YUSMARG – The legend of Jesus Christ’s lost years and his purported sojourn in the Kashmir valley (during that period) is kept alive by the very name of this pretty township, just 47 km from Srinagar. ‘Yus’ means Jesus and ‘marg’ meadow—meaning the meadow through which Jesus passed through on his travels through the valley. There’s not much else here to commemorate this momentous event, but what you have instead is a fabulous slice of Kashmir’s beauteous countryside, in Budgam district, to enjoy a slow-paced holiday.
The towering peaks of the Pir Panjal range shelter these lush meadowlands from the fierce winds. The best way, of course, to enjoy this glorious tract of nature, is to set out exploring the several (gentle) walking and (more demanding) hiking trails which bring you up-close and personal with the friendly inhabitants of the settlements around these parts. A shared glass of kahwa and some fragrant bread, at a teashop, offer many variations of enjoyment and interactions with the local community. A trail leading to the site of Yusmarg Club brings you through rolling meadows watered by the Doodhganga River, 2km out of Yusmarg.
The area is perfect for a leisurely picnic and a spot of licensed fishing. The 4km hike to Gogi Pathri village brings you to the splendid environs of the Nilnag Lake, skirted by the vistas of the nearby Hajun meadow. The Doodhpathri meadow too can be accessed from Yusmarg, but it’s a 20km trek and can be planned in conjunction with the tourist office. Less demanding are pony rides through the meadow-lands and picnics by the local streams. You can visit the ancient dargah—Charar-e-Sharief, of sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali, located about 18km from Yusmarg. The saint is revered by both Muslims and Hindus. Suffused in deep silences and a tranquil air, the site is balm for the souls of all who enter this hallowed site.
