Why is Doodhpathri Famous ?

by Tiyab Reshi An ardent adventurer

Why is Doodhpathri Famous?

Your next travel destination to the Valley of Milk! Doodhpathri is an unparalleled tourist destination and a hill station situated in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is an offbeat hill station in the valleys of Kashmir that is still unheard of by multitudes. However, this tranquil and peaceful hill station is gradually gaining a lot of popularity among tourists and has recently made its place in the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism lists. With its immense natural magnificence, the lush emerald, green meadows are surrounded by dense forests, lofty snow-clad alpines, pristine clear flowing water, and fresh air.

Doodhpathri remains one of the most charming sites to be visited in all of Kashmir. It is a must-visit destination for anyone touring Kashmir who would like to include a few lesser crowded and must included destination in Kashmir offbeat Places tour packages.

The name Doodhpathri literally translates to "Valley of Milk", and there are a few stories behind its origin. The most interesting is the one where a famous Kashmiri saint Sheikh ul Aalam Sheikh Noor din Noorani was once in search of water in the meadows, to offer prayers, he pricked the ground with his stick in search of it but instead, milk came gushing out. As he could not perform ablutions with milk, by divine providence the milk turned to water! And that is the legendary tale behind the name "Doodhpathri".

Another story is that the water of the rivers flowing against the stony terrain appears milky, and that could be one of the reasons why the name translates to "Valley of Milk". If all this has captured your attention and you're planning a trip to this milky valley, here is the ultimate travel guide for you that will assist you in planning a safe trip.

Where is Doodhpathri situated?

Doodhpathri is a bowl-shaped alpine valley that lies at an altitude of 2,730m (8,957 ft) above sea level, in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It is located in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir and is 42 km from the capital city of Srinagar. The region is surrounded by snow-capped mountains that receive heavy snowfall in winter.

How to reach Doodhpathri?

By Air:

Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport is the closest airport (Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir). Doodhpathri is 40 kilometers away from this airport and may be reached there in about an hour by car.

By Road

Doodhpathri can be reached from Srinagar in less than 1.5 hours by car or taxi. Routes for Doodhpathri cover a total of roughly 45 kilometers from Srinagar to Budgam, Budgam to Khansahib, and Khansahib to Doodhpathri through Raiyar. Another route is via the Gulmarg Road in Srinagar, which runs for roughly 50 km from Srinagar to Magam, Beerwah, and Arizal.

By Train

The railway station is located in the Budgam district's Ompora town, 35 kilometers from Doodhpathri.

What is the best time to visit?

April to June and September are the best months to visit Doodhpathri as the weather is the most pleasant around this time of the year. It is preferable to travel in February if you want to view snow-covered meadows and white valleys. However, April, May, July, and August will be the greatest if lush green is what you're after. You should ditch August if you are not fond of the rainy season. Also, if it rains laboriously, there is a risk of landslides which makes it difficult to visit the place. A drive to Doodhpathri can also be a little risky in the months of January and February due to all the heavy snow that could lead to blocked roads.

What are the things that you can do at Doodhpathri?

When you reach Doodhpathri the first things that you would witness are the vast stretches of meadows and the lush greenery. You can enjoy a walk in the meadows and take in the natural beauty of the place. Pony rides are another activity that is really popular in this place. If you know horse riding, then you will absolutely love riding a pony in the meadows. However, if you do not know how to ride a horse then the pony owners can take you around for a little ride.

You can also enjoy camping and trekking in Doodhpathri. However, there are no facilities available for this purpose and also there are no campsites. You will have to carry your own tent and set it up yourself if you wish to camp. It is preferable to find a nice spot for your campsite, one that is preferably closer to some shops or houses. You can also enjoy hiking and trekking in the region, but you should do these activities with a local or a guide, so you do not get lost.

Apart from these activities, there are also other places near Doodhpathri that you can explore. Some of them are Tangnar, Mujhpathri, Palmaidan, Yusmarg, and Dikshal. All these destinations are resplendent with natural beauty. The hill station is the hotspot for indulging in photography due to its scenic beauty.

Conclusion

Doodhpathri Kashmir is a must-visit destination that you must add to your travel list. This offbeat hill station situated just 45 km away from Srinagar is full of peace and tranquility and is a treat to the eyes. This article tried to help you in planning your perfect trip to the "Valley of Milk". So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip with the help of this travel guide.

Here is the list of other offbeat places in Kashmir.

Sinthan Top - The Mountain Pass of Kashmir.

Daksum Village - The offbeat Village of Kashmir

Yusmarg Kashmir - The Largest Grassland of Kashmir

Aru Valley - The Quaint Hamlet of Pahalgam