Doodpathri "Valley of Milk" is a fascinating place to visit in Kashmir, a bowl-shaped valley of lush meadows and sprawling pine forests.
Curling white ethereal mists shroud the Kashmir emerald green valley in Doodhpathri, glittering with dew in the early morning sun over lush green meadows with a silver-snaking river shimmering through the gigantic pine trees of the surrounding forests while the sweet-scented fresh breezes blow to enliven senses.
Doodhpathri is a bowl-shaped valley about 42 kilometers from Srinagar and as the name suggests, it means Valley of Milk. Legend says a famous saint of Kashmir, Sheikh ul Aalam Sheikh Noor din Noorani had prayed in that spot once when he was in desperate search of water. Digging the ground with a stick, he struck a spot and milk came gushing out. He requested the milk that it could only fulfill his thirst if it were water. This magic milk immediately transformed itself into fresh drinking water, thus this is how the valley got it names, Doodpathri.
The water that flows through the valley has a mysterious milky appearance from a distance and stays very cold throughout the year. The valley itself is very enchanting with the hue of multicolored beautiful flowers, luscious foliage., fresh flowing waters running over smooth stones
The famous Tosamaidan lies in the west of Doodpathri. Doodhpathri is a part of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas with a very high altitude of 8,957 feet above sea level.
The glistening snow-capped mountains surround the valley amid the captivating forests of pine, fir, and cedar and it snows in winter, while in spring and summer, a rich carpet of wildflowers such as daisies, forget-me-nots, and butter cups enrich the grass.
During summer, shepherds from the nearby Budgam district bring cattle here for grazing and make base at Doodhpathri for about six months.
How to Go to Doodhpathri
You may need to take an entire day to visit Doodhpathri. Since Doodhpathri is still a developing tourist spot, hotels around the place may not be available, so you will need to pack your own food. The roads to Doodhpathri are not in a good condition, so the journey may be rocky but the charm and beauty of Doodhpathri overshadow its troubles.
By Air: The closest airport to Doodhpathri is the Srinagar International Airport. From there, buses are available from the Humhama area to Budgam, which is about 2 km from the airport.
By Road: Take a bus from Lalchowk Srinagar to Badgam (30 km in distance), from where you can catch a vehicle to Khansahib. From the Khansahib stand, you can hire a cab to Doodhpathri. It is about a 2-3 hours journey in total.
Best Time To Visit: The weather is mostly pleasant throughout the year. However, winter is freezing cold and it snows, thus you need to be geared up. June-July would be the ideal time to visit if you want to see the glittering green emeralds. Between December and January would be the right time if you want to experience cold fairy snowland with snowflakes and snowfall.
Camping and Trekking: Bring a tent and find a pleasant spot, preferably closer to the small shops or Gujar's hut (Gujar- pastoral community). Friendly locals will offer Kashmiri tea and bread the following morning if you visit their huts or shops. After this, you may set off on trekking to small hills nearby.
Try and visit and experience one of the most captivating adventures of your life!
Rita
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