Yusmarg: Haven of lush meadows and adventure, set for new investments and makeover

6 July 2023

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A stream along the Yusmarg-Branwar trail (Photo: Ziraat Times)

Srinagar, July 6: Did you ever crave for a virgin wonderland of unending lush-green flowery meadows, alpine snow-mountains, crystal clear streams, walkable mountain trails and moments of deep breathing and relaxation?

If yes, here is your dream destination – Yusmarg, Kashmir.

Yusmarg is a hill station which has everything a nature and spirituality lover craves for – lush green forests, crystal clear water streams, endless meadows, camping sites, easy trekking trails, trekkable snow peaks and spiritual sites.

Importantly, its slopes, technical assessments have shown, would make it a major winter sports attraction, especially for intermediate and advanced skiing.

Yusmarg lies some 48 kms south-west of Srinagar in the lap of the great Pirpanjal mountains. The site falls amidst Kashmir’s most amazing high-altitude meadows and camping sites, like Sang-e-Safaid, Bargah, Tattakuti, Fresnag, Drugdolen, Trisori among others.

Not just that, Yusmarg falls in a geographical circuit that houses the popular masoleum of Kashmir’s most revered Sufi saint – Alamdaar-e-Kashmir, which attracts devotees from diverse communities from far and wide. There is literature abound which offers deep insights into Kashmir’s rich Sufi-Reshi spiritual heritage.

Although Yusmarg remains a popular summer tourist destination, however, over the years, compared with Gulmarg or Pahalgam, this great tourist destination has received less government attention, resulting in a basic infrastructure not at par with modern-day tourist expectations. Consequently, its meadows and trekking trails remain one of the most unexplored adventure tourism destinations in Kashmir.

However, both central and Union Territory government’s are now drawing up plans which would see Yusmarg zooming to one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir.

“Very soon, the lives and livelihoods of local communities in Chrar Sharief-Yusmarg areas would see a qualitative change. The newly-built Semi Ring Road, connecting Yusmarg directly with the country, would bring new business, investments and new opportnities. Plans are being drawn for developing offbeat tourist destinations like Yusmarg in a big way”, a senior official at the Union Tourism Ministry told Ziraat Times.

“Yusmarg in unique in many ways. It is close to capital Srinagar. Its trekking and camping trails are relatively easy – fit for women, children and also those with not so firm physical fitness. It has the largest expanse of high-altitude meadows in Kashmir”, says Noor Muhammad, a local resident.

Travel and tour agencies, which organise adventure and holiday trips to Kashmir, are upbeat about the new development plans for Yusmarg.

“Srinagar-Yusmarg road is often in poor condition, which can make it difficult and time-consuming for tourists to reach the destination, but the Semi Ring Road would soon change things for the better”, said Farooq Ahmed, who heads a leading travel and tourism company in Srinagar.

Tourism stakeholders, who facilitate trips to Yusmarg, say that while the stretch between Nagam and Chrar-e-Sharief is usually in good condition, the stretch between Chrar-e-Sharief and Yusmarg requires good investment.

“Even the road between Srinagar Bypass and Nagam is not in a good shape. Tourists often get exhausted and that is why the road needs special attention”, says Bala Deshmukh, a Mumbai-based travel agent, who organises adventure tours to Yusmarg along with the Thakke Pyend group.

When it comes to accommodation, there is a limited number of good hotels and guest houses in Yusmarg. Most of the huts and hotels are run by the government which sustain tourism in this resort. But, during peak seasons, tourists find it hard to find accommodation there.

“What Yusmarg lacks in is good quality hotels and guest houses. This is an area which requires good private investment. Such an investment can also help in easing high pressure on resorts like Pahalgam and Gulmarg”, said Mr Deshmukh.

One of the most acute deficiencies in Yusmarg is a reliable mobile phone connectivity.

“It is so surprising that Yusmarg does not have a reliable mobile connectivity from all mobile companies. Tourists visiting there are often unable to use their credit and debit cards for payments”, said Nadeem Khan, a tourist guide working in Yusmarg.

Recognising these deficiencies, the Union Tourism Ministry and the J&K government are now planning several initiatives to give a boost to infrastructure and tourism in and around Yusmarg.

“A multi dimensional plan is being developed now, which would include major road development to Yusmarg and transforming it into a major winter sports destination”, said a senior official at the Union Tourism Ministry.

Another senior official in the Ministry told Ziraat Times that an investors’ meet on Yusmarg and other destinations is being planned soon, wherein expressions of interest will be sought for developing tourism facilities such as cable car projects, modern skiing infratructure, hotels, eco resorts, nature interpretation and spiritual and cultural sites there.

“We are also working with mobile phone companies to encourage them to install all the necessary mobile phone and high speed Internet facilities all around Yusmarg, and much progress has already been achieved in laying cables for high speed Internet there, a senior official at the Tourism Department, Kashmir, told Ziraat Times.

What is reassuring is that the new infrastructure development plan is aiming to consider cultural and natural aesthetics of the place.

While, like other tourist resorts, Yusmarg has a Development Authority which administers the development and maintains things at Yusmarg, official sources said that the government may consider creating a tourism board, which would include tourism development for Yusmarg, Chrar Sharief, Pakherpora and other nearby cultural sites.

“The tourism board would also partner with the private sector to encourage the much needed private sector investment in hotels, resorts, cable car systems, skiing facilities and other tourism-related businesses”, the official added.

Important trekking, camping and adventure tourism sites in and around Yusmarg

Bargah Meadows: These meadows are located at an altitude of 3,400 meters, and they offer stunning views of entire Kashmir valley, including Srinagar city and the surrounding mountains. The meadows are surrounded freshwater streams and snow-capped peaks, making them a popular spot for camping and hiking.

Drugdolen Meadows: These meadows are located at an altitude of 3,400 meters, and they are a popular spot for camping and hiking. The meadows are surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and they offer stunning views of the Sang-e-Safed group of mountains.

Trisoru Trek: This is a 3-day trek from Yusmarg that takes you to the Trisoru meadows. The meadows are located at an altitude of 3,600 meters, and they offer amazing views of the Pirpanjal mountains.

Tosa Maidan trek: Tosa Maidan is not only known for its vastness but also for its high-altitude meadows. The rolling green meadows of Tosa Maidan offer a stunning landscape dotted with wildflowers.

Dodpathri Meadows: Dodpathri, also known as “Valley of Milk,” is a picturesque meadow situated close to Yusmarg. It is surrounded by dense pine forests and snow-clad peaks. The meadow is known for its pristine beauty and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors.

These meadows provide excellent opportunities for nature walks, picnics, and photography amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Pir Panjal range.