Last year, on a bright and sunny Sunday, my friends and I embarked on a memorable trip to one of Kashmir’s renowned tourist destinations. Our destination was Yousmarg, a breathtaking meadow located about 35 km from our village, in the west of Srinagar. Known for its temperate climate and lush landscapes, the valley offers numerous picturesque spots, making it an ideal place to spend time in nature.
To make the day even more exciting, we had planned a cricket match at the beautiful ground in Yousmarg. Our group set off in three cars, each carrying cricket kits. Instead of taking the usual route, we opted for a shorter yet less maintained road. This decision turned out to be quite an experience, as it gave me the chance to pass through villages I had only heard of but never visited before. However, I ended up traveling separately from the others since I had an early morning visit to meet a relative who was leaving for Saudi Arabia for Hajj. As a result, by the time I left, the rest of the group had already reached ahead, and I found myself navigating alone.
After a one-and-a-half-hour journey, I finally arrived. The moment we stepped out of the car, the real fun began. We were greeted by a vendor setting up his stall near the playfield, selling local snacks called masala. Since most of us had left home without eating much, we bought around 30 pieces, making us his first customers of the day. Pleased with the big order, he even gave us a few extra for free.
At noon, our cricket match kicked off. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side as we lost the toss and had to field first. Given a choice, we would have preferred to bat first. The game was intense, but in the end, we fell short by 10 runs. A few reckless shots, including some from me and my friend, cost us the match, leaving us slightly disappointed.
Once the match was over, most of our friends decided to head back, but one of my friends and I chose to explore the central part of Yousmarg. This area, popular among tourists in summer, is adorned with vast green meadows covered in soft grass that feels like a natural carpet underfoot. The surrounding forest adds to the charm, keeping the temperature pleasantly cool. It’s no surprise the place is known as the “Meadows of Jesus.” Horse riding is a major attraction here, and many local horsemen earn their livelihood by offering rides to tourists, who always seem delighted by the experience. A visit to Yousmarg without a horse ride is often considered incomplete.
After taking in the beauty of the place, we stopped by one of our friend’s restaurants for a meal before heading towards a serene corner of Yousmarg, where the famous Doodh Ganga River flows. This particular spot is always cooler than the rest of the area, making it our go-to place whenever we seek solitude and tranquility.
Later in the day, we started our journey back home. Instead of returning via the same route, we explored a different road to familiarize ourselves with alternate paths, as Yousmarg is a frequent getaway for us. One of the best things about this place is its isolation from the outside world—there is no mobile network, allowing visitors to truly disconnect from daily life. In my opinion, this makes for a perfect holiday, free from distractions.
That day remains one of my fondest memories, filled with adventure, laughter, and the peaceful beauty of nature.