Yusmarg

Yusmarg is a lesser-visited highland retreat reached from Srinagar, where snow peaks rise above pine forest and open meadows that fill with wildflowers in season. Clear streams run through the grassland, and looping forest trails lead to viewpoints over the surrounding hills and valleys. Longer hikes reach waterfalls and high-altitude lakes, and ponies carry riders across the alpine pastures.

Above the resort lies Tosa Maidan, a broad meadow at more than 10,000 feet. Local lore holds that angels and demons once fought a great war on this plateau, and that hoofprints and footprints from that battle can still be made out on its rocks. In winter the slopes are used for skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports, while local stalls sell carved woodwork, Pashmina, papier-mâché, copperware, dried fruit and saffron.