Another ceasefire line, one that separates the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir from the Chinese-controlled area known as Aksai Chin, lies further to the east and is known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It has been referred to as one of the most dangerous places in the world.
Yusmarg or Yousmarg is a hill station in the western part of Kashmir Valley. It is situated 47 km south of Srinagar the capital of the state.
Geography
Yusmarg in Kashmiri means The Meadow of Jesus. It is believed by the natives that Jesus came to Kashmir and stayed at Yusmarg for some time. It is an alpine valley covered with snow clad mountains and the meadows of Pine and Fir, It lies 13 km south of Charari Sharief a town of Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at the bank of Doodganga River which is a tributory of Jehlum River. It is a popular tourist destination, nestled with in the imposing Pir Panjal peaks, a sub range of Himalaya. The Peaks are: the Sunset Peak and the Tatakooti Peak for which the expeditions lead from this hill station. It lies at an altitude of 2396 metres above sea level.
Tourism
Yusmarg has a great scope for adventure tourism. Doodganga a river flows through this meadow. In its vicinity lies the alpine meadow of Tosa Maidan. A trek of 4 km leads to a small Lake named as Nilnag surrounded by pine trees. Another 10 km trek leads to the most interesting lake the frozen lake in Sang-e-Safed valley, most portion of this lake is covered by ice even during the summer. A number of tourist huts, restaurants and hotels are available for lodging. The other activities include horse riding, fishing, skiing during winter and photography.
Access
Yusmarg is easily accessible from Srinagar or Srinagar Airport (SXR), the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, 47 km drive in under 2 hours by car or bus leads through Charari Sharief town. During winter the road gets sometimes closed due to snowfall and remains cut off from the Valley of Kashmir for weeks.
The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city, is the other important mosque in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. Of imposing proportions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars.
The hushed quiet of the mosque counterpoints the bustle of the old bazaars surrounding it. Originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD, and enlarged by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin, it is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh.
Jamia Masjid , the Biggest Mosque in Kashmir, is known as one of the sacred shrines of Islamic followers. Be it the holiness or the constructional elegance, Jamia Masjid is quite unparalleled in every aspect. Comprised of 370 pillars of wood, Jamia Masjid symbolizes one of the best architectural specimen which survived the ravages of time ever since it was constructed in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir.
While looking into the origin and construction of Jamia Masjid, the name of Maharaja Pratap Singh comes several times as it was during his Kingdom that the maintenance and repair works of the Mosque was carried out. Pratap Singh enthusiastically encouraged the re-construction of Jamia Masjid many a time and even offered financial assistance too.
PARADISE, EVERY SEASON OF THE YEAR.
8,825 feet above sea level in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas lies a higher order of luxury. Gulmarg now has a world-class resort worthy of its pristine beauty. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is spread over seven unspoilt, fir-laden acres, with majestic views of the Affarwat Peaks.
Through the year the drama of the changing seasons unfolds here. In spring, carpets of flowers add dazzling colour to the valley, inviting you to long walks. Come summer and you’re picnicking on sun-drenched meadows. In the autumn, the greens at the world’s highest golf course await you. Winter brings the exhilaration of skiing on freshly powdered slopes, some of the finest in Asia.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is that rare luxury resort to which you will return even four times a year, for every visit is differently delightful.
