Located in Bagdam district, Meadows of Jesus or Yusmarg (also called Yousmarg), is known for its long stretches of green pastures. Yusmarg is located about 50 kms from Srinagar at an altitude of 2,396 meters (7,861 ft). An ideal tourist attraction that in its humblest of ways teaches to revere nature, Yusmarg is one of the top offbeat places in Kashmir. Embark on trails that lead to exotic places like Sang-e-Safed Valley and Nilnag. Away from the confines of the mundane, Yusmarg is a little paradise in its own right.
The jewel of Bagdam district, Yusmarg shelters many picture perfect locales. It mesmerizes tourists with its natural beauty through destinations like Sang-e-Safed valley; Yusmarg is also famed for having some exceptional springs of flowers. It has some of the highest peaks in PirPanjal range including Tattakutti (4,725 m) and Sunset Peak (4,746m). The majestic river Doodh Ganga also makes this destination more thrilling and challenging. The mighty natural slopes of Yusmarg provide skiing opportunities to adventure enthusiasts. On the other side, the holy shrine of Charar-e-Sharif endows blessing to the entire regions and is reckoned to protect the land from all kinds of mishaps. The timeless beauty of Yusmarg captivates the hearts of the visitors and compels them to return from time to time.
Yusmarg Travel Trips
Yusmarg is a relatively new tourist destination, so the infrastructure is not as developed as in other parts of Kashmir.
There are not many shops or restaurants in Yusmarg, so it is a good idea to bring your own food and supplies.
The weather in Yusmarg can change quickly, so be sure to pack for all weather conditions.
Yusmarg is a conservative place, so it is important to dress modestly.
Here are some of the top places to visit in Yusmarg:
Doodhganga River: The name translates to "river of milk" due to the milky white color of the water caused by glacial minerals. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the riverbank or take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.
Nilnag Lake: A small freshwater lake surrounded by dense forests, Nilnag Lake offers a serene atmosphere. Take a short hike to the lake and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty. Sang-e-Safed Valley: Meaning "white stone" in Kashmiri, this high-altitude valley offers stunning views of the Pir Panjal range. Go for a pony ride or a trek to explore the valley's meadows and glaciers.
Tosa Maidan: One of the largest meadows in Kashmir, Tosa Maidan is a popular destination for trekking and camping. The vast expanse of meadows and the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains are truly breathtaking.
Charar-e-Sharif Shrine: A revered Muslim shrine dedicated to Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani, this shrine is a significant pilgrimage site. The shrine's architecture is beautiful, and the views from the top are equally impressive.
In addition to these specific places, Yusmarg offers a variety of activities for visitors, including:
Trekking: There are numerous trekking trails in Yusmarg, ranging from easy to challenging. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to explore the region's natural beauty.
Pony rides: A popular way to explore Yusmarg is by pony. You can hire a pony to take you to some of the most scenic spots in the valley.
Fishing: The Doodhganga River is a popular spot for fishing. You can catch a variety of trout in the river.
Birdwatching: Yusmarg is home to a variety of birds, making it a great destination for birdwatchers. Some of the birds you can spot here include Himalayan griffons, lammergeyers, and monal pheasants.
Best time to visit Yusmarg:
The best time to visit Yusmarg is from April to June as the valley is in full bloom, showcasing colorful flowers against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The weather is pleasantly cool, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This period is perfect for outdoor activities like sightseeing, trekking, and picnicking, as the melting snow from the Himalayas enhances the area's natural beauty
Where to stay in Yusmarg:
Whispering Valley Lake View Cottage: Located near the tower in Yusmarg, Whispering Valley Lake View Cottage offers free Wi-Fi and beautiful views.
Tribe Homestay & Cafe: Tribe Homestay in Yusmarg is located on the main road in Yusmarg and provides a cozy atmosphere for the guests. The rooms are nice in a beautiful house full of arts. The host and all the workers are really welcoming and helpfull. The area is not touristic and you can have beautiful walks in the nature around
Yusmarg is situated in the Pir Panjal range, a sub-range of the Himalayas. The major peaks near Yusmarg are the Sunset Peak and the Tatakooti Peak.
The name Yusmarg is believed to come from the Kashmiri words “Youza” or Jesus and “Marg” or Meadow, which together translate to "The Meadow of Jesus". This is because there's a local legend that Jesus once passed through the valley while traveling to Kashmir. However, there's no historical evidence to support this
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir). Yusmarg is at a distance of 53 Kms From this Airport and it takes about 2 hour by Car.
By Train
The nearest railway station is situated in Ompora town of Budgam district, 42Km to Yusmarg
By Road
Yusmarg is easily accessed from Srinagar or Srinagar Airport , the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, 53 km. The drive in under 2 hours by car leads through Charari Sharief town. During winter the road sometimes gets closed due to snowfall and remains cut off from the Kashmir Valley for weeks.
