Yusmarg Travel Guide: A Quiet Meadow Day Trip from Srinagar
Pine forests, open meadows and far fewer crowds than Gulmarg or Pahalgam. How to reach Yusmarg from Srinagar, what to do there and the best season.
Quick answerYusmarg is a meadow resort in Budgam district, roughly 45–50 km from Srinagar (about 1.5–2 hours). Expect open meadows, pine forest, the Doodh Ganga stream and far fewer crowds than Gulmarg or Pahalgam. It works best as a day trip from May to October; in winter it is snowy and very quiet.
Yusmarg is what Gulmarg might have felt like before the gondola: a big green meadow, a fringe of pines, a few shepherds and almost no traffic. It is the perfect day out for travellers who have "done" the classics and want a slower, quieter Kashmir.
Getting there
- From Srinagar: about 45–50 km south-west through Budgam and Chrar-e-Sharief, 1.5–2 hours.
- Stop on the way: the Sufi shrine at Chrar-e-Sharief, dedicated to Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, is a respectful and rewarding detour.
What to do
- Walk the meadow: wide, gently sloping and wonderful for children.
- Doodh Ganga: the "milk river", named for its white water over rocks, runs below the meadow.
- Pony rides: at rates fixed by the local association; agree the route first.
- Picnic: carry food or eat at the simple tourist facilities.
- Longer hikes: walks to places like Nilnag lake were popular, but trekking routes are currently closed until further orders; check locally before going beyond the meadow.
Best time
- May–June: green meadows and wildflowers.
- September–October: clear, crisp days.
- Winter: snowy and silent; check the road.
Tips
- Facilities are basic: carry water, snacks and a warm layer.
- Leave Srinagar by 9 am for a full day.
- Combine with Chrar-e-Sharief on the way back.
Plan it into your trip
Add Yusmarg as a day trip on a Srinagar-based itinerary. See our day trips from Srinagar, or request a plan with Yusmarg included via Get My Travel Plan.
Plan the rest of your Kashmir trip
- Sufi Shrines of Srinagar: Kashmir's Sufi heritage lives in its shrines: carved wooden halls, hilltop sanctuaries and centuries of devotion.
- Horse Riding and Pony Rides in Kashmir: Pony rides are a Kashmir classic, from Gulmarg's meadows to Sonamarg's glacier trail.
- Manasbal and Wular Lakes: Lotus blooms at Manasbal and the vast open water of Wular, one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes.
- Kashmir 6 Nights 7 Days Package: Six nights finally lets you sleep near a glacier. A full-circle Kashmir package with a Sonamarg night, two Pahalgam nights, winter options and honest costs.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Yusmarg from Srinagar?
Roughly 45–50 km, about 1.5–2 hours by road through Budgam.
Is Yusmarg worth visiting?
Yes, for quiet meadows and forest without the crowds of Gulmarg or Pahalgam.
Can I stay overnight in Yusmarg?
There are limited tourist huts; most visitors go as a day trip from Srinagar.