Last Updated on: May 16, 2024
About his blog: Doodhpathri is quintessential Kashmir. A gorgeous green meadow surrounded by pine trees and views of lofty snow capped mountains, Doodhpathri is an unmatched tourist destination in Kashmir. In this blog, we will share our experience in Doodhpathri, how to reach there and what to do. And also, how we lost our drone and finally found it back! Believe me, it was quite an experience. So, why don’t you read on to know more about this offbeat destination in Kashmir?
There was once a famous Kashmiri saint Sheikh Noor din Noorani who had come to this place to pray. He wanted to pray and was looking for water in the meadows. He used his stick to prick the ground in search of water. And instead of water, milk comes gushing out. Sheikh Noorani, however, did not want to use the milk to wash his hands and feet. He thought that the milk was to be used for drinking purposes only. So by divine provenance, the milk again changed back to water! And the meadows got its name “Doodhpathri”.
Whether or not this legend is true, I do not know. This place also has an interesting tale behind it. However, the name Doodhpathri perhaps came from the gushing river that flows in the valley. The fast flowing water when strikes against the stones, gives a milky appearance. This could have been the reason why this place is known as Doodhpathri. After all, the name literally translates into the “Valley of Milk” (Doodh means milk and ‘pathri’ means valley)
Where is Doodhpathri located?
Doodhpathri is located in Budgam district of Kashmir, almost 45 km from Srinagar. It takes about 2 hours to reach here from Srinagar by car. The meadows can also be reached by trekking from Yusmarg.
Is Doodhpathri safe to visit?
This is the most common question for people visiting Kashmir. Yes, Doodhpathri is quite safe to travel to. Doodhpathri is a peaceful place and you will usually not find any difficulty travelling there. However, if you want to have a detailed view on whether Kashmir is safe for tourists, you can read our article on it. We have also shared some tips for safe travel in Kashmir.
Doodhpathri – The Valley of Milk
Doodhpathri is a piece of heaven on earth. This bowl-shaped valley in Kashmir is located at an altitude of 8957 feet. Very few people visit this place. Most of the tourists visiting Kashmir usually travel to Gulmarg and Sonmarg on their first visit. Not many tourists visit here. Majority of the people visiting there are mostly Kashmiri locals going there for picnics. However, you can include this place in your itinerary if you want to explore a bit of offbeat Kashmir.
The road to Doodhpathri from Srinagar is quite pleasant. Infact, the more we travelled in Kashmir, we found our journey to be quite beautiful with stunning landscapes on the way. The natural beauty of the place is absolutely mesmerizing. The lush green meadows have such a velvety appearance that you will feel like walking barefoot on the green grass. The place is surrounded by tall conifers. The snow capped mountain range looms in the background at one side. The air is cool and crisp and the vistas are simply breathtaking. This is a place where time seems to have stopped!
The mountain streams flow over the stones and pebbles making the place look ethereally beautiful. And yes, the flowing water does have a milky appearance!
DID YOU KNOW THERE IS A CAVE IN KASHMIR THAT LINKS TO RUSSIA? READ ABOUT KALAROOS CAVES TO KNOW MORE.
Doodhpathri, the bowl-shaped valley lying at the foothills of Pir Panjal ranges is actually a combination of two pastures named Parhace Maidan and Doodhpathri. Two rivers, Shaliganga and Sokhnag flow on either side of the pastures.
