Doodhpathri in Kashmir

Doodhpathri in Kashmir

Have you heard of Doodhpathri in Kashmir? No? Then let me take you on a tour of paradise with this Travelogue for #BlogchatterA2Z. Tourists visiting Kashmir explore the time-tested places on the tourist map; Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg. But there is more to explore and I like to tread the road less travelled. One name that popped up in conversations was Doodhpathri. The name was intriguing; it means Valley of Milk and is only 42 km from Srinagar. I had my eyes set on Doodhpathri!

Drive to Doodhpathri

I hired a cab and the next morning set out alone to this lesser-known place in Kashmir. Every journey, even in a car, is overwhelming here as the terrain is amazing. It took a little time to step out of the city and onto the highway and even then there were many interesting towns on the way; Srinagar to Budgam, Budgam to Khansahib and Khansahib to Doodhpathri via Raiyar. The climb was dizzying, with anticipation building for what lay at the end. It took me about two hours to get there, pausing at every walnut tree and apple orchard.

Pristine Valley in Doodhpathri in Kashmir

Finally, we turned a curve and when I first saw the bowl-shaped valley that was Doodhpatri, I stared agape. Mere words cannot express what I saw; an endless emerald-green meadow flanked by towering pine trees with the Pir Panjal ranges looming in the back. It was like a scene from a fairytale. Horses and sheep were grazing at leisure. The undulating meadows in different shades of green were olive here, lemon there, chartreuse in the sun, mint on the trees. It is mesmerizing, and I felt like breaking into a song, a la Shammi Kapoor! It is like the dwellings of the Gods and the most entrancing sight of my life.

Legend of Doodhpathri in Kashmir

Legend says Sheikh Noor din Noorani found milk instead of water while exploring the meadows. He said that the milk is to be used only for drinking and not for ablutions. Hearing this, the milk immediately changed its state to water. This is how the meadow got its name: Doodpathri. The water flowing down the rocks looks milky white from a distance and is glacial throughout the year. Doodhpathri is inaccessible during winter because of heavy snowfall so visit only before winter.

Perfect Spot for Picnics

Kids would love to frolic in the soft, wide-open grassy meadows and it is an ideal spot for a picnic. Remember to carry food as there are not many hotels there. I hurriedly made two aloo paranthas but the mountain air makes you hungry and you need some good food. I had kahwa at a tea stall, but there are very few cafes and if you have family and kids with you, pack some food and picnic in the meadows. There were many school kids and locals out on picnics and having a fun time playing in the emerald green meadows. A group of girls approached me, struck up a conversation and even posed for me. These spontaneous interactions are what I enjoyed during my trip to Kashmir.

You can ride a pony or inhale the pristine air while watching the sky-high pine trees, standing like sentinels over the countryside. It is not yet prominent on the tourist map. But, relatively more crowded now. You can sit on the grass or sturdy benches that blend with nature. I sat on the bench first and later lolled on the downy grass and wished I could lie there forever.

Doodhpathri- Milky White Stream

The stream was a little further, and I moved reluctantly towards it. The way to the stream is a bit tricky. I had to balance on smooth, round pebbles to get there. But the gushing sound of the milky waters racing down the hills was worth every stumble. I dangled my feet in the brook to check; it felt icy cold and yet I liked it.

Beyond the stream, there is a cave of the saint and you need to trek or go on horseback to reach there.

Kashmiri People

Even in this remote place, there were photographers charming visitors to don traditional outfits and pose. Here they had lehenga cholis along with the Pheran. One of them approached me and kept asking me to get my pictures taken. I jokingly said,” Bhaiya ab iss umar mai ye sab accha nahi lagta” and he cheekily replies, “Aap aisa matt bolo madam. “Aap to Hema Malini se jawaan aur Sridevi se bhi khoobsurat dikhti ho”!! 

Another said that he had seen me before and when I said it was my first visit he said that he recognized me as he saw me on TV and respected my going incognito! Their rhetoric was amusing and I burst out laughing. Seems like the magic in the air turns the Kashmiris into real charmers!

Dusk was about to fall and I reluctantly headed back to Srinagar, as it would be dark soon. Doodhpathri’s pristine air captivated me, and I vowed to return. I was in love with Kashmir and the simple Kashmiri people.

Tips to visit Doodhpathri

• You can visit and go back to Srinagar by evening
• Hire an experienced driver and an SUV if possible
• Pack water, drink and food
• Start back early as the roads are serpentine
• Dress in practical shoes and casual jeans
• Take the horse ride to the cave
• Take time to savour the virgin beauty
• Talk to the locals.

Do check out all my blogs on this Paradise

Srinagar Travelogue, Kashmir Travel-Heaven on Earth, Romantic Places to Visit in Kashmir for your Honeymoon