheated for sledge ride. Initially took it for 600 rs (up/down) later i did the same for 100 just for sliding down. Please don't take a sledge ride it's a total waste of money. Take it only if you can't climb down the ice due to slippery condition. Yes climbing up is easy compared to climbing down. Also don't pay them more them 300rs for the same, doesn't matter what ever they say about adventure or point / height. Yes we saw ice even in June month. Expect rain any time and carry warm clothes. Carry some food along with you as there is almost nothing to eat.
