Yusmarg in Kashmir

Yusmarg is approximately 47 km from the Srinagar and lies in the Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The two-hour drive to the place is an enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains leave you almost speechless. Within commutable distance from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, Yusmarg is the perfect place to go for a picnic. It is possible that after reaching this place, you may want to even stay for a few days. Specially, for the lovers of long walks in picturesque locales, Yusmarg is the place to be.

You may a laid-back stroll amongst flower-strewn meadows. Another venue for the walkers is a river, known by the name of Dudh Ganga. Frothing and crashing on its way over the rocks, the river makes a little white foam, which gives it this name. A little ahead, is a lake, Nilnag, embraced with hills. The hills comprise of a number of several peaks, namely Tatta Kutti, Sang Safed, etc. At a distance of about 13 km from Yusmarg in the Kashmir valley is the Charar-e-Sharief, the shrine of the saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi.Yousmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic meadows,a sparkling reservoir and mountains comparable to European Alps. Situated amidst Sang Safed valley, Yousmarg is reputed for having some unique spring flowers. It also has some of the highest peaks in Pir-Panjal range like Tatakoti 4725m, Romesh Thong 5000m and Sunset Peak 4746 m. The mighty river Doodh Ganga rises from these peaks and a dis-tributory of the same flows into the reservoir. Word 'Yus' is said to be a short form of Youza or Jesus PBUH and a marg means a meadow, according to a belief the Jesus is said to have passed through this valley while travelling into Kashmir.

A major trekking route from Yousmarg eads to a famous spot called Tosa Maidan, a large meadow used for cattle grasing by nomads. This area is connected through rough routes to places like Gulmarg and Poonch. The region is full of springs , the one at Khag is most famous for the curative properties. The natural slopes of Yousmarg offer skiing opportunities to experts. School camps and adventure lovers make a week to fortnights stay at Yousmarg for the thrilling trekking routes around.Day treks are mostly commenced by the visitors. Stay in personal tents is recommended for the visitors intending to stay for longer duration. The expeditions to the various peaks in the range can be organized through the reputed Travel Agents in Srinagar.

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.

A short trek of 4km to Nilnag a small lake amidst pine trees, near a hamlet gives an ultimate pleasure to visitors. A full day trek from Yousmarg to frozen lake in Sang e safed valley 10 km from Yousmarg is quite fascinating one. Most of the portion of the lake is covered under ice throughout the year. Trekkers are advised to carry tents along during the trip as the weather at high altitude changes frequently which can make further journey quite hard. Assistance of a guide is advisable.

Tsrar-e-Sharief from political, social and economical upheavals, the Rishis or saints emerged with a sacred thoughts which gave comfort and 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 Kaimuh 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.

"Do not go to Shiekh and priest and rnullah: Do not feed the cattle on the arkhor(leaves) Do not shut yourself in mosque and forest Enter thy own body with breath controlled in communion with God"

Local buses ply only upto Chrair e sharief, tourists are advised to hire a taxi from Srinagar or take the assistance of a travel agent. The road from Tsar e sharief to Yousmarg remains closed during the winters.

Since Yousmarg is not so crowded like other tourist destinations, accommodation here is available only at JKTDC Tourist Bungalows & Hutments. The trekkers are advised to carry tents and other necessary food items for the stay. Travel Agents assistance for organized all inclusive tours is recommended.

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 Yusmarg tourist place to visit, Nilnag is a reflection of the sheer beauty of Kashmir.

DUDH GANGA

Another venue for the walkers is a river, known by the name of Doodh Ganga. Frothing and crashing on its way over the rocks, the river makes a little milky white foam, which gives it this name (doodh meaning milk in urdu). A little ahead, is a lake, Nilnag, enfolded within hills. The hills comprise a number of peaks, namely Tatta Kutti, Sang Safed, etc. At a distance of about 13 km from Yusmarg is the Charar-e-Sharief, the shrine of the saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi.Yusmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic meadows, a sparkling water reservoir and mountains comparable to European Alps. The potent River Doodh Ganga rises from several high-altitude peaks and a distributory of the same flows into the reservoir. Tord 'Yus' is said to be a short form of Youza or Jesus and a marg means a meadow, it is believed that Jesus passed through this valley while travelling into Kashmir.

SANG-E-SAFED VALLEY

Sang-e-Safed or 'White Rocks' is located at a distance of 10 km from the Yusmarg Valley in Budgam District of Jammu and Kashmir. Sang-e-Safed is an oval-shaped meadow bisected by a Doodh Ganga stream. The site is visited for its various meadows which are also beautiful picnic spots.

One can go trekking to Sang-e-Safed, which serves as base for Mt. Tatta Kutti and is abound by dense pine trees. Enroute, there are many meadows like Liddermar, where one can have a night's halt. Mornings and evenings are very refreshing here. Another enchanting meadow in the area is Haigin, 4 kms from Yusmarg. Surrounded by dense pine trees, the place is a famous picnic spot. Haigin (4 km from Yusmarg) and Liddermar meadows are neighboring places of tourist interest.

CHARAR-E-SHARIF

Charar-e-Sharief is located on the way to Yusmarg, 40 kilometers from Srinagar. Charar-i-sharief is probably one of the most ancient of shrines which stands tall in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir. Inheriting a heritage of about 600 years old, Charar-i-sharief was built to pay homage to one of the holy saints of Sufism - Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani. Also referred as Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, Charar-i-sharief has went through many a tumultuous times. During the war of Indian and Pakistani Army, the shrine was badly devastated. However, through the diligent efforts of the local governing authorities Charar-i-sharief was again reconstructed. Then there was a militant attack on the shrine in the year 1995 due to which a major portion of Charar-i-sharief was broken. This was also repaired in due time. The historic tales behind Charar-i-sharief narrates an array of interesting anecdotes. The mention of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani who took birth in 1377 is all-pervasive in the saga of the origin of Charar-i-sharief. Called by the name of Sahazanand or Nund Reshi, Noor-ud-Din Noorani propounded the significance of Rishism in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir centuries ago. During his entire life, Noor-ud-Din Noorani spread the message of tolerance, vegetarianism and communal peace among the local people of the valley.

On the occasion of his death in 1438, it is believed that as much as nine lakh followers came to Charar-i-sharief to pay their homage to Noor-ud-Din Noorani. Preserving the remains of Noor-ud-Din Noorani, Charar-i-sharief today is regarded as one of the holiest of places of Muslim sect. A great philosopher who had a mastery over poetry and verses, Noor-ud-Din Noorani was also known by several names such as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, Sheikh-ul-Alam and Sarkhel-e-Rishiya, among others.