Yusmarg or Yousmarg (lit. 'Meadow of Jesus' ; Urdu pronunciation: [juːsməɾɡ] ; Kashmiri pronunciation: [juːsmarɨɡ]) is a hill station in the western part of the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated 53 km (33 mi) south of Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. Yousmarg provides space for beautiful landscapes, young pine nurseries, green pastures and heart touching lotic and lentic water bodies. Nilnag, Doodhganga and a nascently created artificial dam adds more to the beauty of the meadows. Nature has bestowed Yusmarg with pleasant flora and fauna. Yusmarg is often referred to as a trekkers paradise.Yusmarg has some modest stay options but some new homestays have come up around the area.Tribe homestay and cafè located at the nearest village Nagbal is gaining popularity especially among the youth. The place is rustic, wooden and reflects the Kashmiri architectural heritage. Among fauna, locals claim that they often sight wolves, bears, apes, cats, aves of various types (flight as well as flightless). Among aquatic fauna, schizothoraxic is abundant one in catch.

Geography

Yusmarg in Kashmiri translates to The Meadow of Jesus. Although there is no historical or archeological record, it is said to have been visited by Jesus. It is an alpine valley covered with snow clad mountains and the meadows of Pine and Fir. It lies 18 km (11 mi) south of Charari Sharief, a town in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at the bank of Doodganga River which is a tributary of Jehlum River. It is located in the Pir Panjal peaks, a sub range of Himalaya. The Peaks are: the Sunset Peak and the Tatakooti Peak for which the expeditions lead from this hill station. It lies at an altitude of 2,396 m (7,861 ft) above sea level.

Tourism

A trek of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) leads to a small lake called Nilnag, famous for its blue water. 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) trek leads to the frozen lake in Sang-e-Safed valley, which is mostly covered by ice even during the summer. Other tourist activities include horse riding, fishing, skiing during winter and photography. In February 2023, Department of Youth Services & Sports J&K organized Skii training for the first time in Yousmarg.

Access

Yusmarg is easily accessed from Srinagar or Srinagar Airport (SXR), the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, 47 kilometres (29 mi). The drive in under 2 hours by car or bus leads through Charari Sharief town.

COVID-19

During COVID-19, teachers of High school Kandajan in Yusmarg area started open-air community classes in order to make up for the losses due to the pandemic.

See also

• Sonamarg
• Gulmarg
• Charar-i-sharief
• Dodh Pathri