Doodhpathri in Kashmir | Things You Should Know Before A Visit To The “Valley Of Milk.”

About Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is situated in Budagam district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 2730 metres from sea level. The beautiful meadows that are covered with flowers in summer and snow in winter make this place a new addition to the tourist circuit of the state. The surrounding snow-clad mountains and the forests of pine, fir and deodar trees transform the valley into a postcard landscape paradise for photographers.

The legend behind Doodhpathri

The name Doodhpathri means “valley of milk”. It is said that this valley was once visited by the famous Sufi saint and poet Sheikh Noor din Noorani (Sheikh ul Alam), who pricked the ground with his stick in search of water. But instead of water, milk comes out, which later transforms into water at the request of Sheikh ul Alam. Since then, the valley has been called Doodhpathri or the “valley of milk”.

How to reach

Doodhpathri is 42 kilometres away from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The road goes through Budagam, Khansahib and Raiyar. There is another road that connects Doodhpathri to the Srinagar-Gulmarg road, but the distance is more. If you go to Gulmarg from Doodhpathri, you can take this road.

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When to visit

The best time to visit Doodhpathri is between April to June and September-October when the weather is pleasant. Tourists and locals mainly visit the place during this time as the green meadows are covered with flowers. If you like to see snow-covered Doodhpathri, then February to mid-March will be your time.

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In peak winter, the roads usually close, making the place inaccessible. Although the scenery becomes more vibrant in monsoon, you will get bad roads and possible landslides on the way. Even if landslides are not there, continuous heavy rain may completely waste your day.

Where to stay

There is a JKTDC resort in Doodhpathri, which is the only option. Or else you can stay at Raiyar, a few kilometres before Doodhpathri. You will find a few budget hotels and guesthouses there. You can also stay at Srinagar and visit Doodhpathri on a day trip.

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Places to see

The meadows

The main attractions of Doodhpathri are the lush green meadows in summer, which are entirely covered in snow during winter. Two rivers pierce through the meadows – one is Sukhnag, and the other is Shaliganga. Both of which are fed by glacier water from the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range.

Shaliganga river

Shaliganga River runs on one side of the valley, and a pony ride can take you to the river from the parking. You can also walk by yourself. It is a downhill slope and takes around an hour to reach there. Mujhpathri is located on the other side of the river.

Tangnar

Tangnar is located just before reaching Doodhpathri. Once you cross Raiyar, the last place on the way where you can find a few accommodations for a night’s stay, the road starts winding upwards, and after 10 minutes, you will come across forests on one side and the view of a beautiful valley on your right. You can take a pause here before Doodhpathri and click some memorable pictures.

Mujhpathri

Mujhpathri, or the Valley of Turnip, is situated on the other side of the Shaliganga River. The distance is around 3 kilometres from Doodhpathri.

Palmaidan

Palmaidan is further up from the Shaliganga River, which local shepherds often visit to graze their cattle in summer. It is around 5 kilometres from Doodhpathri. The valley is surrounded by deodar and pine trees. The grass is covered with a large number of stones that give it the name Palmaidan (ground of big stones)

Diskhal

Dishkal is 10 kilometres from Shaliganga and can only be reached by trekking. It is a beautiful meadow at the top of the mountain overlooking the Ashtaar glacier.

Things to do

Pony ride

Pony riding or horse riding to Shaliganga river and Mujhpathri across the meadows is the favourite activity of tourists here. Shepherds from the valleys around who stay here for six months from April to September start keeping ponies with them, giving them another income source.

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They will tell you about many sightseeing points you can visit on the way, but the most beautiful thing here is the nature and the landscapes you will find all around you. And the beautiful milky streams of the Suknag and Shaliganga river truly justifies the name Doodhpathri, even if you are not a firm believer in the legend and stories.

Camping

You can camp in the lush green meadows during summer. Of course, you have to carry your own camp and sleeping bag. There are temporary stalls near the main parking area where you can arrange food.

Trekking

Various trekking routes start from Doodhpathri. They are accessed mainly by local shepherds who roam around with their cattle. If you want to go hiking or trekking, you can take their help or talk to the caretaker of JKTDC accommodation, who may guide you.

Day trip to Doodhpathri

A day trip to Doodhpathri can be made easily from Srinagar. And most of the tourists usually prefer to do that instead of spending a night at Doodhpathri. It takes around one and a half hours to travel one side. So, if you start by 9 am, you will easily return to Srinagar by 4-5 in the afternoon and spend at least 4 hours at Doodhpathri.

You can club local sightseeing together with your day trip. A place or two in Srinagar can be easily visited after you return from Doodhpathri, or you may enjoy a sunset Shikara ride. Remember, car drivers usually do not agree to merge a day trip with local sightseeing during peak season. And you have to hire an auto or another cab or pay extra to make it work. But during the off-season and shoulder months, it all depends on your bargaining power.

Where to eat

If you are not staying in Doodhpathri or Raiyar, you can have lunch at the food stalls near the parking, where you can get tea, snacks, Maggi, parathas and rice with rajma.

Mobile connectivity

I had carried VI and Airtel postpaid sim cards in Doodhpathri. Only an Airtel sim card was working there near the parking. You will not get any network further down towards the Shaliganga River.

Remember, no prepaid connection works in Kashmir. You have to carry a postpaid sim to get connected.

Medical aid

There were a few health clinics in Khansahib, but I did not see any good hospitals on the way. You must return to Srinagar as soon as possible to get medical facilities.

Child friendliness

Though Doodhpathri is frequently visited by tourists nowadays, it is still considered an offbeat destination in the J&K tourist circuit. The place is at an altitude a little above 2500 metres, which should not be a concern for kids.

In February-March, you must carry enough woollen for your child as there is snow all around. In summer, kids will love the enormous green meadows. The pony rides are fun. Usually, up to 6 years, they allow a child to ride with a parent, but above that, it is better to get another pony for the kid. Regarding safety, I was lucky to get a ponywala who was kind enough to care for my seven-year-old son all along the way.

If you have a baby with you, please carry adequate baby food. You will not get anything there. Carrying umbrellas and a raincoat for your child in Kashmir is always a good idea.

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