Overview
Charar-i-Sharief, in Budgam district, is one of the most revered pilgrimage towns in Kashmir. It is built around the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi), the patron saint of Kashmir, also known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir. Nund Rishi founded the Rishi order of Kashmiri Sufism, a distinctly local tradition blending Islamic mysticism with older Kashmiri ascetic practice, and is revered by both Muslim and Hindu Kashmiris alike. The shrine, originally built in 1460, draws pilgrims year-round and sits close to the meadow of Yusmarg, making the two an easy pairing.
Charar-i-Sharief on the Map
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Charar-i-Sharief
Shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din
View on map →The revered shrine of the patron saint of Kashmir, founder of the Rishi order of Kashmiri Sufism, a major pilgrimage site with distinctive wooden architecture.
Yusmarg (nearby)
View on map →The pine-ringed meadow of Yusmarg is a short drive away.
Food & Restaurants in Charar-i-Sharief
Charar-i-Sharief has local eateries and bakeries serving pilgrims and visitors. It pairs well with a picnic at Yusmarg.
Find restaurants in Charar-i-ShariefHow to Reach Charar-i-Sharief
Charar-i-Sharief is about 30 km south-west of Srinagar (around an hour). It is often combined with a trip to Yusmarg, roughly 20 km further.
Stay and Travel: Charar-i-Sharief
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Charar-i-Sharief FAQs
Why is Charar-i-Sharief important?
Charar-i-Sharief is home to the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi), the patron saint of Kashmir and founder of the Rishi order of Kashmiri Sufism, making it one of the holiest pilgrimage towns in the valley, revered across faiths.
Can I visit Charar-i-Sharief and Yusmarg together?
Yes. Charar-i-Sharief and the meadow of Yusmarg are close together, about 20 km apart, and are commonly combined into a single day trip from Srinagar.
Who was Nund Rishi?
Nund Rishi (Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani) was a 14th-15th century Kashmiri saint who founded the Rishi order, a uniquely Kashmiri strand of Sufism. He is honoured as Alamdar-e-Kashmir ("Flagbearer of Kashmir") and is revered by Kashmiris of every faith.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.
Planning to visit Charar-i-Sharief?
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