Doodhpathri, Srinagar Overview

Doodhpathri is a lesser-known hill station in the Budgam district of Srinagar. It is placed conveniently at a distance of 43 kilometers from the Srinagar city center, making it accessible. It has green meadows and pastures as well as creeks and waterfalls across a huge area. So it is a natural retreat for tourists quickly gaining popularity.

The meadow is the first spot you see, but as you travel across the landscape, you can see multiple other geographical features. It is best to visit during summer to enjoy the ideal weather and the landscapes in full bloom. Doodhpathri is becoming an alternative to more crowded spots like Gulmarg to enjoy mesmerizing sceneries without crowds. Its beauty is so alluring that some call it the mini-Switzerland in India.

1. Tangnar

Tangnar is a group of hills and valleys with the classic deodar tree line like Doodhpathri. If you’re attentive to the outside scenery, you will notice that it falls in the way of Doodhpathri it (Read More)self. It is much quieter than the meadows, so some people visit it for the solitude and peace offered.

2. Shaliganga River

The Shaliganga river’s rapid waters are the source behind the valley’s name, so it is a must-visit place. You can embark on a short trek for 2-3 kilometers from the meadows to reach the ri (Read More)ver. It is ideal to have a picnic or laze by the riverside with family and friends.

3. Diskhal

When you reach Diskhal, you might initially think it is almost the same as Doodhpathri, but it has added features. Diskhal offers you a view of the Ashtar Glaciers, though its landscape resembles that (Read More) of the meadow. If you want to trek, you can do so from the Shaliganga river up to Diskhal.

4. Palmaidan

Palmaidan translates to the ground with huge stones. True to its name, it is a large meadow with big stones scattered across the area. The place is similar to the meadow, but you might see locals with (Read More) their livestock here. It attracts people who want to click aesthetic pictures or relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

5. Doodhpathri Waterfall

The Doodhpathri waterfall is a rarely known location located 8 kilometers from the main meadow. You will find locals with rental ponies that can take you to the waterfalls. Even without a pony, you ca (Read More)n trek to the falls to witness beautiful views of the water and click pictures.

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Doodhpathri History

‘Doodhpathri’ is a combination of two words and means a valley of milk. The religious view is that a celebrated saint living in Kashmir- Sheikh ul Alam Sheikh Noor Din Noorani frequented the meadows. He tried to find water in the ground and poked a hole with his stick. However, instead of water, what came out was milk.

But he requested that he need water for the purification process (traditional ritual), so the milk changed into water. Another concept roots in the color of the water, which is very milky here. The rapid flow makes it seem like the water is milk, but it is only due to the speed of the water running over the rocks.

Doodhpathri Scenery

Doodhpathri is not as well-known as other popular spots like Gulmarg, but it is certainly a hidden gem. The valley boasts some of the lushest green pastures in the state. People enjoy clicking aesthetic pictures and enjoying some peace and quiet in the valley. Similarly, the water bodies are diverse, and the Shaliganga river runs through the valley too. As mentioned, the water looks similar to milk, but it may be too cold to enjoy bathing in, even in the summer months.

While the valley is open for tourists and accessible in summer, the winter months are not so forgiving. There are next to no settlements in the valley itself, and snow blocks all the way to it in cold months. So it is a summer destination, and you can even witness seasonal flowers like daisies during that time.

How To Reach

You can opt for bus travels, but you must do so in multiple steps. You can take a bus to Budgam, then change for a bus to Khan Sahib. From there, you must take a taxi to Doodhpathri as not many buses frequent it. Alternatively, you can choose a taxi and travel from Srinagar to enter the Budgam district, then reach Khan Sahib. Finally, move towards Doodhpathri.