Yousmarg

Beautiful Meadows Valley was one of the most peaceful and scenic places I’ve ever visited. The wide green landscapes, fresh air, and colorful blooms made it feel like a hidden paradise. It was a perfect spot for relaxation, photography, and reconnecting with nature. It’s truly disappointing that the valley is now closed. A place so naturally beautiful deserved to be preserved and cherished. I hope it reopens someday, because experiences like this are rare to find.

Yousmarg is a peaceful hill destination located in Budgam district of Kashmir, about 45 km from Srinagar. Known for its lush green meadows, dense pine forests, and snow-clad peaks, it is one of the most serene places in the Valley. The Doodh Ganga River flows nearby, adding to its natural beauty. Yousmarg is less crowded compared to Gulmarg and Pahalgam, making it perfect for quiet picnics, nature walks, trekking, and photography. Popular spots include Nilnag Lake, Sang-e-Safed Valley, and easy forest trails. It is often called the “Meadow of Jesus”, based on a local belief that Jesus once visited the area. Best time to visit: April to October (green meadows) and December to February (snow)

On visiting Yousmarg, you can enjoy the meadows surrounded by snowclad mountains on one side. Here many activities can be done. One being the Horse Ride to Nilnag Lake. The path to Nilnag Lake is quite muddy in some places passing through the pine forests

Yousmarg is truly a hidden gem of Kashmir. Unlike the more crowded tourist spots such as Gulmarg or Pahalgam, this place offers complete peace and untouched natural beauty. The drive from Srinagar itself is refreshing, passing through villages, orchards, and the famous Charar-e-Sharif. As soon as you reach Yousmarg, you are welcomed by endless meadows surrounded by dense pine forests and snow-capped mountains in the distance. The air feels fresh and pure, and the calmness of the place instantly relaxes you. It is perfect for those who want to escape the busy life and spend some quiet time in nature. There are many things to explore here—short treks to Doodhganga, Nilnag Lake, and Sang-e-Safed make the experience even more memorable. Horse riding across the green pastures is another must-try activity. In summers, the meadows are full of wildflowers, while in winters the entire valley is covered in snow, turning it into a white wonderland. What I loved most about Yousmarg is its serenity. It is not commercialized, so you truly get to enjoy the raw beauty of Kashmir. If you are a nature lover, photographer, or someone looking for peace and fresh air, Yousmarg is a place you must not miss. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kashmir.”

A beautiful place, better than even sonamarg and remove the Gondola and it's better than Gulmarg too. Very few tourists, serene meadows, still very clean and calming. On the flip side, the route is not well maintained, facilities such as washrooms, restaurants, seating etc are in a very poor condition. Visited in winters, and so that may be a reason. Otherwise a beautiful meadow..