Review Overview
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Summary : Yusmarg has been described as one of the best places in Kashmir to have peace of mind.
Yusmarg has been described as one of the best places in Kashmir to have peace of mind. It’s a small valley set in the heart of the mountains, some 47 km (29 miles) from irinagar. Much underrated, it has beautiful meadows to rival Gulmarg, rolling hills, forests and spectacular scenery. If you can find a guide, this would be ideal trekking territory. Otherwise, hire a pony (very cheap) and visit nearby Nilnag Lake. There aa few cheapr guest heouses near the lake, also a Tourist Bungalowith god fod at the bus-stand. On the way in to Yusmarg the town of Bari Sharif, situated right at the head of the valley offer splendid views from its famous mosque. Cheap, highquality Kashmiri pherans (winter-coats) are sold in the market.
RECREATION Back in Srinagar, you can enjoy a game of golf. The ball may not fly as far as it does in Gulmarg, but the 18-hole course (near Nedou’s Hotel) is quite respectable. For beginners, there is a small 6-hole mini-course below Oberoi Palace Hotel. For water-sports, take a shikara out to the ‘recreation’ boats moored in the centre of Dal and Nagin lakes. From here you can go swimming, water-skiing, motor-boating and ‘surf-riding’ (lazy man’s water-skiing on wide wooden boards) at low rates.
The small Nagin Club on Nagin Lake offers water-skiing and sailing. Swimming is also good at Nehru Park.
Fishing is good in several nearby rivers, and at Gulmarg/Pahalgam. Apply for permit (and good information) at the Tourist Reception Centre. There is a strong tradition of folk music and dance in Srinagar, but surprisingly little evidence of it. Until recently, every evening in the summer a sound and light show at Shalimar Gardens recreated the era of Emperor Jahangir’s court in Kashmir . It may be reinvested by the time you read this. The gardens were beautiful illuminated for these shows.
TREKKING Trekking is traditionally ‘big business’ in Kashmir, and despite the current unre , groups escorted by the army are still spending time here. Many treks are on y possible from June to September, when the passes are clear of snow.
