Doodhpathri is a beautiful meadow with emerald grass that looks like a green carpet. A beautiful river dancing and reverberating with the wind flows in the middle of the meadow, lending it a splendid charm and vibrancy. The place looks very beautiful and pleasant. The green grass under the feet is really wonderful.Doodhpathri is a beautiful meadow with emerald grass that looks like a green carpet. A beautiful river dancing and reverberating with the wind flows in the middle of the meadow, lending it a splendid charm and vibrancy. The place looks very beautiful and pleasant. The green grass under the feet is really wonderful.

Doodhpathri however is a recent inclusion in the Jammu Kashmir tourist map. This is the reason that the place is not overcrowded and not many tourists visit here. However, it has become a real hit among the local population, who find it a welcome step. The road from Khansahib area in Badgam to the Doodhpathri is not in a good condition. There is not a full-fledged market or any hotel in the area, so the trip is always going to last for a day only and you need to pack your lunch. Tea and snacks are available in the shops run by local people.

Travelling to the area can be hectic, but the place is worth the trouble. The local government is taking steps on fast track basis to make the access easier and comfortable. Work is going on to connect Doodhpathri with all the concrete roads. Once completed, it is believed that the place will be at no. 3 of the most preferred tourist destinations of the valley.

As already mentioned, travelling can be hectic. You need to take a bus to Budgam from Lalchowk Srinagar, from where you can catch a vehicle to Khansahib. From Khansahib stand you can get a cab for Doodhpathri. Alternatively if you come to Kashmir by Air, you can take the bus to Budgam from Humhama area, just two kilometers from the Airport.

Weather of the place remains moderate. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months from May to September. The place is primarily for sightseeing as it has not been developed completely as yet.

Yousmarg is a pine framed grassy hilltop meadow. The divine beauty of the place is beyond words. Dense pine trees, grassy pastures with multi-hued blossoms and snow clad mountain peaks in the background. Increasingly becoming a popular hill station of Jammu and Kashmir, many factors contribute to its allure. It is situated 47 kms to southwest of Srinagar at an altitude of 8900 ft. The valley is perfect to enjoy the blessed natural beauty. Adventures also abound in the valley as there are beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Known as the trekkers’ paradise it is full of thrilling trails. Yousmarg is also known as the ‘Meadow of Yesu’. It is believed to be the home of the Lord.

The two-hour drive to the place is an enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains leave you almost speechless. Within commutable distance from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, Yusmarg is the perfect place to go for a picnic.

It is possible that after reaching this place, you may want to even stay for a few days. Specially, for the lovers of long walks in picturesque locales, Yusmarg is the place to be.

Tourist Attractions in Yousmarg

Charar-I-Sharif

Charar-I-Sharif is counted as one of the most scared Muslim shrine in India. The holy wooden shrine built in praise of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, as Sufi saint. Approximately 600 years old the shrine receives devotees of all faiths.

Doodh Ganga

Doodh Ganga is one of the tourist attractions of Yusmarg that lies in its close vicinity. The water of the river makes a little white foam while crashing on its way over the rocks and thus, it got its name ‘Doodh’ means milk. On the bank of the river, tourists either love to undertake a natural walk or enjoy picnic. The river is also known as the ideal spot for angling activities.

Nilnag

Nilnag Lake is 4 kms away from the valley. The Frozen Lake is one of the most visited tourist destination. The lake is located at the height of 2180 meters above the sea level. Through a rough trekking path in the middle of dense forest the lake can accessed. The water of the lake are crystal clear blue color, after which it has got the name ‘Nil’ (blue). It serves as an ideal picnic spots. Mahadiv Mountain and sunset peak are the famous points of interest here.

Tosmaiden is another popular meadow blessed with natural beauty and has a historical backdrop. Bounded by dense green forests the verdant landscaped is a charming beauty.

Gurez is 130 kilometres from Srinagar and is roughly 35-40 minutes away from the scenic Tulail Valley. The 58-kilometer road from Srinagar to Bandipore passes past stunning vistas of the Manasbal and Wular lakes, which are located on the outskirts of North Kashmir. The huge Kishenganga River, also known as the Neelum, rushes into the valley from Pakistan, and its various brooks, streams, and tributaries rush and gurgle through the valley.

The iconic pyramid limestone peak Habba Khatun, named for the famous Kashmiri poetess, and, of course, the 3,300-meter-high Razdan Pass, may be seen along the way. The Gurez Valley is located along a part of the old Silk Route that linked Kashmir with Gilgit. The Dards, a clan from Gurez, are thought to be descendants of the Greek garrison left behind by Alexander’s army. With its wooden log houses, picturesque hamlets, shepherds, and spectacular, natural background, the land looks to be locked in time. There’s no internet, and there’s barely a signal to begin with.

People of Gurez valley are Dards, they speak Sheena language and have their ancestral connection with Gilgit valley now in Pakistan. The feature and attire of the Dards are similar to Kashmiri people of mountain region. Though Gurez is a far flung area but the people of the Dard race have uplifted themselves by the hard work and proper education. Dard women are fair with athletic built, who spend the summer in collecting wood from mountains for the harsh winter; when it is impossible to move in 20 feet out side.

The trekking Routes from Gurez and Tilel lead upto Gangabal and Sonamorg to its east and Drass , Dahanu and Zanskar to its north.

The Kishen Ganga River in Gurez offers easy level of stream for Rofting and tough ones from Tilel. Some of the mountains have absolutely challenging scope for Rock Climbing.Trout fishing is a frequent sport among locals who through in a line to get decent meal for the day. Anglers con be delighted to catch a brown trout in the Kishen Ganga River or the streams coming down from the mountains. Gurez has lovely compsites where the tents can be pitched near the river.

20 km from Gurez, the awesome villages of Tilel have log wood houses which perfectly add to the magnificent view of mountains full of pine and fir trees. The road from Gurez to Tilel is just 7 years old, which has been extended upto Drass in Kargil region. The rugged and tough life of people of Tilel can make a visitor to contribute for promotion of the destination in one way or the other.

The Lolab Valley is a Himalayan sub-valley and forms the north-western corner of the Kashmir Valley formed by the Lahwal River in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The entrance to the valley lies 9 km (5.6 mi) north of Kupwara town and the centre of the valley lies 114 km (71 mi) northwest of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an oval-shaped valley 15 miles (24 km) long with an average width of 2 miles (3.2 km)

Geography

The Lolab Valley is situated within the jurisdiction of Sogam, a block of Kupwara. It is bordered by the Kashmir Valley to the south and the Neelum Valley to the north, and is separated by Nagmarg meadows from Bandipore[3] to the east. It is formed by the flow of Lahwal River, which flows from east to west. The Lolab Valley is home to many ancient springs, and is covered with dense forests of pine and fir.[4] Fruit trees such as apple, cherry, peach, apricot and walnut are common in the valley, which is known as "the fruit bowl of Jammu and Kashmir".[5] The valley has several natural landmarks and tourist spots, such as the caves of Kalaroos. The main towns in the Lolab Valley are Sogam, Kalaroos, Kigam, Lalpor, Tekipora, Chandigam, Kandi and Muqam.the Lolab Valley has two division POUTNAI and Brunai, the areas INCLUDED in POUTNAI are, chandigam, etc. in Brunai are KuligAm, cheepora, varnow, etc.

Daksum is a beautiful picnic spot, situated at an altitude of 2,438 m above sea level, about 40 km south-east of Anantnag, in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a trekker's paradise covered with coniferous forests, gurgling streams and hidden grassy meadows with the melodious sound of the gushing Bringi River forming the backdrop. Daksum is also famous for its trout.

DAKSUM (8500 ft): A trekker's paradise (2 hours very scenic drive) swathed in coniferous forests, gurgling streams, hidden grassy meadows, where your only company is the sound of the gushing Bringhi river or an occasional shepherd tending his flock. Daksum is also famous for its trout - an angler's heaven.

Daksum at 2,438 meters is located in dense forest. This scenic spot falls on the Anantnag Simthan Kishtwar road where a gushing stream is rich in trout fish. The surroundings forests of Daksum are famous for flora and fauna. It has a resthouse, tourist bungalow and plenty of camping spots.From Daksum the trail rises fairly steeply to the Sinthan Pass at 3,748 meters. The pass is open from April to September for trekkers.Daksum: Past the Mughal Gardens of Achabal, with their tinkling fountains, through the breathtaking splendour of the springs at Kokarnag, lies Daksum.

Tucked away in a densely forested gorge at an altitude of 2438 m, Daksum would be completely silent but for the Bringhi river which gushes through it.

Daksum is a walker's paradise. Up the hills which are swathed in coniferous trees, past gurgling brooks, the simple, haunting notes of a flute will waft down to you from where an unseen shepherd tends his flock. For in the hills surrounding Daksum, suddenly you will find yourself in grassy meadows where sheep are taken to pasture.

Daksum is a reviving experience -the bracing mountain air, the solitude, the densely clad hills, and beyond them, snow covered mountains, all contribute to Daksum's mystique, making it the perfect retreat. Located in the dense forests, this scenic spot falls on the Anantnag-Symthan-Kishtwar road.

A gushing stream flows through Daksum whcih is rich in trout fish. It is a forest retreat girdled by mountains. The surrounding forests are famous for fauna and flora. This famous tourist sport is in the south east of Anantnag town and is about a distance of 40 kilometers from district headquarter.