Yusmarg “The Meadow of Jesus” by Ahanger HOBO

Yusmarg “The Meadow of Jesus”

Yusmarg is a beautiful cluster of meadows surrounded by majestic pines and fir, 48km from Srinagar. Yusmarg in Kashmiri means The Meadow of Jesus. The word Yus’ is said to be the short form of Youza Jesus) and marg means meadow. According to local belief, Jesus is said

to have passed through this valley (and may have even stayed here for a while) while traveling in Kashmir. The drive itself winding up from Kashmir is stunning. it is much higher than drives throughout other parts of the valley and you really feel elevated both physically and spiritually. The drive will lead you past the town of Char-i-Sharif, with its famous shrine of Noor-ud-Din. You turn right off the main road and hit Yusmarg, another great place surrounded by mountains to humble you. Yusmarg is filled with gorgeous juniper bushes, and many colorful flowers, a real springtime retreat!

A trek of 4 km leads to a small Lake named Nilnag surrounded by pine trees. Another 10 km trek leads to the most interesting lake the frozen lake in Sang-e-Safed valley, a big chunk of this lake is covered by ice even during the summer. There are plenty of enchanted walks through these hills and meadows to make you feel as if you are communing with the nature spirits. Yusmarg is also known for a profusion of flowers that are used in herbal medicines. For accommodation, there are tourist huts and a camping ground.

There is also a small bazaar for basic items, but it is recommended that trekkers should carry tents and supplies. Besides trekking, you can also take horse rides, go parasailing, have a go at the Zorb ball can even ski in the winter. You can only take shared sumo to Char-i-Sharif leaving from Iqbal Park near Lal Chowk, after that you must hire a private taxi to take you to Yusmarg (around INRl000 or the whole taxi) or if you are patient you can wait for some locals to help you fill the car.

Pahker Pora

Beautiful, views of the Yusmarg mountain, a wonderful old paved bazaar with back streets, visit here if on a day trip to Char-i-Sherif or Yusmarg. Here is also one of Kashmir’s most famous Sufi Healers. He is said to have treated everyone from Indira Gandhi to the current chief minister’s family. When you reach the taxi stand ask anyone for “peer Baba”, his residence is located near the hospital, and a local will show you. Bring a translator as he speaks only the local languages.