Yusmarg is approximately 47 km from Srinagar and lies in the Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The two-hour drive to the place is an enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow-capped mountains leave you almost speechless. Within commutable distance from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, Yusmarg is the perfect place to go for a picnic. It is possible that after reaching this place, you may want to even stay for a few days. Specially, for the lovers of long walks in picturesque locales, Yusmarg is the place to be.
You may take a laid-back stroll amongst flower-strewn meadows. Another venue for the walkers is a river, known by the name of Dudh Ganga. Frothing and crashing on its way over the rocks, the river makes a little white foam, which gives it this name. A little ahead is a lake, Nilnag, embraced with hills. The hills comprise of a number of several peaks, namely Tatta Kutti, Sang Safed, etc. At a distance of about 13 km from Yusmarg in the Kashmir valley is the Charar-e-Sharief, the shrine of the saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi.
Yousmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic meadows, a sparkling reservoir, and mountains comparable to the European Alps. Situated amidst Sang Safed valley, Yousmarg is reputed for having some unique spring flowers. It also has some of the highest peaks in the Pir-Panjal range like Tatakoti 4725m, Romesh Thong 5000m, and Sunset Peak 4746 m. The mighty river Doodh Ganga rises from these peaks, and a distributary of the same flows into the reservoir. The word ‘Yus’ is said to be a short form of Youza or Jesus PBUH, and a ‘marg’ means a meadow. According to a belief, Jesus is said to have passed through this valley while traveling into Kashmir.
A major trekking route from Yusmarg leads to a famous spot called Tosa Maidan, a large meadow used for cattle grazing by nomads. This area is connected through rough routes to places like Gulmarg and Poonch. The region is full of springs; the one at Khag is most famous for its curative properties. The natural slopes of Yusmarg offer skiing opportunities to experts. School camps and adventure lovers make a week to fortnights stay at Yusmarg for the thrilling trekking routes around. Day treks are mostly commenced by the visitors. Stay in personal tents is recommended for visitors intending to stay for a longer duration. The expeditions to the various peaks in the range can be organized through reputed travel agents in Srinagar.
Horse riding in the valley can be great fun; the ponywallas in Yusmarg have quite reasonable charges for a ride compared to other destinations. A visit in summer to a place like Yusmarg will positively be cherished by everyone in a group. Yusmarg is suitable for young couples as it is the quietest place out of all tourist destinations. In the last few years, a large tourist inflow into the Kashmir valley has seen the diversification of tourism to this wonderful destination. Most of the travel agents include Yusmarg as a one-day trip in their packages.
A short trek of 4 km to Nilnag, a small lake amidst pine trees near a hamlet, gives ultimate pleasure to visitors. A full-day trek from Yusmarg to the frozen lake in Sang e safed valley, 10 km from Yusmarg, is quite a fascinating one. Most of the portion of the lake is covered under ice throughout the year. Trekkers are advised to carry tents along during the trip as the weather at high altitude changes frequently, which can make further journey quite hard. Assistance of a guide is advisable.
Local buses ply only up to Chrair e Sharief. Tourists are advised to hire a taxi from Srinagar or take the assistance of a travel agent. The road from Tsar e Sharief to Yusmarg remains closed during the winters.
Since Yusmarg is not as crowded as other tourist destinations, accommodation here is available only at JKTDC Tourist Bungalows & Hutments. The trekkers are advised to carry tents and other necessary food items for the stay. Travel agent’s assistance for organized all-inclusive tours is recommended.
Doodh-e-Pathri is yet another bowl-shaped valley about 42 km from Srinagar. It is a recent discovery in the valley covered with the green-carpeted meadows. A flowing river resounds with the soft wind passing through the pine trees of the enclosures of the valley. It is also called the “Valley of Milk” because it produces rich milk in large quantities.
It is said that the cattle grazing in the meadows of Doodh-e-Pather produces rich milk in large quantities, which is why it is called the “Valley of Milk.” The shepherds from different areas travel to this place along with their cattle and stay there for days together. This area is also connected to Gurez valley on its north. A cup of tea with a snack at tea stalls run by local people during the season at the main meadows could become your most pleasurable drink. A full-day tour to Doodh-e-Pathri with some packed lunch will definitely be a bonus of your visit to Kashmir.
