By: Sahil Manzoor Bhatti
Hoteliers, ponywalas, ATV owners, tea stall owners, and all those associated with the business sector of Doodhpathri are filled with joy. Immense pleasure can be seen on their faces as the LG administration has reopened several tourist destinations, and Doodhpathri is one of them.
The Kashmir Valley is famous throughout the world for its lush, charming, and endowed beauty. There are many amazing facts about the valley. It truly looks like paradise on earth. It is rich in nature-blessed vegetation, springs, waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers that flow from the lap of the majestic mountains of the Pir Panjal range, beautifying and reflecting the real face of Kashmir. The people of the valley are benevolent and are known for their great hospitality, as many tourists testify.
Another important fact is that the tourism sector is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. Lakhs of people from different age groups earn their livelihoods from this sector. The tourism department plays a vital role in generating employment for unemployed youth. At the same time, it discovers and develops new recreational places for local residents as well as for tourists who visit from different corners of the country and the world. The department also addresses the grievances faced by tourists on a priority basis. This is quite impressive. However, there are still miles to go in terms of better and secure accommodation. Facilities should be available throughout the year for visitors. There is also a need to identify and promote more attractive destinations in the future.
Doodhpathri is one of the emerging tourist spots in the valley. The name “Doodhpathri” consists of two words: “Doodh,” which means milk, referring to the milky appearance of the crystal-clear water of the Shaliganga River, and “Pathri,” which means meadows. Thus, it means “the milky meadow.” Doodhpathri is located about 45 kilometers from the summer capital, Srinagar, and about 36 kilometers from the district headquarters of Budgam.
Doodhpathri enhances the beauty of Budgam district in many ways and generates livelihood opportunities for the locals of the adjoining villages. According to local belief, the name of this beautiful place was given by the great Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA), popularly known as Nund Rishi and Alamdar-e-Kashmir among the people of the valley. Doodhpathri has been famous among the natives of District Budgam for centuries. Earlier, it was mainly used for grazing purposes, and even today, mud houses known as “Kothas” can be seen there, which were traditionally used by shepherds.
Doodhpathri is situated in central Kashmir in the district of Budgam. The district is blessed with several other tourist destinations such as Yousmarg and Charar-e-Sharief, which is the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA). Tosamaidan is another emerging tourist destination in the district and is rich in natural beauty and attractive landscapes. Villages such as Ichgam, Kremshora, Khansahib, and Yarikhah can be accessed through Doodhpathri. There are also alternative routes via Magam, Beerwah, Arizal, Raiyar, Raithan, and Mujhpathri.
Places to Visit
Sotchal (Sochal) Pathri
Sotchal Pathri, located near Doodhpathri, serves as a resting place for visitors. The place is quite picturesque and showcases the natural beauty of the region. The green meadows, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for relaxation. Tourists often spend hours enjoying the calm atmosphere and capturing memorable photographs.
Sukhnag
The Sukhnag River is located in the lap of the Pir Panjal Mountains, flowing through the beautiful landscapes of Parihas Doodhpathri and Sitaharan Khag. The name “Sukh Nag” consists of two Kashmiri words: “Sukh,” meaning peace or calm, and “Naag,” meaning spring. Thus, it can be interpreted as the “spring of peace.”
The Sukhnag River beautifies and quenches the thirst of several villages along its course, including Arizal, Zanigam, and Beerwah. Eventually, it merges with the Jhelum River. Sukhnag is one of the major tributaries of the Jhelum and plays an important role in supporting local agriculture and daily life.
The river originates from the upper mountain hills of Tosamaidan. Its sources include high-altitude springs and mountain streams that enhance the beauty of the lush green forests in the region. The Sukhnag River has immense tourism potential. With proper planning and attention from the administration, it can be developed as an important tourist attraction. It is located just about a 40-minute walk from the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) at Raiyar–Ich, Tangnar.
If brought under the tourism development plan of the Kashmir Valley, the concerned departments would discover many hidden aspects of this beautiful place. The District Administration of Budgam has been making efforts for the upliftment of the district, yet several basic facilities required for tourism are still lacking. Budgam district is home to renowned tourist destinations such as Yousmarg and Doodhpathri, and more are being added to the list. Tosamaidan, a newly introduced tourist destination, has great tourism potential and requires assistance and focused development from the administration.
Dear readers, In Sha Allah, in the future I will bring more interesting information and facts about these destinations and try to highlight the unmatched beauty of the Sukhnag River and other hidden gems of Budgam district.
Raiyar–Ich
Raiyar–Ich is a picturesque hamlet and a peaceful resting place for tourists who visit from different parts of the country and the world. There are interesting facts associated with the name “Raiyar.” According to local tradition, “Raiyar” consists of two Kashmiri words: “Rai,” meaning lost, and “Yaar,” meaning friend.
It is believed that the name was given by the great mystic Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA). According to a local legend narrated by Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Bhatti Sahib, when the saint arrived in the village from the forests of the Pir Panjal, he sent his companions to different parts of Kashmir to spread the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thereafter, he continued his spiritual journey alone toward the Dreygam Cave.
Raiyar–Ich today stands as a symbol of natural beauty and spiritual heritage. The hamlet offers breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and a calm environment that refreshes the mind and soul of every visitor. It serves as a gateway to many trekking routes and picnic spots around Doodhpathri.
Doodhpathri at its best
The reopening of Doodhpathri has brought new hope and happiness to thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on tourism. The smiling faces of hoteliers, pony handlers, shopkeepers, and transport operators clearly reflect the importance of this sector. Tourism not only strengthens the economy but also builds connections between cultures and communities.
Doodhpathri, with its green meadows, flowing rivers, snow-capped mountains, and peaceful environment, truly calls nature lovers after its temporary closure. It invites tourists to witness its unmatched charm and serenity once again. With better infrastructure, proper maintenance, and sustainable development, Doodhpathri and other destinations of Budgam district can shine even brighter on the tourism map of Kashmir.
The valley has always welcomed visitors with open arms, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences. Doodhpathri is not just a tourist spot; it is a feeling, a memory, and a natural treasure that continues to inspire and attract people from near and far.
