Located in Bagdam district, Meadows of Jesus or Yusmarg is known for its long stretches of green pastures. An ideal tourist attraction that in its humblest of ways teaches to revere nature, Yusmarg is a proud part of the Valley of Kashmir. Embark on trails that lead to exotic places like Sang-e-Safed Valley and Nilnag. Away from the confines of the mundane, Yusmarg is a little paradise in its own right.
The jewel of Bagdam district, Yusmarg shelters many picture perfect locales. It mesmerizes tourists with its natural beauty through destinations like Sang-e-Safed valley; Yusmarg is also famed for having some exceptional springs of flowers. It has some of the highest peaks in PirPanjal range including Tattakutti (4,725 m) and Sunset Peak (4,746m). The majestic river Doodh Ganga also makes this destination more thrilling and challenging. The mighty natural slopes of Yusmarg provide skiing opportunities to adventure enthusiasts. On the other side, the holy shrine of Charar-e-Sharif endows blessing to the entire regions and is reckoned to protect the land from all kinds of mishaps. The timeless beauty of Yusmarg captivates the hearts of the visitors and compels them to return from time to time.
May to September for Summers and November to February for winters are the best times to be in Yusmarg.
A short trek of 4km to Nilnag a small lake amidst pine trees, near a hamlet gives an ultimate pleasure to visitors. On the valley side there is an interesting trekking from Gulmarg to Yousmarg via Tosamaidan. The trekking starts from Ferozepore area close to Tangmarg and goes towards Sunrise Peak after crossing the nallah. The first slowdown is DrangHabar. The trail then crosses through a dense forest and across the ridge is Tosamaidan. From here one can track the higher trail across mountains or descend to DrangKhag and take a rough road up to Gretabal and thence trekking across to the region.
A full day trek from Yousmarg to frozen lake in Sang e safe valley 10 km is quite fascinating one. Most of the portion of the lake is covered under ice throughout the year.
Due to its high altitude, weather in Yusmarg remains cold and pleasant throughout the year. In January and February, the place remains buried under snow and is almost impossible to reach. Snow starts to melt in March and is gone by end of the month. Spring arrives in April and the next three months till June are considered among the best of the times to visit Yusmarg. July and August are the season of Monsoon. Amount of rain that Yusmarg receives however is not that high.
September again is another good month to visit Yusmarg. After the monsoon has passed, it leaves behind plenty of lush green meadows that you would love to enjoy. Come October the the green turns to Orange in the month of Autumn which is again a delight to watch. November is again a very cold month; and once December starts, it can snow out here anytime.
Horse riding in the valley can be great fun; the pony-wallas in Yusmarg have quite reasonable charges for a ride compared to other destinations. A visit in summer to a place like it will positively be cherished by everyone in a group. This tourist place is suitable for young couples, as it is quietest place out of all tourist destinations.
Yusmarg does not have any domestic or international airport, but it is excellently connected through the Delhi International Airport. The airport is only 22 kms away from Yusmarg. Direct flights to this enchanting place are also available from other major cities such as the Mumbai and Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir region.
There are local buses that take the visitors to Chrarar e Sharief, a town in the Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir state. Chrarar e Sharief is around 40 kms from the city of Srinagar. From here, the visitors can take the taxis or cabs to reach Yusmarg. A very important point that should be noted here is that the road from the Chrarar e Sharief to Yusmarg is closed during the winter season.
To reach Yusmarg, the visitors have to travel up to the Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station, from where the state run buses and private cabs are available easily. Budgam railway station, which is only around 25 km away, can also be visited to reach Yusmarg.
Trekkers are advised to carry tents and other necessary food items for the stay. Travel Agents assistance for organized all inclusive tours is recommended.
