Day 4, we wanted to take it a bit light. We were exhausted from the adventures of the previous days and visiting Doodhpatri was perfect.
Translating to the Valley of Milk, Doodhpatri is a hidden gem and hasn’t yet been discovered as a tourist heaven. It hence provides some un-matched views of lovely landscapes against the back drop of the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.
Situated at a 2hr drive from Srinagar, we started around 9:30 am and the plan was to get there and roll around on the meadow. The road to Doodhpatri isn’t the best and it took us a while navigating the potholes. We reached around 11:45am to see a huge cultural function organised by the Army – Doodhpatri 2021. We were invited, very warmly, to come watch the show. We got chatting with a few of the jawaans and found out that this was organized to promote the destination among locals and school kids to come visit and enjoy nature.
We got a front row seat to watch the various dance and music performance, many of which were performed by the jawaans. We had never been to any Army function and this felt like our moment of being on Jai Jawaan. We thoroughly enjoyed the show, clicked a few pics and then headed off further inside Doodhpatri.
We drove down the winding mountain path to another section, where you can take a horse and ride up to a waterfall. We were done with our share of horse rides especially after Pahalgam and just walked around absorbing the sheer beauty of nature and the place. It just felt so serene, so open and free. The side of the valley is also dotted with huts called Dhoks where the tribes reside. They move down to the town once the winter sets in.
After spending a while there, we got back into our car and started back to Srinagar, biding our good-byes to the jawaans we had be-friended.
We stopped at the base or entry point of Doodhpatri and grabbed lunch. There a few shops that we saw as soon as we entered the Doodhpatri checkpoint while coming and we had decided to stop there for our meal on our return.
Got back to Srinagar, shopped a bit and then called it an early evening to get back to the houseboat and enjoy the sunset at Dal Lake; reminiscing a really great day. We were thinking of dropping Doodhpatri, but we were so glad we went. Be it the Army program or even if it wasn’t there, the purity of the place is something you should experience.
Things to keep in mind –
- There is no mobile network or places to eat/drink at Doodhpatri.
- Eateries are only at the entry point at the base of the mountain. Not even small tents serving food on the meadows.
- There are no washrooms available either.
- It is an ideal place for a Picnic – Bring your own food and spend a morning or afternoon here.
Tomorrow, our last day, to check out Srinagar (will cover the places we shopped in that).
Travel Responsibly & Mask Up!
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Curious Boho 