Yusmarg- The Travel Guide

The rising star of Kashmir tourism, Yusmarg, is a treat to the eye. The area is picturesque with beautiful meadows surrounded by snowy Pir Panjals in summer and completely covered with feathery snow in winter. If you are planning to visit Yusmarg, follow along with Cliffhangers India to make your trip safe and efficient.

 

Yusmarg location

Yusmarg is located in the Budgam district of Kashmir in the west of Jammu and Kashmir. It is at a distance of over 50 km to the south of Srinagar. The little hamlet is situated on the banks of the Doodhganga river. Yusmarg is located at an altitude of 2,396 m above sea level which makes it a snow-covered location in winter. Snow-covered Pir Panjal and Tatakooti peaks surround the beautiful Yusmarg.

 

How to reach Yusmarg?

Whatever means you choose to travel to going to Yusmarg, you first have to arrive at Srinagar. If you want to arrive by air, Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport to Yusmarg. If you are travelling by train, Srinagar railway station is the nearest station.

 

You can either choose to travel by car, private or rented, or you can also hire a bike for travelling from Srinagar to Yusmarg by road. A public bus service also travels from Srinagar to Charar-e-Sharif and then from there to Yusmarg. However, its frequency is very less as Yusmarg is a small hamlet where very few people visit.

It would take you around 2-3 hours to get to Yusmarg from Srinagar. The fare is around 2000-2500 rupees in case you hire a taxi from Srinagar to Yusmarg.

 

Weather in Yusmarg

Due to its latitude and altitude, Yusmarg is a cold destination throughout the year. However, the winter months in Yusmarg are from October to February. Yusmarg receives heavy snowfall and the temperature dips over 10 degrees below zero in these months. Snowfall begins in November and stays till February.

 

March witnesses the melting of snow and April to September are the Summer months in Yusmarg. The temperature is comfortably over 20 degrees. June to August witnesses a monsoon which makes it very hard to plan a day outside.

 

Best time to visit Yusmarg

The best time to visit Yusmarg Kashmir is dependent on what you are expecting from your trip. Largely, April to May and September to October are the favourite months of tourists visiting Yusmarg. The temperature is comfortable and warm. Even though April is cold at night, all the snow has melted. The ways to Yusmarg have opened up and the weather is very inviting in April and May.

September is the month when the monsoon has retreated. Yusmarg is lush with greenery and dripping beauty. It becomes the most picturesque in this month with all the biodiversity at its best. October is the month of fall and all the trees and leaves turn orange and extremely beautiful. Before harsh cold begins covering everything in the snow in winter, these months are the best to capture Yusmarg’s fleeting beauty.

 

 

Why is Yusmarg famous?

Yusmarg is famous for its history attached to Jesus Christ. Its name translates into ‘the meadows of Jesus’. It is believed that Jesus Christ visited here and stayed for a few days. The river Dudhganga is also said to be the river of milk flowing due to his blessing.

The area has a lot to offer with activities like trekking, camping and snow activities in winter. There are many places near it to visit like Nilnag lake and Sang-e-Safed. Also, with growing footfall in Gulmarg and Sonmarg, Yusmarg is appearing as a rising star and a recluse for tourists looking for peace and quiet in a similar landscape. Besides Yusmarg, you can also visit to Doodhpathri Kashmir which is also worth visiting.

 

Things to keep in mind before visiting Yusmarg

 

 1. Prepaid phones do not work in the area. The networks are very poor. You would experience a technology detox if you are visiting Yusmarg

 2. The area does not host any ATMs or a shopping place. Carry  your own first aid as there are no hospitals around.