Doodhpathri Kashmir
How to Plan Your Trip to Doodhpathri?
Doodhpathri Kashmir is the most exotic hill station in Kashmir. Situated at around 45 km from Srinagar, this beautiful hill station falls in the Budgam district of Kashmir. Dhoodhpathri has long lush wavy meadows. The meadows are serenely placed in the Pir Panjal mountain range.
This valley comes under the best offbeat tourist destinations in Cliffhangers India’s Kashmir offbeat packages. The sightseeing of this pristine hill station is a treat to the eyes. You can ride a pony through the lush meadows here and have a relaxing outdoor lunch in the middle of nature.
It is located at an altitude of 2730m. It is bowl-shaped and falls in the Pir Panjal Mountain range. The name is derived from the fact that the river which flows through this valley is so clean and shimmering that it gives the appearance of Milk.
You can do a lot of activities in Doodhpathri Kashmir. The most famous among them are pony riding and ATV riding. Pony riding happens from a short distance to a long distance. The pony riding takes you to the depth of the grasslands and the forests covers here. In an ATV ride, enjoy the thrilling experience through its landscape. The ride takes you deep into the jungle over the mounds of meadows and beside the shimmering river stream.
Day Hikes in Doodhpathri
Cliffhangers India arranges the best Doodhpathri Trek here. The trail goes from the meadow and towards Yusmarg side. This day hike is an easy walk that has no sharp ascend. We arrange the picnic lunch set up here in the middle of the meadows beside the river stream.
This place is away from the hustle-bustle of tourists. The day hike gives you the best glimpse of meadow and jungle walk. It also passes through the quaint village which is populated towards the Yusmarg trail.
Essential Tips for Visiting Doodhpathri
- May to September is the ideal time to witness lush greenery. Winter from December to February is considered a suitable season for snow-covered landscapes.
- Doodhpathri is around 42 km from Srinagar. It is accessible via taxi or private vehicle. Local ponies available in the valley for hire if you prefer not to walk.
- Wear light woolens if you are visiting there in summer. Put on heavy woolens and waterproof boots in winter.
- In Doodhpathri, enjoy trekking, horse riding, camping, and picnicking by the Shaliganga River.
- The valley doesn’t have major eateries. You should carry packed food and water. Try local Kahwa tea.
- You may not find any hotels here. Drive back and stay in Srinagar. You can also opt for camping in summer or pick homestays.
- Doodhpathri doesn’t require any entry fee. However, do check for any local restrictions before visiting.
- Mobile connection may be weak and you may not have found a network here. Bring essentials like a power bank and first-aid kit.
- Avoid littering and maintain the pristine beauty of the valley.
Best Time to Visit Doodhpathri
Since visitors are seen in Doodhpathri throughout the year, it is a year-round destination.
The best time to visit Doodhpathri is the summer season. Lasting from May to June, the weather is balmy with moderate temperature. It is around 25°C to 30°C. In Doodhpathri, a number of activities awaits you. Be it hiking, camping, pony rides, you are in here for an adventurous treat. If you are visiting the town in the warm climate of summer, make sure to bring enough cotton clothes like shirts, tshirt, jeans, trousers, dresses, etc.
The monsoon season in Doodhpathri starts by June end and lasts till August end. While it doesn’t rain heavily in the valley, do expect occasional rain showers in the evenings. It gives a much needed relief from the heat.
Monsoon season is generally considered shoulder season due to fewer crowds seen here. It can be a peaceful as well as budget friendly experience. However, make sure to remain updated regarding rains and potential landslides/road blockages.
Now comes the magical season of autumn, lasting from September till November. The town, like the rest of Kashmir, goes through a transitional period from summer to winter. Though days are generally warm, expect cooler evenings and nights due to temperature drop. Rainfall has stopped by now. It is the perfect time to explore Doodhpathri for photography and horse rides.
Doodhpathri is one of those places in Kashmir where visitors are seen in abundance in winter as well. A huge temperature drop is seen, going as low as -5°C. Due to heavy snowfall received here, snow slopes are formed. A number of winter sports like skiing, sledging, and snowboarding become accessible. Since the town is still a remote one in comparison to other major towns, you can actually have a more private and crowd less experience. Make sure to pack heavy woolens and other warm accessories to remain comfortable and safe here.
Lastly, the valley wakes up and regains life in the spring season. It lasts from March to April. The extreme cold conditions subsides with rising temperatures. Snowfall has almost ended by now. However, you can still see snow patches at alpine places. The entire town is filled with vibrant wildflowers. It is also a suitable time for sightseeing tours in the town.
How far is Doodhpathri from Srinagar?
Srinagar to Doodhpathri distance is about 42 kilometres. The travelling distance comes around to be about 1.5 hours. Roads leading to Doodhpathri from the capital city are in good condition. You can easily hire a taxi or a cab to visit the town.
Where to Stay in Doodhpathri
In and around Doodhpathri, you can find many hotels to enjoy a lavish stay. These 2 to 3 star hotels offer premium services and cost per day goes up to INR 5000.
For an affordable choice, go for the guesthouses and wooden cottages available. They are much cheaper. The rooms are spacious with decent services. Around INR 2500 is the cost per night for these places. Water Vibe Resort is a popular one in the town. You can make advance bookings of rooms at these places.
You also have the option of camping. Pitch a tent on the snow slopes and lie on the mats, enjoy stargazing. You can even light a bonfire. Enjoy your food and engage in friendly chit chat with your fellow tourists.
Last but not the least, you can always drive back to Srinagar in less than two hour and spend the night.
Things to Keep in Mind before Visiting
May to September is the ideal time to witness lush greenery. Winter from December to February is considered a suitable season for snow-covered landscapes.
Doodhpathri is around 42 km from Srinagar. It is accessible via taxi or private vehicle. Local ponies available in the valley for hire if you prefer not to walk.
Wear light woolens if you are visiting there in summer. Put on heavy woolens and waterproof boots in winter.
In Doodhpathri, enjoy trekking, horse riding, camping, and picnicking by the Shaliganga River.
The valley doesn’t have major eateries. You should carry packed food and water. Try local Kahwa tea.
You may not find any hotels here. Drive back and stay in Srinagar. You can also opt for camping in summer or pick homestays.
Doodhpathri doesn’t require any entry fee. However, do check for any local restrictions before visiting.
Mobile connection may be weak and you may not have found a network here. Bring essentials like a power bank and first-aid kit.
Avoid littering and maintain the pristine beauty of the valley.
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Things To Do In Doodhpathri
The quiet meadows here are best to be enjoyed quietly and without looking for activities. However, in case you’re looking for such fun as well, you can do the following activities.
Pony Ride
It is best to get a pony to see this valley as it is very large, and the attractive points are scattered which can be easily missed by a layman.
The pony ride will take you to specific spots and will show you the scenes worth watching.
Camping
Places of stay and hotels are not very well developed in the area. This presents a great opportunity for camping lovers to set up camps in the area.
However, you need to remember that there are no such facilities. The visitors are to bring their own tents.
Trekking
Doodhpathri trek is very comfortable and inviting for trekking lovers. The area presents deep forests and clear grassy tracts to afford a visitor a bright opportunity to traverse the area by trekking. It is better to take a guide with you or you might get lost in the woods or walk straight into an animal’s den. Trekking in Kashmir is a thrilling experience you can enjoy.
Photography
The area surrounded by snow-covered peaks, thick forests and lush green meadows is any photographer’s dream. This valley is the spot where a scene from the movie Razi was shot.
The picturesque landscapes, the misty glow, the April snow, flowing Shaliganga, rich doodhpathri waterfall and milky surroundings make it one of the most beautiful destinations and hence, a tailor-made photography spot.
Sightseeing
The apple and walnut trees are a sight to behold. The area is cold all year round and hence, it presents a gift of winter for all winter lovers any time of the year.
However, there are a few sites you can visit and avail of your tour.
Shaliganga River
Sit on the white rocks on the banks of the river and let the flowing water take away all your worries.
Mujhpathri
The valley of turnips is a site to behold. It is definitely worth stopping here.
Diskal
It is a meadow on the top of a mountain. It overlooks the Ashtaar glacier, the one where Shaliganga originates.
You can also visit the Ashtaar Glacier itself however, it requires some trekking expertise.
Places to Visit in Doodhpathri
The quiet meadows here are best to be enjoyed quietly and without looking for activities. However, in case you’re looking for such fun as well, you can do the following activities.
Doodhpathri meadows
The Doodhpathri meadows are one of the most lush you will witness in Kashmir. In summer, they are perfect for horse rides, camping, picnics. Winter covers them with white powdery snow, perfect for skiing, snowboarding and sledging. One of the most visited ones in the town has to be the Diskal meadows , at a distance of about 10 kilometres from Shaliganga Nallah.
Doodh ganga river
The Doodhganga river, perfect for a number of activities, is one of the must visit places in Doodhpathri. Here, you can enjoy river rafting, boating, fishing and angling. The river banks also offer perfect campsites as you wake up to beautiful views in the morning.
Khosh murg
Khosh Murg is a scenic spot in Doodhpathri. Do include it in the itinerary if you are looking to relax and rejuvenate. The spot also offers gorgeous views of the surrounding area.
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Essential Information
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Srinagar airport. From the airport, you can get a direct cab. Srinagar to doodpathri is 45 km and it It takes around 2 hours to reach.
The nearest railway station to Doodpathri is Jammu Railway station. You can hire a shared cab or direct cab from Jammu railway station to Srinagar. From there book taxi service in Srinagar to get the final destination.
Temperature in Winter
Winter falls here in mainly 3 months – December, January and February. The doodhpathri temperature regularly drops below zero, completely freezing lakes, waterbodies and waterfalls. Snowfall is a frequent phenomenon.
● December -> 2° to -10° celcius
● January -> 0° to -10° celcius
● Februray -> 2° to -8° celcius
It is advised to pack thick winter clothes with you if you’re planning to visit in winter.
The Weather of Doodhpathri in Winter
Even though covered mostly in pleasant sunlight all year round, the weather of Doodhpathri in the months of December and January becomes rather unpleasant. There are frequent rainfall and snowfall and even storms are usual.
Winds are very cold presenting a danger of frostbite. Due to the lack of staying places, the concept of camping also becomes an impossible prospect in winter. However, if it is snow and cold, you’re looking for, this valley will not disappoint you.
FAQ's
What is Doodhpathri famous for?
Doodhpathri is famous for its dense forests, snow-capped mountain peaks, gushing water streams, and vast meadows. It is also home to many endangered species like leopards, bears, deer, red foxes, etc. The valley has emerged recently for tourists as it has remained remote for many years. It is located in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir around 40 kilometers from Srinagar.
Is Doodhpathri better in Winter or Summer?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If green meadows and moderate weather is your idea of a vacation, summer might be your time. However, if you want to witness Snow-Leopards and a frozen Narnia world, winter might be your fairytale weather.
Is it Doodhpathri Worth Visiting?
The increasing popularity and reviews from visitors indicate that this valley is bound to impress you. Many tourists tend to skip the site in the favor of other popular destinations. However, Doodhpathri is an off-beat destination which is yet unexplored. It has most of the plus points of other destinations and yet a lack of chaos. It is worth visiting if you are planning to visit Kashmir. The important reason to visit this place is that it has relatively less hustle and bustle and crowd of tourists which makes this place serene. It will offer you the best of grasslands and forests here in Kashmir. One should not skip this place in a Kashmir itinerary.
Is it Doodhpaathri Accessible in Winters?
Though heavy snowfall blocks most of the passage of Doodhpathri, the area is still accessible by foot and ponies. The less focus of tourists in the area makes it a largely unknown spot in winter as compared to Sonmarg and Gulmarg but the area is as accessible if you’re planning to go slowly.
Is Doodhpathri worth visiting?
Yes, it is one of the beautiful, offbeat places of Kashmir. The valley offers magnificent views and serenity and one can also enjoy the stunning views of the river that flows through this valley.
Which is better Doodhpathri or Gulmarg?
Both are famous tourist destinations. Gulmarg is well known for its skiing scenes and Doodhpathri is popular for its scenery and trekking bases. Gulmarg is more crowded, it receives a huge number of tourists in every season. Therefore, if you are looking for some peaceful offbeat vacations, Doodhpathri is the place to be.
Where is Doodhpathri in Srinagar?
It is located in the Budgam district of Kashmir. It needs a drive from Srinagar, and it takes around 2 hours to reach from Srinagar.
Is there snow in March?
In March you will see snow only on the mountain tops of Doodhpathir. Here are no glaciers, hence in March it is mostly green and the snow has melted. However, there are chances of snowfall in March in Doodhpathri.
What is the distance between Doodhpthir to Yusmarg ?
Doodpathri to Yusmarg distance is around 65 km. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Yusmarg. The drive winds through bazaars, meadows, jungles, orchards, and villages. It goes via the famous shrine of Kashmir called Charar e Shareef.
Is it safe to visit Doodhpathri?
Yes, it is completely safe to visit Doodhpathri. It is at a short distance of just 42 kilometres from Srinagar. Even in the valley, the locals are very warm and welcoming. You can even explore it yourself.
Is Doodhpathri accessible by car?
Yes, Doodhpathri is accessible by Car. You can plan a short road trip to the valley from Srinagar by your private car. It takes less than 2 hours. No special permits are required.
Can we walk in Doodhpathri?
You can surely walk in Doodhpathri. So many tourists visit here for the sole purpose of hiking in the lush meadows. Visit different local attractions in the valley via walking. Wear a comfortable walking shoes for a smooth and comfortable time.
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