Yusmarg (or Yousmarg) – A name I had come across sporadically when it came to Kashmir. While Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam are included in almost everyone’s Kashmir itinerary, Yusmarg is considered relatively offbeat. This little gem of Kashmir is bestowed with unparalleled natural beauty and is ideal for people seeking solitude in nature.
So let me tell you, Yusmarg is not your regular tourist destination to tick off points of interest. But the kind of place to slow down and soak in the beauty of nature – to take walks in the unsullied forests, to talk to the welcoming and cheerful locals, to lie down in the meadows and have little picnics surrounded by wild flowers. If these are the things your heart is set on, then Yusmarg is for you.
Reaching Yusmarg
Yusmarg lies at a distance of approx. 55 Kms from Srinagar and taxi is the most convenient way to reach there. The road is in pretty good condition and the travel time is around 2 hours.
Best Time to visit Yusmarg
I would say Summer, when the flowers bloom in abundance, Daisies that turn parts of the valley white or the little Yellow ones everywhere eyes could see. The weather is also cool during this time and day light remains till 7:30-8 pm. So plan your trip between May – Early July. We visited in the 1st week of July and the weather was just perfect.
Late Sep – Oct is also considered a good time for Yusmarg (no flowers during this time though). During October, the leaves start turning orange announcing the arrival of Autumn. The valley also starts growing colder and warm clothes are a must.
July onwards brings some rainy days too. So go prepared. Also, STRICTLY AVOID EID HOLIDAYS (including the consecutive week) as it gets too crowded.
Yusmarg stays cut off from the mainland during peak Winter (Late December to Feb). Even during March when the snow starts to melt, Enquire about the road conditions before visiting.
