Yousmarg
Yousmarg
kashmir


Yousmarg

Yousmarg Travel Guide – Meadow of Jesus, Nilnag LakeDuke Kashmir Travels

Yousmarg is an alpine meadow in Budgam district, Kashmir, India. It lies 47 km south-west of Srinagar at about 2,400 m (7,900 ft), and it is known as the meadow of Jesus.

The walk or pony ride to Nilnag Lake is the standard outing, and the shrine at Charar-i-Sharief sits on the road in.

By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated

Key takeaways

  • Distance: 47 km from Srinagar, about two hours through Chadoora and Charar-i-Sharief.
  • Altitude: about 2,400 m (7,900 ft) in Budgam district.
  • Best time: April to September; snow closes the meadow in winter.
  • Time needed: a day trip, or half a day if you skip Nilnag.
  • On the way: the shrine of Charar-i-Sharief, one of Kashmir's most important.

What is there to see at Yousmarg?

The meadow itself, Nilnag lake, and the shrine at Charar-i-Sharief on the drive in.

Nilnag is a small blue lake about 4 km beyond the meadow, reached on foot or by pony through forest. Charar-i-Sharief, the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, is on the road from Srinagar and takes twenty minutes to visit. Pakharpora is the other shrine on this side of Budgam.

When is the best time to visit Yousmarg?

April to September, with the meadow greenest in June. Spring brings the wildflowers, autumn the clearest air. Winter snow closes the higher track to Nilnag and makes the meadow a bare white field.

How do you get to Yousmarg from Srinagar?

47 km south-west, about two hours through Chadoora and Charar-i-Sharief. The road is narrow in places and climbs through pine forest at the end. It pairs naturally with Doodh Pathri, the other Budgam meadow, on separate days.

Book Yousmarg with Duke Kashmir Travels

We are a J&K Tourism-registered agency (JKTA00003978) operating our own vehicles in Kashmir since 2011. Yousmarg is a day trip on longer itineraries, usually combined with the shrine visit. See the Kashmir tour ideas page.

Insider tip from our local team

Stop at Charar-i-Sharief on the way out rather than the way back — the shrine closes to visitors around prayer times in the afternoon, and doing it first leaves the whole middle of the day free for the walk to Nilnag.

Featured Places

Kashmir
Nilnag Lake
Nilnag lake is situated in the district of Budgam, Kashmir. Almost at a distance of 4-5 kilometers from Yousmarg, this beautiful and alluring lake lies between the snowy peaks. To reach up to Nilnag Lake, one has to take a pony ride from Yousmarg. Nilnag is believed to have blue water. The surrounding of the lake is very serene and peaceful.
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Kashmir
Pakharpora Shrine
Pakharpora Shrine at Yousmarg is one of the famous shrines in the valley of Kashmir. This shrine is dedicated to Syed Balkhi (RA). He, himself was a devotee of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali (RA). This shrine receives a huge rush throughout the year. The Kashmir valley is known as the valley of saints, and this place portrays the perfect example.
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Kashmir
Charar-i-Sharief
Charar-i-Sharief is a famous shrine in the Kashmir region, which is located on the way to Yousmarg. This place is popularly known for the shrine but besides that handicrafts including crewel work, kangri weaving, and carpets are also famous for this place. Throughout the life of Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), he tried to teach people the best values.
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FAQ's

Queries About Plan An Amazing Tour With Us

Yousmarg is 47 km from Srinagar, roughly two hours by road through Chadoora and Charar-i-Sharief. It is a day trip rather than an overnight, as accommodation on the meadow is limited.
The name comes from a local tradition associating the valley with Jesus, and it has been used for the meadow for generations. It appears in tourist literature as Yusmarg or Yousmarg interchangeably.
A small lake about 4 km beyond the Yousmarg meadow, reached on foot or by pony through fir forest. The walk takes an hour or so each way and is the main outing for anyone spending a full day here.
Yes, and most visitors do. The shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani sits directly on the Srinagar road about 30 km out, so it costs twenty minutes to include.
It is snowbound and very quiet. The track to Nilnag is usually impassable and there is little shelter, so we suggest Gulmarg for a winter snow day and Yousmarg between April and September.