Doodhpathri is an evolving tourist destination in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Off late, it is crowded during the day. Situated at an altitude of 8957 feet, it is approximately 42 km from Srinagar.
The name Doodhpathri means Valley of Milk in Kashmiri. Folklore suggests that Kashmir’s revered saint and preacher, Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi) once struck his stick on the ground while looking for water to pray, and milk flowed out instead. This milk later turned into water that began flowing across the meadows, giving the area its name. The water in Doodhpathri still has a milky white appearance when viewed from a distance.
The more plausible explanation is that the region has always remained rich in milk production.
The landscape of Doodhpathri consists of vast grassy slopes dotted with colourful wildflowers. It falls in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains. The meadows are covered with pine and deodar forests. During winters, the entire area is blanketed under snow. In spring and summer, wildflowers like daisies and buttercups bloom across the meadows.
