Yusmarg Valley is a beautiful valley located in the Budgam district of Kashmir. It is popularly known as the meadow of Jesus and is a relatively untouched expanse of land where beautiful flowers and trees thrive without any hesitation. The shepherds and goat herds among the Gujjar tribes regularly lead their animals to these pastures in search of great-quality fodder. The rivers and lakes that exist in this valley are serene and peaceful. The whole atmosphere of Yusmarg Valley calms the body and the soul while providing so many opportunities for relaxation and bonding among partners and friends.
Off-Beat Activities To Do in Yusmarg Valley Meadow: Say No To Nothing
1. Explore rare flower beds and pine grooves
At the end of the day, Yusmarg Valley is predominantly known to be one of the largest and most diverse meadows of Kashmir. Because of this, botanical tourism made a name as one of the most popular experiences of sightseeing in Yusmarg Valley. Rare and unknown flower beds grow all over this valley. Tiny wildflowers of vibrant colours line the floor of Woodlands on the gradual slopes surrounding Yusmarg. Thick jungles of pine and deodar trees, along with carefully maintained plantations of expensive alpine flowers and fruits make this trip definitely worth the time and money!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: minimum 2 to 3 hours
2. Photography on the banks of Doodh Ganga River
tourists who love photography will absolutely adore all activities to do in Yusmarg Valley as they all come with the option of clicking extraordinary, artistic pieces going to the picture-perfect nature of every corner of this hill station. The top location according to us where you can enjoy a photography session is on the banks of the Doodh Ganga River. Having originated only a few kilometres away from this Valley, Doodh Ganga takes an energetic and exciting form while tumbling down the hills here. It is a tributary of River Jhelum, and is a chosen location for fishing as well!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
3. Trek to Sang-e-Safed Valley
this is without a doubt one of the most underrated trekking journeys in all of Kashmir. Translated in English, the name of this Valley comes to mean the ‘White Rocks’. While the track to this location is relatively easy, the views of the Doodh Ganga river and the overhead vistas are incomparable. One of the most popular activities to do in Yumthang Valley, this expensive meadow stands as a base camp for the mountaineers going ahead to Tatakooti Peak. But most importantly, visit this location to hike up to the famous oval-shaped meadow and the perennially frozen lake found in this region.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: minimum 7 to 8 hours
4. Pony ride to Nilnag Lake
hidden lakes are a characteristic feature of Kashmir. The Nilnag Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake with a famous elongated shape and steep hills rising on all sides. But the main attraction on this particular journey is the pony ride, definitely one of the most sought-after things to do in Yusmarg Valley. The pony ride roughly takes 1.5 to 2 hours one way. The trail takes one through a dense pine forest where one can spot many rare bird species, wildflowers and the picturesque play of sun and shadow.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 hours
5. Pay respects at Pakherpora Shrine
The two world-famous shrines for Muslim tourists in Yusmarg Valley constitute the religious commitment that makes visiting these shrines the most essential of things to do in Yusmarg Valley. Pakherpora Shrine is dedicated to Sheikh Syed Balki, who reached Kashmir from Afghanistan to train under the guidance of Sheikh-ul-Alam. It is said that even the Mazar of his relatives was magically shifted from Afghanistan to Kashmir by God himself. This shine is a prime location for prayers and blessings for followers of all religions.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The pony ride to Nilnag Lake takes around 1 to 2 hours.
A. There are limited options for accommodation in Yusmarg Valley, which is why it is best to book accommodation in advance when you are travelling to this location.
Conclusion
Sightseeing in Yusmarg Valley often leads tourists to discover the beauty of flora and fauna in the Himalayas like never before. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation away from suffocating crowds of tourists, explore the many Yusmarg Valley travel packages on our site! Request a consultancy with our experienced travel agents today to know which Kashmir travel package is the best for you!