Yusmarg Kashmir
Overview
At Yusmarg Kashmir every little sound, a dog barking, a stream falling, or a bird chirping can be experienced by our traffic-noise-accustomed ears. If nothing else, the silence is bound to keep you going. Yes, that is what Yusmarg is like. This valley, the meadow of Jesus, where Jesus Christ is said to have resided for a short period is touched by an otherworldly wind.
The West of Kashmir is bejewelled by this little hill station with the mountains of Pir Panjal and peaks of Tatakooti tiptoeing to take a peek into the quiet habitation of humankind. Let’s explore the secret little spot with views and memories of a lifetime to offer.
Cliffhangers India has picked some best places and best things to do in Kashmir, this valley is part of our offbeat places of Kashmir. The greatest travel guide Cliffhangers have for you will make it easy for you to organize your trip. In this travel guide, you’ll find all the information including where to go, what to see, what to do, how to get there, and when to go. We also design the greatest travel packages for your ideal vacation.
Highlights of Yusmarg Kashmir
The name Yusmarg Kashmir comes from the Ahmadiya Muslim Community’s belief that Jesus once strolled across the area’s verdant meadows. Jesus is referred to as Yus and a meadow as Marg. The villagers continue by saying that Jesus died here and that his tomb lies nearby, however, this is a hotly contested claim.
A few tourist destinations can be found here including the 600-year-old Muslim pilgrimage site of Charar-e-Shareef, the alpine Nilnag Lake, and the gorgeous Sang-e-Safed valley and meadow. On the way to Sang-e-Safed, there are two other picturesque meadows, Lidder Mad and Haigan, that are significant tourist destinations.
Pony rides are another way to go to Nilnag, Sang-e-Safed, and the other two meadows, in addition to trekking. Doodhpathri and Tosa Maidan hikes, which are extremely rewarding, are also available for adventure seekers.
Srinagar to Yusmarg Taxi Fare
Depending on the sort of cab you choose, the whole cost for the day, including gasoline and the driver, would be between Rs. 2500 and Rs. 3000 if you were to book a private taxi. Following your arrival in Srinagar, you can drive to Yusmarg. A maximum of two to three hours will be required to go the 50 kilometers.
The journey’s route will follow the directions shown below. Of course, there are other options as well, but this is the most straightforward, simple, and fast way to get there. The road departs from Srinagar and passes through Chadoora, Nagam, Charar-e-Shariff.
After passing through Charar-e-Shariff, turn around and ask people for instructions because the route there is a little unclear. Keep Google Maps running and it will direct you to the proper location while keeping you on the right path.
You can ride a horse or go on foot to explore after you arrive. Numerous hiking trails lead to stunning alpine meadows, glaciers, and snow-covered peaks.
| Taxi Name | Rate Per Day |
|---|---|
| Sedan | 2800 INR |
| Innova | 3500 INR |
| Innova Crysta | 4000 INR |
| Tempo | 5500 INR |
Popular Kashmir Offbeat Tours
14D/ 13N
6D/ 5N
16D/ 15N
12D/ 11N
Things to Do in Yusmarg
Trekking
Numerous spots that fortunately can’t be reached by cars and vehicles, provide ample opportunity for an adventurous heart to treks in Kashmir, Clear tracts, muddy pathways, and at places, bare grass keeps trekkers excited with variety. This is the most famous things to do in Yusmarg. Some of the best treks that start from here are Sunset Peak Trek, Burgah Trek etc.
Skiing
Even though rarely talked about, the natural landscape and steep mountains here provide a nice ski in Gulmarg.
However, it would only allow an expert skier unless, of course, you are fond of going face down in the snow.
Camping
Long treks here might create difficulty for a layman to complete them all in one day.
If you want to enjoy each moment of your trek and don’t want to be in any hurry, setting up a mid-trek camp would be an adventure of its own kind.
Yusmarg valley is famous for its camping opportunities. However, beware of that howl. Wild animal alert.
Horse Riding
An alpine forest lover can understand the pleasure of those ticking horse feet on bare ground. This valley is a perfect horse-riding spot.
Horses would allow you the opportunity to visit the deepest spots inside the mysterious forests.
Trout fishing
Here the rivers are famous for the rainbow and brown-coloured trout fishes.
Trout fishing is a popular activity in the area, especially in summer. Visitors are also taught the breeding of trout fishes. The activity, popularised in the colonial era, is a primary reason for tourist visits to the area.
Places to Visit In Yusmarg
Pakherpora Shrine
The Shrine, built to commemorate Saint Syed Balkhi, is a popular pilgrimage spot for Indian Muslims.
Not only would you witness the holy vibes of the late Saint Syed Balkhi but the mausoleum also displays rare plants and trees which are doubtful to be witnessed in any other part of Kashmir.
Charar-i-Sharief
A Sufi Mosque, dedicated to Saint Sheikh Nur-ud-din, is a beautiful piece of art with a Mughal and Kashmiri architectural touch.
The 600-year-old structure is a highly popular spot among Muslims as well as Hindus.
Doodhganga River
Sheep grazing around, stream swiftly making its way through hard rocks, and horses quietly enjoying the heavenly flow, that precisely is the view of the Dudhganga river in the trek.
You can either choose to hike to the spot or you can take a pony ride. Most beautiful and unique fishes are witnessed in the river.
Nilnag Lake
In the thick deodar forests, the lake is a high altitudinal one, surrounded by snowy peaks. The lake is a great trekking opportunity if you expect a nice view after a hard walk.
The numerous little streams flowing through the trek of the Deodar Forest all converge in the Nilnag lake giving it a serene, beautiful look.
Sang-e-Safed
An oval-shaped meadow, decorated by white stones, and bisected by a tributary of the Doodhganga river, is a beautiful picnic spot.
The picturesque valley is a perfect area for photography and resting your exhausted self.
Harijan Dargah
The small, frequently ignored little structure, is a beautiful spot and a marked point in the trek.
The flow of the Doodhganga river quietly touching every foot that traverses it to reach the Dargah adds to the beauty of the spot.
Burgah
Burgah is a mountain of ice built in the middle of a river! The ice is always there, even in summer, and that too, in the middle of green meadows.
For the ones visiting the area in summer, Burgah would be the area if you still want to get a touch of snow.
Cherry Park
If you’re someone who loves a fleeting glimpse of beautiful birds and whose idea of a trip is witnessing biodiversity, Cherry Park is just the place for you.
Beautiful birds and unique flowers dot the area and give it a sense of aliveness.
Nomadic huts
What is it like to visit an area without finding out the root culture? Visiting the huts of the nomadic people and experiencing the way people live would be a treat.
If you’re lucky, you might even get a cup of tea and some bedtime stories of animal encounters from the local people.
Yusmarg in Winter
Yusmarg in winter is a wondrous place, although this valley can be visited all year round. Winter begins in in October and stays till February. The valley becomes its own fairytale Narnia land in winter, covered completely with snow. Kashmir in winter looks more beautiful as compared to other seasons.
You would frequently witness big ice mounts in the middle of thick forests. If you are fond of snowfall, frozen waterfalls, frozen streams, and snow activities, this valley would be the best place to visit in Kashmir. If you want to experience being the first one to imprint their feet on the freshly fallen snow, this would be the place for you.
However, some areas get completely blocked due to snow, like the trek beyond Charar-i-Shareif. Also, it might be impossible for you to walk in the snow so pony and 4×4 vehicles would be the only way to get you through in winter.
Doodhpathri or Yusmarg?
A lot of tourists ask this question which is better Yusmarg or Dhoodhpathir? Yusmarg, already getting quite popular, is losing its sheen of quietude and Doodhpathri is becoming the better recluse for tourists fond of preferring quiet places where they can find a recluse from chaotic city life.
It’s up to the choices of a tourist whether they prefer quiet or a popular destination. Both places have their own beauty with Doodhpathri also naturally designed with lush green meadows. These days Yusmarg Doodhpathri is visited together in the tour. The better option is to visit both places as they are not very far apart.
Doodhpathri from Other Destinations
Doodhpathri to Yusmarg
Doodhpathri to Yusmarg distance is 64km and is a 2 hr 18 min. The areas provide the comfort of single-day travel. However, it is advised to spend ample time in both destinations for better exploration.
Srinagar to Yusmarg
The Srinagar to Yusmarg distance is 47 km. The best way to reach from Srinagar by road. If you do not have your own vehicle, there are taxis available to take you in a less than 2-hour drive.
Gulmarg to Yusmarg
Yusmarg is at a distance of around 100 kilometers from Gulmarg, taking over 3 hours to travel by road. If you’re planning to travel from Gulmarg, taking a taxi or driving your own car is the fastest way to get there.
Essential Information
How to Reach Yusmarg
By Air: The best way to reach is by taking a flight to Srinagar, which is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar International Airport is well connected to major cities in India, and there are regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus which is around 47 kilometers away.
By Rail: Another way to reach is by taking a train to Jammu Tawi railway station, which is the nearest railway station. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi, which is around 298 kilometers away.
By Road: If you prefer to travel by road, you can take a bus from major cities like Delhi and Srinagar to reach here. The state-run J&KSRTC and private bus operators run regular bus services between major cities and Yusmarg. After reaching Srinagar book Srinagar taxi to get here.
Once you reach, you can explore the place on foot or by horseback.
Facilities in Yusmarg Kashmir
Postpaid phones from Airtel and BSNL are functional here, although the reception is terrible. You’ll need to move about a bit while holding your phone in search of a location with network bars. There will be very slow data speed.
Here is no service from Vodafone or Idea. A little before Charar-e-Shariff, your network will go out. Even though I did not have a Jio phone, I am aware that it is still functional. I might be mistaken about Jio, though.
In any case, prepaid phones are inoperable throughout Kashmir. Your phone will only be used as a camera or a paperweight if you didn’t have a postpaid plan.
Here are no banks or ATMs. The one closest to you is in Charar-e-Shariff.
At Yusmarg, there is neither a mechanic nor a petrol station. The closest one is located between Charar-e-Shariff and Srinagar.
Neither a hospital nor a pharmacy are here. In Charar-e-Shariff, medical aid is available.
Conclusion
Yusmarg is a great destination for those who love nature and adventure. With its beautiful landscapes, serene atmosphere, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, it is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
As you would be leaving the place after your visit, you would realize how a small part of your heart is left behind in the lush meadows. Each view, each particle, and each memory would beg you to leave behind a promise of return and a longing for a lifetime. Explore the untouched snow and find out that this valley has always been awaiting you.
FAQ's
What is Yusmarg famous for?
Which is better Yusmarg or Gulmarg?
Why Yusmarg is called Meadows of Jesus?
What are the top attractions to visit in Yusmarg?
What is the best time to visit Yusmarg?
You can visit here throughout the year. If you are looking for greenery, then summertime will be the best time to enjoy vacations and if you are looking for snowfall then wintertime is the best time to visit Kashmir for Snowfall.
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