Yusmarg

Yusmarg or Yousmarg is a hill station in the western part of Kashmir that lies in the Badgam district which is situated 47 km south of Srinagar, 13 km south of Charari Sharief a town of Budgam district and at the bank of Doodganga River. Yusmarg means “The Meadow of Jesus”. It is believed that Jesus came to Kashmir and stayed in Yusmarg for some days and before that it was known as “Roosmarg” means the meadow of deers Roos means Deer. It lies above sea level at an altitude 2396 meters. The main trekking route from Yousmarg leads to Tosa Maidan which is a large meadow located in Khag/Khansahib tehsils of Budgam and it takes almost a day’s trek from Yusmarg . Some of highest peaks in PirPanjal range are Tattakutti 4,725 m and Sunset Peak 4,746m. Charar-e-Sharif is a holy shrine that blesses the entire regions and protects the land from all kinds of problem as believed by the local people. It is the most suitable place for young couples as it is the quietest place out of all tourist destinations. The slopes of Yusmarg offer skiing opportunities to the tourists.

Nilnag Lake is located about 4 km away from Yusmarg and beside Gogji Pathri Village. This beautiful lake is located at the height of 7ft above the sea level. The lake is surrounded by Tall pine trees. The path to reach the lake covers a rough trekking path through the dense forest. Trekkers are advised to carry tents. The water is crystal clear and blue, so got the name ‘Neel’ blue. The visitors can also take pony to reach the lake. Most of the part of the lake is covered under ice every year.

Doodh Ganga is given this name as when the river flows down through the hilly area it creates little white foam which looks like milk and milk is called doodh in Hindi or Urdu language. The Doodh Ganga river is locally known as “Chazz Koull” in many villages of Chadoora as “Chahzz Kan Naad” which is a meadow located under the foothills of Pir Panchaal near famous meadows of Ayud and Bargah and the Doodh Ganga flows via “Chazz Kan Naad” to reach Yousmarg. The river forms paradise like view for visitors. After camping at Doodh Ganga, the trekkers prefer treking at Sang-e-Safed Valley, Tatakoti, Romesh Thong and Sunset Peak. The best venue for the walkers are the river Doodh Ganga.

The waterways of Kashmir are stocked with numbers of rainbow and brown trout species of fish which were introduced by British in the 19th century. The trout fishing is famous in Kashmir. The fishing season mostly is from March to October. The perfect place for trout fishing is Doodh Ganga. The visitors have the opportunity to learn the ious steps involved in breeding trout and enjoy the special trout delicacies special to this place.

Sang-e-Safed which means ‘White Rocks’ is situated at a distance of 10 km from the Yusmarg Valley. Sang-e-Safed is an oval-shaped meadow which is divided by a Doodh Ganga. Many meadows like Lidder Mar are there which can be used as night's halt It is surrounded by dense pine trees. The tourists go trekking to Sang-e-Safed as it serves as base for Mt. Tatta Kutti. Haigin 4 km from Yusmarg and Liddermar meadows are the other tourist places near Sang-e-Safed.