Yousmarg | Kashmir

LOCATION OF YUSMARG

Yusmarg is a destination in the Kashmir valley, an Indian Union territory that reaches the extremities to the north: Jammu and Kashmir. It is in the southwest of Srinagar; commonly referred to as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
Geographic Location
Latitude : 34.0093° N
Longitude: 74.8995° E
Location Important Facts:
It would almost be around 47 km or 29 miles from Srinagar. A smooth drive through roads would consume approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of time, based on the traffic and weather.
Nearest Tourist spot
Gulmarg: Around 120 kilometers north-west of Yusmarg
Pahalgam : Approximately about 80 kilometers in the southeastern
Sonmarg : Approximately around 120 kilometers north
Accessibility:
It is accessed by a drive that passes through fantastic landscapes, it has apple orchids dotting the view and small villages. To one hand it falls under Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir; on the other the range of the Himalayan mountain range.
It also gives proximity to some of the most famous natural areas such as Doodhpathri-an extremely popular meadow area-and remains, thus, a quiet alternative to the more crowded tourist hotspots of Kashmir: Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

ACCESSIBILITY TO YUSMARG

Yusmarg is quite accessible from Srinagar, the nearest big town and roadhead for the Kashmir Valley. Apart from not being much commercialised and not as accessible as many other highly popular tourist places such as Gulmarg or Pahalgam, Yusmarg is accessed through road, and other means too. However, there are quite a few ways of reaching Yusmarg :
Roads are the common access to Yusmarg.
The easiest as well as the most common access of Yusmarg is by road. It is close to 47 km as the crow flies from Srinagar, and takes up to 1.5 hours and two hours or more since that weather and road dispensing.
There are pretty roads which have small villages alongside them with lovely orchids of apples and much more wonderful views .
1. By Road
From Srinagar take the south bound road on the Srinagar-Budgam road down straight to Chattergam and then on the other side of Budgam town, on the straight road to Yusmarg. The roads are pretty straight, but rather good and roads are a fair way in, so hire a local guide or taxi if you dont know the area.
Private Cars: Private car or taxi hire service is available from Srinagar or neighboring town. The hiring of taxis can be done from local taxi owners or any traveling agency operating in town.
Public Transport: Buses, and specifically reserve buses are available between Srinagar and Yusmarg. Because of scarcity such buses would be available the comfort may not be a big issue to those tourists, who are visiting during off-seasons.
2. By Air
Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport is nearest airport to Yusmarg. Srinagar Airport which is 40 km from Yusmarg.
From Airport to Yusmarg: One can take taxi or personal taxi from airport that will cover the drive of 1.5 hours to 2 hours to reach to Yusmarg.
3. By Train
The train has also joined Srinagar to the rest of India through Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link. The nearest railway station to Yusmarg, however is Srinagar Railway Station and one would still have to depend on a taxi or private vehicle for the 1.5-2 hours drive to Yusmarg.
Trains can be another mode if someone is coming from any other part of India to Srinagar then uses road transport to reach Yusmarg
By taxi or car rental.
Taxis: You may even take a taxi from Srinagar or Gulmarg for the most personal tour. This is actually the favorite of tourists visiting Yusmarg since it is free from hassles, and you can simply sit idle and enjoy scenic beauty without bothering about navigation.
Car rental: If you are keen to drive self, then car rentals are available in Srinagar. However, local guidance or a GPS is recommended since Yusmarg is not as much explored as other touristy destinations in Kashmir.
5. Best time to visit-easy access
Summer (Apr-Jun): Climatic conditions are tolerable and fine. The journey becomes quite smooth because the roads to Yusmarg are easiest during this time.
Autumn: September-November It is another good time of visit again. The colors of the season anyhow paint a beautiful sceneries around, and the roads are okay.
Winter: December to February It does bring snow to the place and does make the landscape seem fairy-tale like; but there might be instances when the roads are closed or would be a hassle to be negotiated with deep snowfall. Check road conditions before traveling during winters.
6. Local Amenities & Services
Although Yousmarg is not much developed as the tourist destination like Gulmarg, yet some limited facilities are there like some guesthouses, local food shops and services for the tourists are available.
This region is almost not commercialized and very silent; therefore, it should be planned in advance, mainly if some services and arrangements are supposed to be found.
Summary: Road connectivity from Srinagar makes it an ideal place for a secluded vacation in the Kashmir Valley. The destination of Yusmarg is easily reachable by taxi or by rented car and is possible by public transport also, though checking the weathers may be necessary more predominantly so if there are heavy snowfalls during winter months while navigating to these destinations.

FOOD TO YUSMARG

Although quiet and less commercialized than most tourist hotspots of Kashmir, Yusmarg still gives a visitor an experience of enjoying traditional Kashmiri food with little noise and less frill. Even though there aren’t too many fine restaurants or big eateries, there are some dhabas, small guest houses, and small local eateries providing very authentic and pure Kashmiri dishes. A short yet satisfying range of food should await you, reflecting the gastronomical richness of the area.
Must Try Cuisines at Yusmarg
Wazwan Cuisine
Kashmiri Wazwan, being a rich multi-course meal, is an integral part of Kashmiri culture during special occasions such as festivals or weddings. Since Yusmarg has hardly any elaborate banquet-style meals, some of the eateries or guest houses here might serve watered-down versions of Wazwan. The must-try ones are:
Rogan Josh: The pieces of lamb, tender, and cooked with the right blend of spicy and aromatic spice ingredients. Traditionally, it is done using Kashmiri red chili for the bright red color and true flavor.
Gushtaba: Shaped like meatballs with minced Mutton, prepared in a rich, aromatic gravy.
Yakhni: Curry made out of yogurt, mildly spiced for the fine flavor made from either lamb or chicken.
Korma: it is a very rich recipe with pieces of meat (mutton or chicken), yogurt, and dozens of spices are produced in the sauce.
2. Kashmiri Rice Dishes
Kashmiri Pulao: the aromatic rice recipe is prepared with dry fruits like raisins, almonds, cashews, saffron, and a range of light spices. It is not spicy compared to other dishes but is very aromatic and flavored.
Sheermal: a sweetish saffron-flavoured bread that goes well with gravy-based dishes like Rogan Josh or Yakhni. It is soft.
Tandori Roti or Kashmiri Naan: a flatbread cooked in the tandoor and served with meats and gravies.
3. Kashmiri Saag and Vegetable Dishes
Vegetables are also important to Kashmiri cuisine, especially when one eats vegetarian.
Haak: Like collard green stew-like, but with a few mild spices. Very simple and comforting, often made to go with just steamed rice.
Monje (Kashmiri Fritters): These are dumplings in fried rice flour with lentil. This is mainly taken as a snack or on the side
Dum Aloo: A spicy and tangy gravy for potatoes. Eaten with rice but some take it with bread.
4. Kashmiri Snacks and Street Food
To have hurried up snacks, try street food at local small restaurants or roadside vendors.
You may really enjoy such items as kebabs, flavored spicy meat kebabs made of lamb or chicken with flatbreads or rice. Saffron Tea, or Kashmi Kahwa, is a very good green tea prepared from infusing saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and almonds and is one of the favorite hot drinks during winter.
Bakarkhani: A thick, sweet flat bread is eaten with tea.
5. Deserts
A very rich tradition indeed in Kashmir; most of these are thus readily available in Yusmarg too:
Shufta: Confectionary preparation by immersing a mixture of dry fruits, nuts and spices in sugar syrup.
Kahwa (Saffron Tea): While not technically a dessert, I have actually had this Kashmiri Kahwa a few times served together with a sweet treat like Firni (a type of rice pudding) or Kulcha.
Kulfi: a frozen yogourt, similar to icecream, although the most popular flavor is pistachio or saffron
6. Tea and Snacks
Yusmarg is a secluded place and many of the visitors love to rest in the same ambiance with a hot cup of Kashmiri Kahwa. SOMETIMES, guesthouses or tea stalls provide simple biscuits or cookies along with the tea which is followed by fried snacks known as pakoras.

Yusmarg Eating Out:
As Yusmarg is not one of the prominent tourist centers in the area, the dinning facility is much lesser in relation to Srinagar. Still, you will find roadside local eateries as well as guesthouses serving authentic meals in a typical Kashmiri style:
Roadside local Eateries and Dhabas: Small roadside dhabas or local food stalls serve humble, home-cooked food in the manner of straightforward Kashmiri cuisine. It’s an excellent place to savor an authentic no-frills meal.
Guest houses and Resorts: There are a few guesthouses and resorts in Yusmarg where home-style cooking is served to guests, including the normal Kashmiri dishes. Do enquire ahead of time what accommodation you may have booked offers Wazwan type meals or if they can do some local specialties.
Kashmiri Tea Houses: There are tea houses towards the end of Yusmarg, which has simple cup of Kahwa or Kashmiri tea, that can be relished with biscuits and the like.
Food Suggestions in Yusmarg
Try the locally prepared items: Do not miss these delicacies, and do try Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Haak with Sheermal.
Simple food: The Yusmarg is a peaceful and rural tourist destination, so the variety of options is not that great, however, whatever has been served usually has been fresh and really yummy.
Try local tea: Sipping on the warm Kashmiri Kahwa that should warm your veins up in the cold climate of the place.
Basically, even though Yusmarg doesn’t boast too many varieties of food as the counterparts it has in other busier tourist towns, what they do offer does it just right-it lets tourists experience genuine Kashmiri cuisine in peace amidst the nature surrounding the place.

RICHNESS IN NATURAL BEAUTY AND DIVERSITY

This little haven lies in the enchanting valley of Kashmir, which is rich in diversified natural beauty and landscapes. From the serene meadows to the dense forests and pleasing views of the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range, it’s a scintillating getaway for all the nature lovers. As far as most famous spots in Kashmir like Gulmarg or Pahalgam are concerned, Yusmarg remains relatively lesser known, but as such turns out to be the treasure trove of many natural wonders.
Let’s go close to the reasons why Yusmarg is so full of its natural beauty and has such diversity of landscape that it holds:
1. Meadows and Greenery
In fact, Yousmarg is pretty famous for its lushly beautiful meadows, lavish grassy fields, and green cover full of beauty especially in the summer season. The wildflowers in this lush green cover add kaleidoscope colors to the verdant stretches, making miles-long meadow unravel a peaceful serenity with no bound seems to exist during the spring and summer season.
It may be compared to Gulmarg but still much more secluded and unrefined. The Yusmarg meadow is quite much a picnic ground or an area where one can stroll about, or horseback through.
2. Forest and Alpine Flora
Thick forests all around the place make the region a spree. Pinewoods, cedar woods, deodar woods, and the like scatter the whole of Yusmarg with natural shades and abodes for a host of wildlife.
These mountain forests host the rich variety of flora found at the higher ends, comprising wildflowers, shrubs and grasses.
Doodhpathri: It happens to be a nearby village that people visit in conjunction with Yusmarg and can almost be termed by thick groves of pines and cold, crystal-clear streams running through it. And all this goes to add to the region’s natural diversity.
3. Views of Himalayan and Pir Panjal Mountain Range
The Himalayan and the Pir Panjal mountain ranges are picturesque; their peaks having a superimposed layer of sheer snow. Yusmarg forms an imposing backdrop for the meadows and forests spread around it. The rugged landscape of these mountain ranges adds to a unique confluence of landscapes since both alpine grasslands and woodland give way to very rugged terrain at one end.
Winter puts the surrounding mountains into white snow; hence, the entire area looks like a wonderland during the winter season. Though these tall peaks are out of bounds during highly cold months, still, the view is fabulous when the mountains are all white against the blue sky.
4. Variety of Flora and Fauna
Wildlife: The region is home to the Himalayan brown bear and musk deer to several varieties of birds, including the Himalayan monal, the state bird of Jammu and Kashmir. Some other animals which exist in this region include marmots, wild boars, and red foxes. This region also provides some fine prospects for bird watching with various migratory and resident birds that are seen here.
Flora: Alpine plants and wild flowers, with herbs are full of flora, that includes the blue poppies, rhododendons, and edible herbs like garlic chives. Wild berries galore at lower altitudes and other such flora have found a niche in the folk medicines of Kashmir
5. Rivers and Streams
Within this zone, there exist crystal rivers and streams mainly made up of glaciers found high up in the mountains. These rivers and the waters present contribute to the beauty of the scenario but are also highly required for irrigation and local agriculture.
One such beauteous meeting point of rivers is the meeting of River Doodh Ganga with the highway to Srinagar-Jammu. The locals are often found fishing here and add to the moist beauty of the meadows.
6. Climatic and Seasonal Changes
Yusmarg has cool temperate climates. The elevation stands about 2,400 meters above sea level. The weather, therefore, will be pleasing in summer when the temperature rises as high as 18 degrees Celsius and as high as 25 degrees Celsius. This is really perfect for any form of out doors.
Winter is pretty cold and at times it reaches as low as -10°C (14°F) and sometimes snow falls in the meadows and mountains. Real winter attracts those who wish to seek refuge within a winter resort amidst the white-and-snowy scenario.
September to November is a far more beautiful time because the surrounding forests and meadows turn golden and reddish with the fall of leaves.
7. Isolation and Serenity
Isolation with serenity is one of the major attractions of Yusmarg. Comparatively, Yusmarg has less tourist activity like in Gulmarg or Pahalgam; this makes it less disturbed by mass tourism, which, in its turn, naturally is a salient factor of its authenticity and untouched beauty.
But as it is a proper get away from civilization, one can enjoy the surrounding nature through some or the other means like picnickings, trekking, and photography.
8. Adventure and Exploration
Trekking and Hiking: There are many treks available here. Some particularly great treks are taken up into the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal range. The treks vary from a sea of great scenic views of the entire valley below, to often passing through forests, streams, and meadows.
Fresh water fish can be seen in the rivers and streams of Yusmarg. Fishing and angling, one of the most common activities, attracts the tourist.
Horse riding: Even horses may be hired so that the visitor can take off into the meadows and ride around the terrain that lies surrounding that may well be a part of the reason the place has a certain innocence and charm to it.
9. Cultural Importance
Also, it is culturally and religiously important because many sacred spots and ancient shrines are placed in the cracks of nature. Like Dastgeer Sahib Shrine is located nearby where one can achieve religious enlightenment of that place in nature as well.
It also closely related to the soil as the agriculture of the Kashmiri villages in the nearby areas is strictly based on bounties of nature for their activities like apples, cherries, and walnuts.

LOCAL CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

It is quite traditional life in Yusmarg and rather like life in Kashmir, so it brings elements of Islamic heritage, Sufism, and general Hindu influence. The location is in the countryside of the Kashmir Valley, a place where people have been known to farm, herd, and otherwise involve themselves in handicraft, largely living in close contact with natural environments.
Despite such reclusive and limited commercialization compared to the other tourist destinations in Kashmir, the excellence of Yusmarg’s culture remains to be kept alive through influence from natural environment, regional customs, and religious traditions. Over here is a synopsis of some of the most prominent aspects and traditions in Yusmarg:
1. Religious and Spiritual Significance
Islamic Heritage This region is surrounded by Muslims, and most people in Yusmarg are Muslims-pretty much just like the rest of the valley. Its mode of spiritual activities is dominated by Sufism, and various sufi shrines and mosques lie here, where community members organize religious meetings, the performance of dhikr, etc.
Shrines and Pilgrimages: Shrines emerging from every nook and corner which bear the sacred abode of Sufi saints and natives; some even represent prominent Islamic personalities. The Dastgeer Sahib Shrine and other Sufi shrines around in this area seem to be places of spirituality, which serve as a destination both for locals and for pilgrims in search of benediction and paying their respects. These too constitute a part of Sufism, which seems to have been an organic feature of Kashmiri society down the ages.
Religious Events: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and the blessed month of Ramadan is also observed with frenzied religious fervour. On these festivals occasions, congregational and organizational prayers are held at Yusmarg, mosques and shrines in villages become a center of religious activity.
2. Kashmiri Folklore, Music and Dance
Traditional Music: Well, there is hardly any Kashmiri culture without music. So it weaves its way into Yusmarg’s frame as well. In religious and cultural functions, one hears a lot of Sufi songs, qawwali, and Kashmiri folk music. But in the local performances, people used to hear more of the traditional instruments namely santoor-hammered dulcimer, rubab-a string instrument-and dholak-a type of drum.
Dance Forms: While the region is overwhelmingly ritualistic in religious and spiritual activities, still there are a myriad of traditional Kashmiri dances, such as Rouf and Bhand Pather which are utilized to entertain themselves while indulging into festivities and celebrations. These are said to be a synthesis of both social and folk elements and often are associated with the stories of history and culture.
3. Traditions of Traditional Kashmiri Craftsmanship
Traditional crafts: Yusmarg valley has a good set of skills for some traditional crafts like the weaving of Pashmina wool, Kashmiri carpets, and Kashmiri papier-mâché. Again, though these crafts are more famously associated with Srinagar, the artisans of the Yusmarg valley do the same thing. One might be able to find local markets selling some handmade shawls, carpets, and wood carvings of very rich craftsmanship.
Wicker and Wood: The other kind of craftsmanship being practiced in the region is woodwork. Kashmiri walnut wood has been exquisitely carved to create beautiful ornamented furniture pieces and ornaments. The craft is a generational passing on of traditional skill .
4. Agriculture and Rural Lifestyle
Agriculture: Yusmarg people have subsistence farming for crops such as paddy, wheat, barley, and vegetables. Some water from the rivers passing through the region around it makes Yusmarg quite fertile and the place thus suitable for agriculture. Besides these crops, apples, cherries, and walnuts are also cultivated by Yusmarg people which are highly consumed in the Kashmiri diet and hold an important place in local trade.
Livestock:  animal husbandry is very common in most households within the area, rearing sheep, goats, and cattle. Sources of dairy products which include yogurt, cheese, and butter products, all coming from traditional methods that are continually passed from generation to generation.
Agrifood Festivals: Agrifood festivals are usually conducted during seasons, in which people spare some time and pay respects to the harvest seasons or any other major agrifood-related event. Most of them tend to have dancing and singing around prepared food in a group.
5. Food Culture and Cuisine Traditions
Kashmiri Cuisine: Since much of Kashmir, the food here at Yusmarg becomes much influenced more by flavors both from Central Asian as well as Persian antiquity, due to much trade and cultural exchange that occurred in the region. Local food is characterized by fiery and fragrant dishes among which are Rogan Josh (spiced Mutton curry), Yakhni (a meat dish in yogurt) and Dum Aloo (potatoes cooked in rich spices).
Wazwan: Although Yusmarg is not as attractive as that other place for tourists in Kashmir is; yet some guest houses and traditional restaurant does serve Wazwan, that is the ceremonial banquet comprising a lot of courses of meat, rice, and bread; it is usually served on such occasions like marriages, religious festivals.
Regional Cuisine: Kahwa, the saffron tea of Kashmir or noon chai, this salty pink tea prepared from milk, tea leaves, and baking soda, accompanies the traditional Kashmiri snacks. Other traditional snacks available here include monje, fried lentil fritters; bakarkhani; and samosas.
6. Kashmiri Attire
Traditional Dresses The people at Yusmarg still go about in the traditional attires of Kashmir particularly during religio-cultural festivals. Men and women are seen wearing the woolen Pheran-a flowing, long overcoat-often during the winter months. It is worn with head-gear and scarves covering the private parts of the body.
Women’s Wear: Salwar Kameez: Salwar Kameez are more loose-fitting pants and tunic for women. These are ornamented by a headscarf or Dupatta which adorns the female body. Decoratively embroidered Kashmiri shawls and scarves with intricate needlework or Pashmina wool are used on festival and special occasions .
7. Folk Festivals and Ceremonies
Eid Celebrations: Its reception is enjoyed in masses at large community congregation with special prayers and feasts. Generally, Eid atmosphere in Yusmarg remains very peaceful because people gather in their families either to celebrate the end of Ramadan or to sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.
Baisakhi and Makar Sankranti: Even though the festival is not related to any Muslim festival, both Hindus also celebrate ancient festivals with folk songs, dances, and harvest-related activities in Yusmarg .
8. Architecture and Village Life
The houses here at Yusmarg reflect the typical style of Kashmiri style architecture. Houses basically remain wooden with sloping roofs, intricately carved windows, and wooden porches ending in a chimney or a conventional chullah. Most of the houses still retain these traditional features, like a chinars growing in the lawn and verandas where people collect for conversation.
Folk Festivals and Rural Community Life: In the rural village, community life is based on farming because it compels all the people in the village to come together as one body for the same purpose of harvesting wheat and barley, sheep-shearing, or milking buffalo, etc. Prayers are also conducted regularly, especially on important religious festivals .

DISTANCE FROM SRINAGAR

It is approximately 47 km by road from Srinagar to Yusmarg. Depending upon the condition of the road and the traffic, it should take around an hour and a half to two hours, maybe more considering the weather, but generally speaking, the travel is very scenic as it takes you through villages, meadows, and forests, so the travel itself is quite an experience.
Directions:
The road passes from Srinagar through Chattergam and then takes a turn to Budgam district.
Now proceed further to Yusmarg crossing Budgam town.
Since Yusmarg is actually relatively sequestered with fewer commercial setups, it would be advisable to travel by private vehicle or hire a taxi from Srinagar for a smooth and comfortable journey.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

With serene and scenic beauty in the Kashmir Valley, Yusmarg offers great deals of natural attractions and activities to welcome nature lovers, adventure-seekers, and all those looking for a tranquil presentation of the region. Undoubtedly, it is not as touristy as some other places like Gulmarg or Pahalgam but its charm actually lies in its unspoiled, pristine beauty and quite calm surroundings. Among the Yusmarg attractions are:
1. Yusmarg Meadows
The great draw for the region, meadows of Yusmarg provide panoramic views of lush and green fields. Wildflowers abound over these wide green fields in spring and summer as if by invitation to a picnic or leisurely walks or photography. Freely grazing sheep and cattle can be seen over the landscape and wooded surrounds add shade and beauty.
In winters, it turns out to be a wonderland of snow. One can do all winter sports here like snowshoeing or sledging.
2. Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is famous as “Valley of Milk”. It is located near Yusmarg in Kashmir. It has vast grasslands, crystal-clear streams, and the pine forest surrounding it. The name has been given because of the milky-white color of the river running through the valley, which is a major tourist attraction.
Doodhpathri has trekking so is ideal for a perfect day-out spot from Yusmarg, serene with breath-taking vistas. Nature enthusiasts like this place.
3. Sangam Point
The confluence or meeting place of the Doodh Ganga river and Srinagar-Jammu Highway is called Sangam. It is a beautiful place to see the amalgamation of two rivers, amidst thick pine-forest with mountain scenery. It is really quite a tranquil place to relax one’s self, while the charm of flowing rivers in front of snow-capped peaks is the add-on attractions.
This is also a good place for a boat ride or simply to see the rivers and views.
4. Naranag
Naranag is the historic and religious place located approximately about 12 km from Yusmarg. According to the locals, Naranag Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The site of the temple lies at the feet of Mount Harmukh amidst scenic forests and streams. Some famous trekking routes in the area are also there, such as the one from Naranag to Trunkul with awesome views of the Pir Panjal range.
Naranag is the ideal destination for any visitor in love with an intermingling of history, religion, and nature.
5. Rangdori Bud
Rangdori Bud is a secluded, almost breathtakingly beautiful locality near Yusmarg. It is just the perfect locale for all those visitors who look for finding a little peace and solitude again. The meadows here are lushly carpeted with grazing herds of cattle and distant peaks covered with snow.
It is also an excellent location for trekking or nature walking. The pines and deodar forest make the place quiet, and that makes it an ideal destination where people can get away from more crowded tourist destinations in Kashmir.
6. Wular Lake (Day Trip)
Wular Lake is not local to Yusmarg, but you can surely visit it, which is 50 km from Yusmarg. The place can be visited for a day trip. Wular is one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and is often quite famous for its silence and bird watching.
The migratory birds consider the wetland ecosystem and mountains surrounding the lake a haven. During the visit to Yusmarg, if there is time left, one should visit Wular Lake to look at the bizarre aquatic ecosystem of Kashmir.
7. Fishing and Angling
In addition to the Doodh Ganga river, many small streams, especially around Yusmarg, sustain a lot of varieties of fishes. Angling along with trekking and hiking is another activity where one can try his luck for angling in some of the most pristine waters. This, in turn, usually is followed by moments of peace at solace in mountains and at the natural beauty of the place.
8. Trekking and Hiking Trails
There are plenty of trek options in Yusmarg and the surrounding areas for the adventure freak :
Yusmarg to Doodhpathri Trek : A moderately easy trek which will take you through lush meadows, dense forests offering breathtaking views of mountain peaks.
Naranag to Trunkul Trek : One of the very most popular trails coming from Naranag that takes you deep into the mountains as well as providing sweeping views of the Pir Panjal range.
Rangdori Bud Trek: A pretty smooth trek with a fantastic view of the valley.
The trekking trails offer one a chance to the pristine wildness of Kashmir while enjoying the peaceful seclusion of Yusmarg.
9. Sufi Shrines and Religious Sites
Dastgeer Sahib Shrine: This shrine lies close to Yusmarg, the famous shrine of the Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, commonly referred to as Nund Rishi. This has always been a place of pilgrimage for people. This serene atmosphere along with the brilliant view of mountains from the location, therefore provides this attraction.
Wherever you look, there are small Sufi shrines and religious structures that mark the high culture of Kashmir in the Sufi tradition.
10. Bird Watching
Yusmarg is a paradise for bird-watching and rich in biodiversity. It is home to several species of migratory birds and the state bird of Jammu and Kashmir-the Himalayan Monal. Other species redstarts, woodpeckers, partridges, and eagles can be seen here. The place along with relative isolation from this natural beauty offers the best chance to observe the birds undisturbed.
11. Horse Riding
Another entertaining activity with which one can explore the Yusmarg meadows and other nearby places is horse ride. One can take the horse ride to discover the lush green beauty of Yusmarg meadows or trek for some nearby scenic spots like Doodhpathri or Rangdori Bud.
12. Camping and Stargazing
The night surrounding Yusmarg with a still, clear sky is just perfect for camping and star-gazing. You could opt for the camp in the meadows, away from the lights of the city, to spend a night looking up at the stars. The mountains and forests provide the safest and most peaceful location to drive one of the immersive outdoor experiences in nature.

THINGS TO DO IN YUSMARG

If a person is searching for peace and natural beauty along with the possibility of participating in outdoor activities, then it is a quite good destination for that person. There are long meadows, dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and silent rivers. So, in this way, there is a wide range of activities that may make it unforgettable. In other words, if you are a nature lover or an adventure-seeker who wants just to sit back and enjoy all that is going on around you, here are some of the best things to do in Yusmarg.
1. Yusmarg Meadows:

Let’s visit these vast meadows, perfect to take a leisurely walk or have a picnic under the picturesque surroundings. Spring and summer months at Yusmarg are all about wildflowers; so, you’ll be surrounded with some excellent views of the Pir Panjal mountains and an occasional snow-capped peaks. That is one of the best places to relax and get in touch with nature.
CLICKING: Yusmarg is the dream of a photographer. Ranging from dusk over the grassy patches to snow on mountains and wild horses and flocks of sheep grazing, there will never be a dearth of photographic opportunity.
2. Trekking and Hiking:
While the trek from Yusmarg to Doodhpathri is amidst beauteous forests and meadows and leads you to tranquil Doodhpathri, famous for having a milky white river, the whole view changes with the voyage-distant mountains, lush valleys, and peaceful sceneries.
Trek from Naranag to Trunkul (Moderately Tough): This moderately tough trek is taken from a nearby village known as Naranag. It takes you through beautiful forests and alpine meadows up. It is pretty well suited for trekkers looking for something more than just trekking, for they get to extensively view the Pir Panjal ranges.
3.Rangdori Bud Trek:

Relatively a gentle trek, to be pursued for those who have the need to relax their spirits amidst the serene meadows of Rangdori and the surrounding forests. It is simply one of the best ways to discover the natural beauty of this region as well as local wildlife.
Horse Riding in the Meadows: Horses are very widely used in Yusmarg. Horse riding is one of the best methods to explore the vast meadows and surrounding forests. Horses can be hired locally; a lazy ride through the lush, green landscapes will give a unique perspective to the valley.
Riding Horses to Doodhpathri: some packages offer horse riding up to Doodhpathri, and one can see the lush grass lands and streams by riding through that scenery.
4. Fishing/Angling:
The Doodh Ganga River and the other local streams around Yusmarg are also good fishing and angling grounds. Species of fresh water fish like trout hosted in its waters, and is one of those activities that guarantees a more serene means of connecting to nature.
Doodhpathri region is especially famous for its pure, fresh waters, and it would be the perfect place to fish.
5. Camping
Camping in the meadows: The location of Yusmarg is breathtaking owing to its unconnected quiet and serene ambiance. Transparent sky is so attractive for people who love camping in open skies. One can enjoy one’s camping in a meadow, which is surrounded by huge mountains and pine forests. There is no light pollution as seen at nights in cities; therefore, you will have some amazing time gazing at the stars.
Riverside Camping If you want to live the stuff, then camping around Doodh Ganga River is really peaceful with sound of running water like a own personal soundtrack.

6. Stargazing
   No artificial light is found in this region, making Yusmarg a perfect spot for star-gazing. The mountain clear sky presents an excellent view at night. With a star-gazed sky on a clear night, you can count millions of stars, planets, and constellations. Whether resting in the meadows or staying in the local guesthouse, do not forget to pass some time staring at the heavens.
   7. Sufi Shrines
   Dastgeer Sahib Shrine Dastgeer Sahib Shrine lies close to Yusmarg. It is held as an extremely sacred pilgrimage center in the name of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, also known as Nund Rishi. It is one of the most significant cultural and religious sites in the valley and hence a must visit to study the Sufi cults thriving in the state.
   Local Sufi Shrines: The region is scattered with mini Sufi shrines, which provide a peaceful experience of the spiritual world. They happen to be locally managed shrines, and people go there for offering prayers and meditation.
   8. Bird Watching
   Bird Watching in Yusmarg: It is avifauna, in one word; therefore, a perfect place for sightseeing and bird watching. You can spot the Himalayan Monal, which is Jammu and Kashmir’s state bird; woodpeckers, redstarts, and many more migratory birds. It also acts as an apt site for nature lovers since various types of habitats are easily available in its meadows, forests, and rivers.
   9. Doodhpathri
   Doodhpathri is a place that every tourist, who travel to the region, should visit. It is only a few kilometers away from Yusmarg. This valley is something special for meadows, freshwater streams, and pine forests. It is a peaceful abode; you can have a great time there for picnicking, trekking, and exploring the surrounding forest. This valley has been named as “Valley of Milk” as its river is white in color.
   10. Photography

Whether the rolling meadows, snow capped peaks, rivers or sunsets over the horizon, Yusmarg is something of a photographer’s dream. Every nook in this region is full with breathtakingly beautiful vistas of nature, making it just another fantastic place for landscape photography. Do shoot how this landscape unfolds during the day, from misty mornings to golden hours before sunset.
11. Cultural and Religious Explorations
Experience local culture: Spend time discussing with the locals and the way of their life. Just in the name itself, you could experience some amount of Kashmiri hospitality. And it is most of the locals share their culture, traditions, and stories. You can discover traditional Kashmiri crafts such as wood carvings, Pashmina weaving.
Religious Festivals: The religious festivals like Eid or Ramadan is great time to visit because it allows you to explore the local celebrations, tastes of culture, and religions of the region.
12. Relax and Rejuvenate
Sometimes the best activity is just to unwind and soak in the peace of Yusmarg. Away from the more crowded popular tourist places, this place has given the opportunity to unwind, meditate, and reorient oneself with nature. A serene retreat whether reading in the meadows or simply listening to the sounds of the forest.
13. Local Craft Shopping
While the attractions are meager and basic in Yusmarg, places in nearby towns like Srinagar are famous for the work of Kashmiri handicrafts. Here, you can shop at local markets for Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, paper-mâché items, and other fancies done in walnut wood. Many locals within Yusmarg also sell handicraft wares, such as wickerwork and embroidery, ideal for carrying home as some form of souvenir.