Doodhpathri Travel Guide: Legend has it that Sheikh Noor din Noorani, a renowned Kashmiri saint, once visited this serene location to offer his prayers. During his search for water in the meadows, he used his stick to probe the ground. Instead of finding water, milk began to flow abundantly. Believing the milk was meant for drinking rather than washing, Sheikh Noorani chose not to use it for cleansing his hands and feet. By a divine twist, the milk transformed back into water, leading to the meadows being named “Doodhpathri,” which means “Valley of Milk.”
Whether or not this legend is accurate is uncertain, but there’s an intriguing story behind the name. Doodhpathri might derive its name from the river that rushes through the valley. The river’s rapid flow over the rocks creates a milky appearance, which could explain why it’s called Doodhpathri. The name directly translates to “Valley of Milk” (with “Doodh” meaning milk and “pathri” meaning valley).
Where is Doodhpathri Located?
Doodhpathri is situated in the Budgam district of Kashmir, about 45 km from Srinagar. The drive from Srinagar to Doodhpathri takes roughly 2 hours by car. Alternatively, you can reach the meadows by trekking from Yusmarg.
Is Doodhpathri Safe to Visit?
One common question for travelers to Kashmir is about safety. Doodhpathri is generally safe for visitors. It is a peaceful area where travel usually poses no issues. For more detailed safety information about Kashmir, you can refer to our specific article on the subject, which includes tips for safe travel in the region.
Doodhpathri is a breathtaking bowl-shaped valley located at an altitude of 8,957 feet. It is a relatively undiscovered gem, with most tourists favoring Gulmarg and Sonmarg during their visit to Kashmir. The area is mainly frequented by local Kashmiri families for picnics. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, Doodhpathri is a wonderful choice.
The journey to Doodhpathri from Srinagar is incredibly scenic. As you travel, you’ll be treated to stunning landscapes. The lush green meadows have a velvety texture, inviting you to walk barefoot on the grass. Tall conifers and a snow-capped mountain range provide a picturesque backdrop. The cool, crisp air and breathtaking vistas make it a place where time seems to stand still.
Mountain streams flowing over stones and pebbles enhance the ethereal beauty of the location. Indeed, the flowing water does have a milky appearance!
Doodhpathri, situated at the foothills of the Pir Panjal ranges, is actually a blend of two pastures: Parhace Maidan and Doodhpathri. The Shaliganga and Sokhnag rivers flow along either side of these pastures.
Our Experience
Our visit to Doodhpathri was quite eventful. On our first attempt, we ended up in a different location due to inaccurate directions from Google Maps. We realized we were close to Yusmarg, another offbeat spot in Kashmir. We decided to explore Yusmarg that day and visited Doodhpathri the following day.
Starting early in the morning, we reached Doodhpathri within two hours. As we arrived at the market area in Raiyar, we encountered a few restaurants and hotels. A local boy offered us boots for rent, as the recent rain had left the meadows and trails muddy. We declined but it’s a good option if you need them.
Driving through the scenic roads, we reached a pristine blacktop road leading to the meadows. The verdant landscape was mesmerizing, and we were thrilled to explore the vast, green expanse. We arrived at the first viewpoint of Doodhpathri and were overjoyed to be among the few visitors there. The meadow, reminiscent of the Ali Bugyal meadows from the Roopkund Trek, was almost entirely ours to enjoy.
We saw a few horses and sheep grazing, along with some local Kashmiri boys and small settlements. The area offered a peaceful experience, and we wandered leisurely through the meadows.
However, our drone faced technical difficulties and went missing temporarily. After a tense search, a helpful local Kashmiri man found it with the help of the last video footage we had. We were immensely relieved and grateful for his assistance.
By 2 PM, we explored the river and spent time enjoying the snowy landscape. After a late lunch in Raiyar, we returned to Srinagar, reflecting on the wonderful experience.
Doodhpathri Travel Guide
How to Reach Doodhpathri?
Doodhpathri is located approximately 45 km from Srinagar. The most convenient way to get there is by hiring a car, which takes about 2 hours. The cost for a car, including fuel, is typically between INR 2000 to 2500. For budget travelers, carpooling or joining other travelers is advisable, as shared cabs to Doodhpathri are rare. Direct buses are not available; you would need to take a bus to Budgam from Lal Chowk in Srinagar, then another bus to Khan Sahib, and finally a cab to Doodhpathri.
What to Do at Doodhpathri?
At Doodhpathri, the primary activity is enjoying the meadows and surrounding peaks. There are no adventure activities, but the area is ideal for photography and relaxation. You can visit the river bed, where ponies are available for rides, or hike down to explore further.
Camping and trekking are possible here. If you plan to camp, bring your own equipment and set up near shepherd settlements for assistance if needed. For trekking, hiring a local guide is recommended to avoid getting lost or encountering wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
- Tangnar: A beautiful valley with meadows and surrounding pine and deodar trees, located about 2-3 km before Doodhpathri.
- Mujhpathri: Known as the “Valley of Turnips,” this small hamlet lies on the banks of Shaliganga, approximately 3 km from Doodhpathri.
- Palmaidan: Meaning “place of big stones,” this meadow is about 5 km from Doodhpathri, surrounded by stones and trees.
- Dishkal: A trekking destination reachable by a 10 km trek from Shaliganga, offering views of the Ashtaar Glacier.
FAQs Answered
- What is the best time to visit?
Doodhpathri enjoys pleasant weather year-round. However, snowfall in January and February can make the area less accessible, and it becomes desolate as shepherds move away during heavy snowfall.
- Can I stay at Doodhpathri?
While there were no functional hotels when we visited, there are a couple of hotels in Raiyar, about 6 km from the viewpoint. Availability and functionality of these accommodations may vary.
- What to eat?
There are limited food options directly at Doodhpathri. A few shepherds’ huts offer Kashmiri tea and snacks. The nearest restaurants are in Raiyar, where we had a delicious meal of Chicken Kanti and Lavasa.
- Are there any Banks or ATMs?
No banks or ATMs are available at Doodhpathri. The nearest facilities are located in Khan Sahib.
- How is Mobile Connectivity?
Only postpaid connections work in Jammu and Kashmir. Prepaid SIM cards may not be functional, and connectivity might be limited outside Raiyar. BSNL users may experience better reception.
