WEAVER'S WORLD / SRINAGAR / PLACES TO VISIT -3

WEAVER'S WORLD / SRINAGAR / PLACES TO VISIT -3

Yousmarg is a mesmerizing destination with its scenic beauty and mountains comparable to European Alps.The mighty river Doodh Ganga makes this destination more thrilling. The best part is it’s located just 42 Kms from Srinagar and can easily be accessed in a day. The only option to cover yousmarg is with a pony. It is a 4 hour trip (both ways) inside the forest with a raw route of stones, uphills, streams and untamed shrubs.

Known by the name of the movie Betab which was shot in this valley, it is around 10 Miles from Pahalgam, where after reaching the base camp one has to trek to reach the valley. The sight of the crystal clear water is wonderful. On the way from Pahalgham to reach the Betab valley one can enjoy the scenic beauty on both sides of the road with lush evergreen trees, the apple farms, Walnut farms, the pure running water from melting of glaciers throughout the driving distance. A wonderful panorama encircling a depression, with a lush green carpet and the River Ledder flowing by. Avoid the months when Amarnath Yatra is on. It’s a picnic place in a holiday destination and the stream is so beautiful.

The park is enclosed by two ridges with a great variety of flora and fauna. Coniferous forests cover a considerable area in Dachigam National Park. The mountain sides of the forest are thickly covered with wild trees. Running down the mountain's face are the alpine pastures, waterfalls, scrub vegetation with deep gullies and undulating meadows. You will find exquisite flowers that cover most of the terrain, except during winters when it is cold and dry. One of the important lakes of the region Maskar Lake flows out of Dagwan river. At the entrance you will find some wild animals kept captivge for tourist exhibition like leopard, black bear, monkeys, stag and some birds as well. One can hire a bicycle to roam inside the forest and find stags grazing in the grass. One finds a lot of trout fish in the waters.

Located on western part of Dal lake this is one of the best Mughal Gardens. Surrounded by beautiful chinar trees the morning breeze from Dal lake gives a refreshing feeling. The Maple trees will take hold of your senses for quite some time. You can also visit the Dargah Hazratbal Shrine from here as it is in its vicinity and can have a look at the serene Kashmir University Campus.

It’s a few kms from Dal and Nagin lakes. Over a hill on road that runs by the side of Nehru Botanical Gardens. Built by one of the Amirs and Generals of Moghul Emperor Akbar, it is beautifully laid and houses a natural stream which has crystal clear water which is supposed to contain medicinal values. Flowers of the terrain and roses, with Chinar trees soothe one’s nerves. Summer (June-Sept) is the best time to visit.