YOUSMARG

This is a beautiful green valley with tall trees and surrounded by snow capped mountains. This place is located at a distance of 50 KM from Srinagar. The road passes through different villages namely Nagbal, Kakavring, Batapora and others and apple gardens and it will take two hours to reach Yousmarg from Srinagar via Chadoora. Yousmarg, formerly known as Roosmarg or meadow of deer, is the flower strewn base camp meadow in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.





While entering Yousmarg a small reservoir will be at your left side. Water from distance snow capped mountains gets stored here and works like a catch dam.






On the way or on return you can visit famous dargah at Charar e Sharief. This historical town is famous for the tomb of Sheikh Noor-u-din Noorani.Charar e Sharief from political, social and economical upheavals, the Rishis or saints emerged with a sacred thoughts which gave comfortand mitigated the miseries of the people of valley. Nund Reshi was the patron of the Sufism in Kashmir who showed disinterest in worldly matters from childhood and renounced the world at an early age of 12 in search of divinity of God .

 He was an illiterate Shiekh Noor-ud-Din Noorani RA popular as Nund Reshi or Alamdar-e- Kashmir was born in 1378 AD at Kaimoh, a village in Anantnag district. When the people of valley were suffering and yet spontaneously uttered concise and rhythmic verses called 'Shruks' which are considered of high value in Kashmiri literature. Every year urs is celebrated here. People from all faith visit this place. This is a beautiful town and you can get full view of the town from the road at top of the hill.

Other towns on the way are Chadoora & Nagam . There are different rout which passes through PakharPora, Cherari Pora and several other small villages.

Situated at a height of 7,500 feet above sea level, Yousmarg is bounded by magnificent trees and surrounded by towering Pir Panjal mountain range. Only a few years ago, Yousmarg began emerging as an attraction for tourists as its road connectivity was established with Srinagar.

As a starter, the plan is to build a four-kilometre long cable car from Yousmarg to Nilnag,. The survey for setting it up has already been and a detailed project report has been sent for approval before Forest Advisory Committee.

Yousmarg is the gateway to the cluster of meadows and valleys that surround it. It is a base camp for trekkers. A day-long trek from Yousmarg leads to a frozen lake in Sang-e-Safed, or the white rock, valley, located 10 km from Yousmarg bowl. A trek of four kilometres leads to Nilnag, a small lake with pristine water.

Another trekking route from Yousmarg ends up at three-mile long and 1.5-mile wide Tosa Maidan, a vast meadow which was formerly a firing range of the Army and is now being introduced to region’s tourism circuit.



The other venue for those who like to trek is by Doodh Ganga River. Bouncing and gargling over the sand and rocks, this river appears like white foam from which it derives its name.Doodh means “milk” and Ganga means “River”.




A lake called Nilnag is close to the hills, which is another well known spot. This hill consists of a number of peaks such as Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed.

Horse riding in the valley can be great fun, the ponywallas in Yousmarg have quite reasonable charges for a ride compared to other destinations. A visit in summer to a place like Yousmarg will positively be cherished by every one in a group. Yousmarg 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 Yousmarg as one day trip in their packages.

Local buses ply from Srinagar to Chare-e-Sherif and from Chare-e-Sherif to Yousmarg, tourists are advised to hire a taxi from Srinagar or take the assistance of a travel agent.

Since Yousmarg is not so crowded like other tourist destinations, accommodation here is available at JKTDC Tourist Bungalows & Hutments and also at some private hotels. The trekkers are advised to carry tents and other necessary food items for the stay.

Attractions


Charar-i-Sharif



One of the most renowned shrines of India, Charar-i-Sharif is a must visit for a tourist to Yusmarg. This is a 600-year-old Muslim shrine located at a distance of about 30 km from Srinagar. This shrine was constructed to honour Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani. He was a Sufi saint known for his preaching .It was Noorani who started Rishism in the valley, which later came to be known as Rishi Mat . He taught lessons of communal harmony and tolerance among people. The whole town of Charar-i-sharief got burnt down in 1995 during the fierce encounter between Indian troops and Mujahideen (Including Major Mast Gul). An estimated 800 residential houses, 500 Shops and many other non-residential structures were gutted in this fire The 1995 fire episode engulfed the 700-year-old shrine and Historical Khaniqah.


Tosa Maidan


Tosa Maidan is a famous pasture bounded by dense forests. It is situated about 10 km from Khag in the mountainous regions of the Himalayan range. High towering deodars fence this pasture presenting a view of a green carpet during summer. During summer, the camps of Gujjar community and shepherds graze their sheep in this pasture to present a spellbinding look. The fresh fragrance of wild flowers refreshes the environment.

Sang-e-Safed

At a convenient distance of 10 km from Yousmarg, one can go for trekking to Sang-e-Safed, which makes white rocks. This is the base for Mt. Tatakoti. On the way, there are many meadows like Liddermad, where one could have a night's halt. Sang-e-Safed is an oval-shaped meadow divided by Doodh Ganga stream. Mornings and evenings are extremely stimulating here.

Nilnag Lake


Nilnag is a high altitude lake nestled amidst dense pine forest. The blue water of this sparkling lake and the picturesque surrounding towering pine trees and snow-capped mountains amplify the natural beauty of the region, whereas Nilnag plays a great role in invigoration and providing peace of mind.

The articulate language of nature could not be more pure than in Nilnag. Being an asset of thriving Jammu & Kashmir tourism, the lake renders options to relax before heading for further rigorous trekking expeditions. Reckoned as an idyllic Yousmarg tourist place to visit, Nilnag is a reflection of the sheer beauty of Kashmir.

Burga

Burga is a virgin valley situated 14 km from the town of Yusmarg. It is a group of meadows where nature looks its best and one tends to get lost in its scenic beauty. It is situated on the southwest side of Yusmarg and takes almost two and a half hours by horse ride.

Drugdolen

Drugdolen lies between Yusmarg and Burga. It is another plain valley is surrounded by sedimentary rocks. It takes one hour from the base camp of Yusmarg by horse to reach there. The silence prevailing at Drugdolen gives peace and solace to the mind.


How to Reach

By Air

The closest airport is Srinagar airport at a distance of 45km from Yousmarg.

By Road

Tourists who are keen to reach this place can take a taxi from Srinagar.