Doodhpathri is a heavenly destination in the Budgam district of Kashmir. Located nearly 45 km from Srinagar, Doodhpathri is just 2 hours away from the capital. Famous for its vast meadows that can be reached after trekking from Yusmarg, Doodhpathri is one of the safest and most peaceful places to visit in Kashmir.
If Kashmir is a heaven on the earth, Doodhpathri is one of the most beautiful parts of it. The bowl-shaped valley is situated at an altitude of 8957 feet. Doodhpathri is not as popular as other tourist spots in the region, and that’s exactly why you should visit this beautiful yet hidden spot. It is one of the crowd-free places in Kashmir where one can soak in the beauty of mother nature in solitude.
Most of the tourists don’t even know about this place, and that’s what makes it so special. The journey from Srinagar to Doodhpathri is as beautiful as the destination itself. You will be greeted by mesmerizing landscapes, towering mountains, and endless meadows on your way to Doodhpathri. As the destination inches closer, the charm of the place increases. The natural fragrance coming out of flowers adds to the experience. Every other spot in Doodhpathri is worth capturing on the camera. The charm of looking at distant snow-capped mountains with endless greenery at the backdrop is something else.
Doodhpathri valley is formed from the combination of two pastures named Parhace Maidan and Doodhpathri. The two pastures have rivers Shaliganga and Sokhnag flowing from their sides, giving the entire landscape a heavenly view.
Doodhpathri is well connected to Srinagar by road, and you can stop at areas like the local market of Raiyar for some refreshments before heading to the enchanting meadows.
How To Reach Doodhpathri?
The most convenient way to reach Doodhpathri is to hire a cab from Srinagar. It will cost you around Rs. 2,500, and after a 2-hour long journey, you will be in the lap of the valley. For budget travelers, it is ideal for traveling in groups in order to avoid any inconvenience.
There’s a cheaper alternative to reach Doodhpathri as well. Take a bus from Lal Chowk in Srinagar to Budgam. Take another bus from Khan Sahib from Budgam and then take a taxi from Khan Sahib for Doodhpathri. However, the journey can take more time than usual.
Doodhpathri is a hidden gem, and there’s nothing much to do there apart from enjoying the views and clicking good pictures. For nature photographers, this place is like a hidden treasure. However, there’s nothing much for adventure junkies except for the trek. You can, however, make good content for your Instagram feed. If traveling in groups, you can also go camping to enjoy the view of sunset and sunrise.
Also Read, Markha Valley: A Trek Less Traveled…
Another activity that you can indulge in is hiking, but it is inadvisable to do it without a local guide. There are high chances of encountering a wild animal that only the locals have an idea how to deal with. The best time to visit Doodhpathri is between March and October. Winters can be really harsh here, and you might find it difficult to adapt to the conditions.
Places To Explore Nearby
There are a few places that you can explore if you are planning for an extended stay in Kashmir.
Palmaidan:
The meaning of Palmaidan is “place of big stones.” Located just 5 km from Doodhpathri, Palmaidan is a meadow guarded by big stones. It is a place often flocked by shepherds who take their sheep for grazing.
Tangnar:
The area surrounding Doodhpathri is as beautiful as the valley of milk, and Tangnar is one such valley that is surrounded by pine and deodar trees. It falls on the way from Srinagar to Doodhpathri and is just 3km away from the main valley.
Dishkal:
Dishkal is a trekker’s paradise. To reach Dishkal, you’ll have to complete a 10 km trek from the Shaliganga stream at Doodhpathri. Perched atop a mountain, the gorgeous meadow offers a magnificent view of the Ashtaar Glacier. It is better to have a guide by your side while trekking to Dishkal.
