Hey explorer,

I noticed that I was procrastinating most of my tasks lately, and I thought reading a book on procrastination might help me avoid it. So, I picked "Do It Today" by Darius Foroux, and a part of a chapter talked about how taking trips can help us boost our energy and avoid procrastination.

With much enthusiasm, I started surfing the internet for places free from all sorts of pollution. I found a few of them and mentioned them in one of the last posts. So, here's a 4-day itinerary for Doodhpathri in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the places on the list I absolutely fell in love with.

Why Doodhpathri?

You might have seen a place full of trees and less pollution. But they are also places where getting peace for the required time and the exact temperature you need is hard. All the places we have been to so far are great but lack one or the other thing.

But what if I say Doodhpathri is a place where everything you need is just a walk away? (Do not believe me? Check out the above YT video).

Peace to clear your mind, alone time for self-reflection, unique landscape to wonder at, freshwater rivers, and above all, moderate temperatures to stay outdoors for as long as you need - sounds impressive, doesn't it?

You might then want to wait to hear this. The charm of Doodhpathri lies in the seasonal changes - The land appears in a lush green cover in the summer and then turns into a fresh and snow-laden canvas in winter.

Overview

Doodhpathri has a captivating history dating back centuries. Initially known for its Mughal ruling period, later, it became a favoured summer retreat for the British. The region's rich history tells stories of ancient trade routes and the cultural mixture of various dynasties.

Sitting at an elevation of 8,957 feet in the Himalayan mountains, the green lands, rushing streams, and towering snow-capped mountains make this a perfect hidden destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Oh gosh! You should see how beautifully the Shaliganga River rushes down.

The locals follow the Kashmiri culture, and Kashmiri, Urdu, and Hindi are the primary languages the locals use here, while you can still use English in most of the area. Climatic conditions here vary with the seasons. 

Summers are mild and pleasant, and winters with heavy snowfall, while the monsoon brings occasional showers. So, Doodhpathri is a year-round destination you can visit anytime you feel like enjoying some nature. 

Discovery Checklist

You are mistaken if you think Doodhpathri is like most other tourist places in Kashmir, with beautiful nature and deep valleys. Yet, you can do a few things here to make your experiences more unique. Some of them are:

- Take time to enjoy plain and sloppy green lands.
- Plan a perfect picnic evening or morning by rivers.
- Ensure you go horse riding and explore the surroundings.
- Check in on your photography skills with your camera or phone. 

And here are a few places nearby that you should check off of your list:

- Yousmarg (approximately 53.1 km)
- Charar-e-Sharif (about 48 km away)
- Nilnag Lake (around 42.2 km)

Then, on your way back home, do not forget to carry the memories of Doodhpathri with you through traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, including Pashmina shawls, paper-mâché artefacts, and local spices. 

Travel Itinerary

A Guide to WH Questions

Transportation

You can access Doodhpathri by road from the nearby city of Srinagar, at 42 km. The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, while the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station. You can then take a bus or taxi to this scenic site.

Hotels

• Accommodation

There are no direct hotels available within Doodhpathri. So, you can only pick a hotel from one of the nearby towns and cities like Srinagar or Budgam. So, check out this official tourism site for cheap and secure hotels for your night stays. Or, you can also check out the hotel option from Google.

• Eateries

Being the nearest town to Doodhpathri, Budgam, here are a few local eateries to taste the local food in the local flavours. 

Chillout Cafe & Restaurant - Best for local Kashmiri foods
Cafe 68 - Best for non-veg and fast foods. 
Parsa's - Best for veg and non-veg items. 

Popular Food

- Rogan Josh: It's a flavorful lamb curry infused with aromatic spices.
- Yakhni: It's a yoghurt-based mutton curry with a blend of spices.
- Kahwa: It's a traditional Kashmiri green tea made with saffron, cardamom, and almonds.

Travel Tips

- Weather in Doodhpathri can be unpredictable, so dress or pack in layers. 
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for both exploring lands and trekking. 
- Respect local traditions, and seek permission before photographing.

Safety Tips

- Keep local emergency numbers and contact details handy.
- Given the altitude, adapt to changes slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
- Stay informed about weather forecasts, especially during winter, when snowfall can impact travel plans.

Travel Expenses

Budgeting for a trip to Doodhpathri can vary. On average, you might need ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per day for a person, covering accommodation, meals, local transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Do note that your budget can vary depending on your personal preferences. 

Conclusion

Doodhpathri might seem like a regular Kashmiri tourist spot with things like valleys, lush green everywhere, and rivers rushing down. But what makes it more unique is the peace you get from there, and winters take you completely into a different world. Summers with green blanketed lands while winters with lands covered in white. If it was similar to most other places, would Doothpathri be called "The Valley of Milk?"

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