Doodhpathri, the picturesque tourist destination nestled in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, has seen a surge in visitors in 2024, with a total of 1,865,578 tourists visiting the region from January 1 to December 30, 2024. This includes international, domestic, and local visitors.
According to official figures from the Doodhpathri Development Authority (DDA), the influx of visitors included 1,482 international tourists, 1,182,843 domestic tourists, and 681,255 local visitors. The peak month for international visitors was April 2024, when 210 international tourists visited the area.
The data further highlights a significant increase in the number of domestic tourists compared to local visitors. In 2024, domestic tourists outnumbered locals, with over 1.18 million domestic visitors compared to 681,255 locals.
Riyaz Ahmad Beigh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Doodhpathri Development Authority, shared that the recent snowfall in the Kashmir Valley has contributed to a steady rise in tourist arrivals, with more than 4,500 visitors coming to Doodhpathri over the past two days alone.
“The introduction of skiing activities at Doodhpathri is expected to further boost tourist numbers, especially with snow-related activities becoming more popular,” Beigh said.
He also highlighted the anticipated rise in domestic tourists for the remainder of the winter season, predicting significant benefits for local service providers, including ATV operators, pony ride vendors, and tea stalls.
“We expect the tourist flow to remain exceptionally high during this winter season as Doodhpathri continues to be a prime destination for tourists seeking snowfall experiences in Kashmir,” Beigh added.
The growth of tourism in Doodhpathri has also positively impacted the local economy, providing livelihoods to thousands of individuals, both directly and indirectly, through the influx of visitors. Additionally, the scenic location has attracted the film industry, with several advertisements and film shoots taking place in the area.
Beigh emphasised the potential of Doodhpathri as a key tourism hub for Kashmir, offering both natural beauty and economic opportunities for the region.
