Tourism in Budgam District in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has tremendous potential that has mostly remained unexploited so far. Budgam district is home to some of the most interesting tourist locales where man finds himself in close communion with nature. Numerous holy places in the district make it a major pilgrimage site. Pilgrimage tourists from all over the world throng these places everywhere. Other striking places that can be visited are Doodpather, Tosmaidan, Yousmarg, Nilnag and Khag.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Budgam District
District Budgam is home to many well-known shrines, including that of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani at Chrar-e-Sharief. The secluded yet enchanting environs of the district have been favourite spots for these men of God to meditate and be one with Him. The tomb of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, is situated 28 kms in the southwest of Srinagar at Chrar-e-Sharief. Shrine of Khan Sahib is situated in the Khan Sahib block of district Budgam. The shrine is associated with a famous saint, Hazrat Salen Khan. Imambara in Budgam is a major religious place and commands great reverence in the of Shia community of the Valley. Apart from its religious importance, it is equally important as a piece of monumental value. The Shrine of Hazrat Ganga Baba Rishi is thronged by a large number of devotees every year.
Nature Tourism in Budgam District
Yousmarg is one of the captivating meadows of Budgam district and is situated 50 kms to the southwest of Srinagar at an elevation of 7,500 ft above sea-level. Yousmarg is a bunch of meadows surrounded by splendid trees in the lap of Pir Panjal mountain range. The place is basically bewitching where man is lost in nature and overwhelmed with its beauty. The place is connected by road from Srinagar via Charar-e-Sharief. Pony riding in the meadows here is a tourist`s enchantment. In the midst of magnificent hills, milk stream, impenetrable forest cover, there is a large meadow known as Doodpather. The prominent sites of Doodpather are Mujpather, Dophkhal, Tangnar, Sochilpather, Palmaidan and Parihas. Nilnag is a beautiful blue-water lake, situated 4 kms downhill from Yousmarg, and connected by a bridle path through dense forests. The place is a wonderful picnic spot where tourists are mesmerised by magnificent natural surroundings.
Leisure Tourism in Budgam District
Tosamaidan is not only famous as a pasture but also for its historical backdrop. Bounded by dense forests, it is located about 10 Kms from Khag in the mountains of the Himalayan range. It is one of those pastures which the shepherds of other countries also used to visit in ancient times. The Mughals used to go to Poonch by means of this route. It is said that they had constructed a seven-storeyed building, Dam Dam here. The Basmai Gali (13,000 ft) is the pass which leads into Tosamaidan. Another pass, Poonch Gali on its right side leads to the valley of Poonch. This pass was deemed to be the safest, easiest, and nearest to reach Punjab in ancient times.
Adventure Tourism in Budgam District
Ten kms uphill from Yousmarg, one can go trekking to Sang-e-Safed, which serves as base for Mt. Tatakoti. En route, there are many meadows like Liddermar, where one could have a night`s halt. Sang-e-Safed is an oval-shaped meadow bisected by the Dood Ganga stream. Surrounded by dense pine trees, the place is a famous picnic spot.
