Yusmarg itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Yusmarg

1. 01

   Day 1: Charar-e-Sharief and the meadow

   Leave Srinagar early and stop briefly at the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din at Charar-e-Sharief on the way, dressing modestly and keeping to the quiet hours. Reach the meadow by late morning, walk or take a pony across the grass beside the Doodhganga, and have lunch at one of the eating places. If the weather is settled and the group is able, walk the 4 km trail to Nilnag lake and back, or simply stay on the meadow and rest. Start the drive back by mid-afternoon so you are on the road before dusk.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Nilnag Lake	Half a day including the walk back	Moderate	Late May to June or September, on a dry morning

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Nilnag Lake: The path is uneven and goes through forest, with roots and loose stones; there is no seating. Fit older walkers can manage with sticks and rests, others are better on a pony or staying on the meadow.

Plan 02

2 days in Yusmarg

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrive, shrine and meadow

   Drive from Srinagar via Charar-e-Sharief, visit the shrine, then check into your hut or lodging by the meadow. Spend the afternoon walking gently across the grass and along the Doodhganga, and watch the light on the pines as the day visitors leave.

2. 02

   Day 2: Nilnag lake and a slow return

   After breakfast, walk the 4 km route to Nilnag lake with a local guide or at least local directions. Eat a packed lunch by the water if the weather allows, return across the meadow and head back to Srinagar in the afternoon.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Nilnag Lake	Half a day including the walk back	Moderate	Late May to June or September, on a dry morning

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Nilnag Lake: The path is uneven and goes through forest, with roots and loose stones; there is no seating. Fit older walkers can manage with sticks and rests, others are better on a pony or staying on the meadow.

Plan 03

3 days in Yusmarg

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrive and settle

   Drive in via Charar-e-Sharief, stop at the shrine, check in, and keep the first afternoon free for an easy walk and acclimatising to the altitude.

2. 02

   Day 2: Nilnag lake

   Walk to Nilnag lake in the morning, rest by the water, and return before afternoon cloud builds. Use the rest of the day for ponies, photographs or a book on the meadow.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Nilnag Lake	Half a day including the walk back	Moderate	Late May to June or September, on a dry morning

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Nilnag Lake: The path is uneven and goes through forest, with roots and loose stones; there is no seating. Fit older walkers can manage with sticks and rests, others are better on a pony or staying on the meadow.

3. 03

   Day 3: Sang-e-Safed or Tosamaidan

   Fit walkers with a local guide and good boots can attempt the roughly 10 km hike towards the Sang-e-Safed valley and its mostly frozen lake, starting at first light. Others can use the day to visit Tosamaidan, a larger pasture in the Khag area; check current road locally first, as access is by a separate route.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Tosamaidan	A full day from Srinagar	Moderate	April to September
   Sang-e-Safed Valley	A full day, starting at first light	Demanding	Summer, in settled weather

   Pace: Sang-e-Safed Valley involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Tosamaidan: The meadow is open ground, but the route is long and rough and there are almost no facilities or seating. Better for fit and adventurous travellers; older visitors should check conditions first.

   With parents at Sang-e-Safed Valley: This is a demanding day hike on rough ground at altitude with no facilities and no easy way out. We would not recommend it to most older visitors; choose Nilnag or the meadow instead.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Yusmarg trip for parents and children

• Keep it to a day trip unless you are comfortable at about 2,400 metres. Cold and thin air tire older visitors faster than expected.
• The meadow is flat and gentle; the trails to Nilnag and Sang-e-Safed are rough and uneven. Choose one and go slowly.
• Carry warm layers even in summer, a rain jacket, and any regular medicines. There is no pharmacy on the meadow.
• Ponies are the easy option for the Nilnag trail; agree the route and charge before setting out.
• Seating and shade are limited. Bring a folding mat or sit in the huts and eating places between walks.
• Check the road and weather with your driver the evening before. Snow and rain can close or slow the route quickly.

Yusmarg with elderly parents: the full guide →