Yusmarg is located at about 47
km from Srinagar and lies in the Badgam district in J&K.
This two-hour drive which leads to Yusmarg is a wonderful
experience in itself because of the beautiful sights you see
and stunning
landscapes you cross. The word Yusmarg can be broken down as
short form of Youza and marg meaning meadow. Some believe
that Jesus walked across the valley while visiting Kashmir.
Located amongst the forests filled with pine trees and
rolling grassy pastures sprawling over a large area of land
with the background of marvelous snow-capped mountains makes
the area picture perfect.
Yusmarg is also a great place to go for a hike or for
picnics. It lies within a reachable distance from Srinagar,
the capital of Kashmir.
This place provides a perfect location for long walks amidst
the picturesque locations. One can see beautiful flower beds
and grasslands across the meadows that are cherished. The
other venue for those who like to trek is by Dudh Ganga
River. Bouncing and gargling over the sand and rocks, this
river appears like white foam from which it derives its
name.
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.
There is a shrine named Charar-e-Sharif, which lies at a
distance of about 13 km from Yusmarg. It belongs to saint
Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi. Yusmarg captivates
tourists with its scenic beauty, fresh reservoir and high
mountains which can be compared to the European Alps.
Located in Sang Safed valley, Yusmarg is well known for its
unique flowers that bloom in spring.
Yusmarg is also the land of many high peaks of the
Pir-Panjal range. Some of the popular ones are Tatakoti,
Romesh Thong and Sunset Peak at a height of 4725m, 5000m and
4746 m above sea level respectively. From these heights,
originates River Dudh Ganga. A distributory of this river
flows into a reservoir.
Yusmarg has a great potential for the development of tourism
because of its virginity and possibility for development as
a wonderful gate away destination.
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 40
km from Srinagar. This sh rine
was constructed to honour Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani. He was
a Sufi saint known for his preaching and interesting
stories. It is said that he didn’t consume milk for three
days after his birth. It was only when Lal Ded, a female
saint, fed him with her own milk that he drank milk. On
leaving, the saint said that this child was born to be her
spiritual heir. It was Noorani who started Rishism in the
valley, which later came to be known as Rishi Mat or
Vaishnav Mat. He taught lessons of communal harmony and
tolerance among people.
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 Yusmarg, 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 meado ws
like Liddermar, where one could have a night's halt.
Sang-e-Safed is an oval-shaped meadow divided by Dudh Ganga
stream. Mornings and evenings are extremely stimulating
here.
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.
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