About DoodhPathri
Doodhpathri, also known as ‘Valley of Milk’, is a vast meadow covered with snow-clad hills and lush green meadows of deodar and pine. Located at an altitude of 2,730 m, Doodhpathri lies on the banks of the Shaliganga river in Khansahib tehsil of district Budgam Jammu & Kashmir.
It is a beautiful offbeat tourist attraction visited by hundreds of tourists every year. The meadow of doodhpathri is adorned with variety of colorful flowers such as daisies and buttercups.
The valley is bowl-shaped with pristine untouched beauty attracting tourists to spend their time in peace and seclusion.
Doodhpathri was given the name Valley of Milk as the water that flows through this meadow has a milky appearance from a distance.
It is said that the famous saint of Kashmir Sheikh-ul-Alam prayed here and miraculously found milk when searching for water in the meadows of Doodhpathri. He asked the milk that it can only be used for drinking and not for ablution. So, upon his instructions, the milk changed its form to water, and this way the valley came to be known as Doodhpathri.
Tourists can witness lush meadows, snow-covered peaks, colorful flowers, and sparkling streams during their visit to this destination making it one of the most popular and breathtaking tourist destinations.
Things to do in Doodhpathri Kashmir
Valley of Milk or Doodhpathri is a beautiful offbeat destination to visit near Srinagar. It offers amazing views of alpine landscapes with dense forests and snow-clad mountains. In addition to natural beauty, the valley of Doodhpathri offers various travel activities for tourists to enjoy. Some of the things that you can witness here are below
- Local sightseeing: the best thing to do in Doodhpathri is to enjoy the pristine natural beauty and tranquil surroundings of the place. You can enjoy a peaceful day amidst the lush green meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This view creates a breathtaking setting ideal for photography.
The valley of Doodhpathri is also home to a variety of bird species and you can enjoy the sight of many birds here which include wagtails, Himalayan Monal, and magpies.
- Camping: camping here is a unique adventure to enjoy the scenic beauty of this meadow. You can bring your own camping tents and pitch them around the shepherd’s settlements for ease of basic things.
The camping offers you with stunning views of the starry skies of Doodhpathri at night with sparkling streams around.
- Pony rides: pony rides are one of the most popular travel activities of Doodhpathri. You can book a horse ride and explore the tranquil beauty of this place. It is a fun activity where you can traverse through the meadow on horseback and thus create everlasting memories.
Best time to visit Doodhpathri Srinagar
Doodhpathri experiences pleasant weather throughout the year. You can visit here anytime between 365 days yet the best time to visit depends upon the type of activities you want to enjoy.
Summer ( April to August): Summer is the best time to visit this beautiful travel destination due to the warm and pleasant weather making it ideal for outdoor activities such as photography, camping, sightseeing, and picnics. From April to August, this valley offers a picturesque view of the surrounding meadow with fresh-colored flora and gushing steams amidst high mountains.
Winter (December to March): winter is generally cold with thick snow blankets all over the mountains and meadows. You can enjoy scenic views of snow in winter but due to heavy snowfall, it becomes inaccessible for tourists to reach here.
How to reach Doodhpatri
Despite a remote location, Doodhpathri is accessible via both Srinagar and Budgam.
By road: Doodhpathri is located 45 km from Srinagar and 36 km from Budgam. The most convenient way to reach Doodhpathri from Srinagar is to hire a cab or drive your own vehicle. Hiring a cab would cost you around Rs. 2000 to 2500 for a round trip.
There are no direct buses or taxis to Doodhpathri. You have to take a cab or bus from Srinagar which will take 1.30 hours to reach Budgam. On reaching there, you have to take another bus to KhanSahib and then you have to take a cab to reach Doodhpathri.
By air: Srinagar International Airport is 40 km away from this destination. From airport, you can take a cab or bus to reach your destination in two to three hours.
By rail: the distance from Budgam railway station to Doodhpathri is about 35 km. Tourists can visit this place by first reaching the railway station of Budgam via a cab and then taking another taxi from the station to reach Doodhpathri.
Frequently asked questions
What are the popular attractions in Doodhpathri?
The popular attractions in Doodhpatri are Nilnag Lake, Doodh Ganga river, Mujpathri, Tangnar, and Palmaidan. One of the most beautiful offbeat place Tosamaidan can also be visited near Doodhpathri which is situated to the west of this valley.
Is Doodhpathri safe to visit?
Yes, it is completely safe to visit this destination. As the place is not much far from Srinagar, the journey is not hectic and you will reach here in just 2 hours.
How much does the pony ride cost?
The cost of pony rides depends upon the time and distance to be covered. Pony rides in Doodhpathri will cost you Rs. 250 for 30 30-minute rides, Rs. 500 for one one-hour ride, Rs.850 for a two-hour ride, and Rs. 1200 for a three-hour ride.
Is Doodhpathri worth to visit?
Yes,its is a beautiful offbeat place to explore. It offers you scenic views along with numerous activities such as camping, picnics, birdwatching, and pony rides.