Local tradition says the Kashmiri saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani prayed at Doodhpathri and, searching for water, pricked the ground with his stick so that milk came out, giving the valley its name.
Source: Doodhpathri
Valley in Kashmir
Doodhpathri
The valley of milk, 42 km from Srinagar
Doodhpathri is a bowl of meadows at about 2,730 m in Budgam district, 42 km south-west of Srinagar. The Shaliganga river runs white over stones through pine forest, and Budgam herders graze cattle here all summer. Visit April to October as a day trip, best on weekdays.
Photo: Ankur P from Pune, India · CC BY-SA 2.0 · CommonsDoodhpathri translates as valley of milk. Locals explain it two ways: the Shaliganga stream foams white as it tumbles over rocks, and a legend says the Kashmiri saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, known as Nund Rishi, struck the ground with his staff looking for water and milk flowed out. Either way, the name fits a place of pale green meadows, white water and herds of cattle.
The meadows lie at about 2,730 m in the Pir Panjal foothills of Budgam district, reached through Budgam town, Ichgam and Khansahib, and the last stretch climbs through pine forest. Shepherds from the plains of Budgam bring their cattle and sheep here for summer grazing, and their timber huts dot the edges of the meadows.
Doodhpathri has stayed simpler than Gulmarg or Pahalgam. There are a few government huts and stalls, pony owners and picnic spots, and on weekdays it can be very quiet. Sundays and holidays bring Srinagar families in large numbers. The road and meadows are snowbound in winter, so come from about April to October.
Say it like a local · KashmiriDodh
milk; Doodhpathri is the valley or meadow of milk
What to do in Doodhpathri
Shaliganga riverbank
The Shaliganga runs fast and white over boulders between pine forest and meadow. Paths along both banks make easy walks, and the sound of water is constant. Do not wade in; the stream is cold and stronger than it looks.
Open meadows
Rolling meadows spread above the river, ringed by fir and pine with snow peaks of the Pir Panjal beyond. On weekdays you can walk for an hour and see only herders and their cattle.
Herders' summer huts
Budgam shepherds and Gujjar families bring animals up for summer grazing and live in low timber huts at the forest edge. Visit with respect and ask before photographing.
Mujpathri hamlet
A short pony ride or walk leads to Mujpathri, a hamlet on the Shaliganga with more meadows and fewer visitors. Pony owners at the main meadow work to fixed rates.
Picnic day from Srinagar
Doodhpathri is one of the easiest full-day escapes from Srinagar. Pack a lunch or eat at the stalls, and leave by 4 pm to drive the forest road in daylight.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Doodhpathri
Shepherds from the plains of Budgam district send their cattle to Doodhpathri every summer for grazing, and the meadows are inaccessible in winter because of heavy snowfall.
Source: Doodhpathri
Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, also called Nund Rishi or Sheikh ul-Alam, was a 14th and 15th century Kashmiri Sufi saint and poet, and Srinagar's airport is named after him.
Source: Nund Rishi
Experiences
Three days worth having in Doodhpathri
Photo: Ankur P from Pune, India · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Doodhpathri · 3–4 hours
Riverbank and meadow walk on the Shaliganga
Walk along the Shaliganga from the main meadow, cross on log bridges, and climb gently to open grassland with views of …
Free; taxi from Srinagar ₹2,500–3,500
Photo: Ankur P from Pune, India · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Doodhpathri · 2–3 hours
Pony ride from Doodhpathri to Mujpathri
Mujpathri is a small hamlet on the bank of the Shaliganga beyond the main Doodhpathri meadow. A pony ride there and bac…
Pony ₹800–1,500 on the fixed rate card
Photo: MateenSalimBhat · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Doodhpathri · 2 hours
The milk legend and Budgam's herders
Doodhpathri's name ties it to Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, the Kashmiri saint known as Nund Rishi. A slow morning among …
Free; local guide ₹800–1,500
Real prices
What things cost in Doodhpathri
ItemIndicative 2026
Private taxi day trip from Srinagar₹2,500–3,500
Shared Sumo seat Srinagar–Khansahib, then local cab₹80–150, then ₹100–200
Pony ride on a fixed meadow circuit₹600–1,500
Tea and snacks at a stall₹50–150
Government hut per night₹2,000–4,000 a unit
Packed Kashmiri lunch from Srinagar₹200–400
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Doodhpathri
Air
Srinagar airport is about 40 km away. From the airport, drive via Budgam and Khansahib in about 1 h 30 min.
Bus
Shared Sumos and minibuses run from Srinagar to Budgam and Khansahib; from there, local cabs climb to Doodhpathri. It works but takes three hours or more each way.
Road
The road via Budgam, Ichgam, Khansahib and Raiyar is paved to the meadow. It closes with snow from about December to March; check current status before you travel.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Doodhpathri
Saver and comfort: there are JKTDC and tourism department huts near the meadow, bookable through official channels in season, plus very basic stalls; most visitors stay in Srinagar and come for the day. Comfort: base yourself in Srinagar at a houseboat or hotel and take a private taxi. Signature: no luxury options; stay at The LaLiT in Srinagar and drive out early with a picnic.
Questions
Doodhpathri, answered
How far is Doodhpathri from Srinagar?
About 42 km via Budgam, Ichgam and Khansahib, usually 1 h 30 min to 2 h by car. Alternative routes make it 45–50 km. A private taxi day trip costs about ₹2,500–3,500 from Srinagar.
Is Doodhpathri worth visiting?
Yes, if you want meadows and a river without the crowds of Gulmarg or Pahalgam. There are no big attractions; the appeal is walking, picnics and herders' camps. On weekdays it is calm; on Sundays it is busy.
What is the best time to visit Doodhpathri?
April to June for green meadows and snow on the peaks, and September to October for clear weather and autumn colour. July and August bring some rain. From about December to March the road and meadows are under snow.
Can we stay overnight in Doodhpathri?
A few government huts operate near the meadow in season, bookable through official tourism channels. Facilities are basic. Most visitors stay in Srinagar and visit as a day trip. Check current availability before you travel.
Is there food available at Doodhpathri?
Simple stalls sell tea, maggi, omelettes and snacks. There are no proper restaurants. Pack a lunch from Srinagar, carry water, and bring your rubbish back.
Is there mobile network at Doodhpathri?
Postpaid networks work patchily near the parking area and fade on the meadows. Prepaid SIMs from outside J&K generally do not work. Download offline maps before you leave Srinagar.
Is Doodhpathri safe for solo travellers?
It is a family picnic spot and generally relaxed in daylight. Travel with a registered taxi, return before dusk, and tell your hotel where you are going. Check current advisories before you travel.
Can I visit Doodhpathri and Yusmarg in one day?
It is possible with a private car, as both are in Budgam district, but it makes a long day of about 8–9 hours with little time at each. We suggest one per day, or combining Yusmarg with Charar-e-Sharief.
Does it snow in Doodhpathri?
Yes, heavily from about December to March, and the road usually closes. Snow patches remain on the upper meadows into April. For snow play in winter, Gulmarg is easier to reach.