Yusmarg or Yousmarg is a hill station in the western part of Kashmir Valley. It is situated 47 km south of Srinagar the capital of the state.
Yusmarg in Kashmiri means The Meadow of Jesus. It is believed by the natives that Jesus came to Kashmir and stayed at Yusmarg for some time.It is an alpine valley covered with snow clad mountains and the meadows of Pineand Fir. It lies 13 km south of Charari Sharief a town of Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at the bank of Doodh Ganga River which is a tributary of Jehlum River. It is located in the Pir Panjal peaks, a sub range of Himalaya. The Peaks are: the Sunset Peak and the Tatakooti Peak for which the expeditions lead from this hill station. It lies at an altitude of 2396 meters above sea level.
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 beo be.
You may enjoy a laid-back stroll amongst flower-strewn meadows. Another venue for the walkers is a river, known by the name of Doodh 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 Tatakooti, Sang Safed, etc. At a distance of about 13 km from Yusmarg in the Kashmir valley is the Charar-e-Sharif, the shrine of the saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi. Yusmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic meadows,a sparkling reservoir and mountains comparable to 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 Pir-Panjal range like Tatakooti 4725m, Romesh Thong 5000m and Sunset Peak 4746 m. The mighty river Doodh Ganga rises from these peaks and a dis-tributary of the same flows into the reservoir. Word “Yus” is said to be a short form of Youza or Jesus PBUH and a marg means a meadow, according to a belief the Jesus is said to have passed through this valley while travelling into Kashmir.
Horse riding in the valley can be great fun, the pony walls 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 quietest place out of all tourist destinations.
Last few years of large tourist inflow into Kashmir valley has seen the diversification of tourism to this wonderful destination. Most of the travel agents include Yusmarg as one day trip in their packages.
A major trekking route from Yousmarg ends 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 the 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 the visitors intending to stay for longer duration. The expeditions to the various peaks in the range can be organized through the reputed Travel Agents in Srinagar.
