Yusmarg in Kashmiri translates to The Meadow of Jesus.[5] Although there is no historical or archeological record, it is said to have been visited by Jesus.[6][7] It is an alpine valley covered with snow-clad mountains and the meadows of Pine and Fir. It lies 18km (11mi) south of Charari Sharief, a town in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at the bank of the Doodganga River, which is a tributary of the Jehlum River. It is located in the Pir Panjal peaks, a sub-range of the Himalaya. The Peaks are: the Sunset Peak and the Trattekoot Peak, for which the expeditions lead from this hill station. It lies at an altitude of 2,396m (7,861ft) above sea level.[8]
Tourism
A trek of 4 kilometres (2.5mi) leads to a small lake called Nilnag, famous for its blue water.[9] A 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) trek leads to the frozen lake in Sang-e-Safed valley, which is mostly covered by ice even during the summer. Other tourist activities include horse riding, fishing, skiing during winter and photography.[10]
During COVID-19, teachers of High School Kandajan in Yusmarg area started open-air community classes to make up for the losses due to the pandemic.[13]
