While Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar are two popular treks in Kashmir, not many people know about the wonderful Doodhpathri Trek. It is one of the lesser-known destinations in Kashmir that doesn’t receive much tourism but showcases the immense natural beauty and plenty of peace and tranquility. Located about 55 km away from Srinagar, this offbeat trek is a great choice if you want to experience the raw and seemingly untouched beauty of Kashmir.

Kashmir is known for its beautiful meadows, and the Doodhpathri Trek is undoubtedly one of the best scenic splendours of Kashmir. Lying under the shadows of the Pir Panjal Range and the Shailganga River cutting across the valley, the Bodhpathri Trek is full of beauty and peacefulness. The trail follows this beautiful River to its source near the Ashtar Glacier, with lush carpets of undulating green as far as eyes can see.

The Doodhpathri Trek lets you experience 7 wonderful lakes, which are so beautiful that they will completely enchant you. This region of Kashmir was out of bounds until a couple of years ago and now you have the opportunity to explore the unexplored part of Kashmir – its forests, valleys, meadows, streams, rivers, and lakes.

Along this trek, you will so see some of the most majestic valleys like Ashtar Valley, Gurwansar, Pamsar, and Gadtar valleys. Each has a distinctive beauty of its own. With so much of nature’s abundance, Doodhpathri Trek is a must-do for anyone who is not scared to go a little off-g

Doodhpathri is a 7-day long trek that starts from the Doodhpathri Valley near Srinagar. Doodhpathri is a less-encountered stretch of Kashmir, which holds in itself a raw and pristine natural scenery. From Doodhpathri, you will journey towards the Ashtar Valley followed by camping at the Gurwansar Lake.

On Day 4, you will trek from Gurwansar to Duriem via the beautiful Pamsar Lake. The next day holds a lot of scenic wonders as you will trek from Duriem to Gadtar and spot lake Bodhsar, Trastar Lake, Navkansar I, II & Damamsar Lake on the way. On the final day of the trek, you will trek from Gadtar to Tosamaidan and drive back to Srinagar, thus ending the wonderful journey in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Doodhpathri is a newly opened trek by us in the Kashmir Valley. Until recently, these parts of Kashmir were out of bounds and as such, this trek gives you an introduction to the untouched corners of Kashmir with their beauty unspoiled by commercialization. Being an off-grid trek, you can expect much less crowd in this region as compared to other popular treks. Along the trek, you can see 6 major high-altitude lakes, which are no less in beauty than those of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek or Tarsar Marsar Trek. The Doodhpathri Valley and its adjoining forests are quite enticing and fill you with a sense of wonder. The end of the trek with Tosamaidan is like a cherry on the top. The Doodhpathri Trek is a moderate-difficult trek and as such a good deal of physical stamina is essential for properly enjoying this beautiful trek. On average, you will be trekking 7 to 8 km every day. However, there are very few technical sections and easy exits, in case of emergencies. There are some boulder sections in the trek, which can make it a little difficult. Make sure to follow the trek leader’s advice to cross these difficult sections. The last part has a steep descent which can be quite difficult on your legs. Having a trekking pole and a knee cap is quite beneficial. On the Doodhpathri Trek, you go up to an altitude of 13,060 ft. our itinerary is designed in a way that you do not gain too much altitude too quickly. However, you could be hit by AMS as you are at a high altitude. If you see any signs of altitude sickness, report to the team immediately so that adequate actions can be taken to prevent or reduce the symptoms of AMS. The best time to do Doodhpathri Trek is from the beginning of July to the middle of September. At other times the trek is buried deeply in snow and trekking here is not possible. July to September is the time when peak summer transitions to Autumn and therefore the best time to treks in Kashmir. The landscape comes alive during this period.

Trek Essentials

Backpack with rain cover
Day pack with rain cover
Walking stick
Water Bottle / Hydration pack
(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted)
2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter.
Consult your doctor

Day 1 :

Drive From Srinagar To Doodhpathri

The trek begins from a place called Doodpathri, which is approximately 55 km from Srinagar. Our representatives will pick you up from Srinagar around 10 in the morning and drive you all the way to the Doodhpathri campsite. Doodpathri is a relatively undiscovered spot for tourists, however, it is a beautiful picnic, and camping spot for the locals of Kashmir. The beautiful green meadows of Doodhpathri are quite similar to that of Gulmarg and the river flowing through the meadow gives you the hint of a similar scenery as that of Pahalgam. Tall pine trees loom around the meadows, making the meadows a perfect spot to camp for the night. You might even catch a few shepherds grazing their cattle around the meadows. You can roam around the meadows at your leisure in the evening and after a hearty dinner, retire to your camps for the night

Day 2 :

Trek From Doodhpathri To Diskhal

This is the first trekking day. The gradient of the day is easy. You will start from the Doodhpathri meadow and after crossing the Dhoodhganga river you start ascending the forest cover. The ascend will take around 2 to 3 hours of mild-paced walking. The trail is definite and winds up until you reach above the tree line in the clearing called Diskhal meadow. This is from where the meadows start and will be your company until the end of the trek.
Here at Diskhal meadow, you will be welcomed by a small settlement of Shepherd.

Day 3 :

Trek From Diskhal to Ashtar Valley

Ashtar Valley is a rangeland located near the foothills of Mt. Tatakoti. Tatakoti is the highest point of the Pir Panjal Range, which comprises numerous mountain peaks. You may observe the Shali Ganga River flowing through the valley, which flows to Doodhpathri and joins the Doodh Ganga River around Wathoora. The River flows from the Ashtar glacier, which you can see on your right-hand side once you reach the valley. During July, the entire valley is covered in yellow and red blooms. From Ashtar Valley, it’s a level walk of about 2 km before you reach the Ashtar campsite.

Day 4 :

Trek From Ashtar Valley To Gurwansar

Today is also a fairly easy day of trekking as we trek to Gurwansar Lake. The trek is not difficult per se but what makes it a little tiring is that even though the ascent is gradual but the ascents are very long.

You cross some beautiful meadows and come across some river crossings on your way to Gurwansar Lake. The meadows are surrounded by a dense cover of pine trees, a beautiful sight to behold. This part of the trek is also great to spot a range of birds including the Golden Oriole. You will spot numerous sheep and lambs in the meadows herded by shepherds in the meadows. As you gain altitude, you will get inside cloud covers making for a surreal experience. The more you inch towards the lake, you will begin to see patches of snow depending on the time you are going on the trek.

The Gurwansar Lake sits in the middle of a meadow. In the month of May, the meadow is covered with floral bloom, especially Irish flowers. You can see a stream flowing from the Gurwansar Lake running through the middle of the valley creating a picturesque setting. During the winter months, the lake remains frozen. On the right of the Gurwansar, you can see a panoramic view of the Ashtar Valley that you had just crossed to reach up to the lake. We will camp by the lakeside tonight and in the vicinity of the campsite, you can spot numerous herbs like Saussurea costus, Taraxacum officinale, and Rheum Emodi. Enjoy your stay at this campsite marveling at its beauty of it.

Day 5 :

Trek from Gurwansar to Duriem via Pamsar Lake

From Gurwansar campsite, it’s 9 km to Duriem. We will start the day as early as we can, as we have a long distance to cover and the trail is also moderately difficult. Follow the slope towards the west of Gurwansar Lake to head to Duriem via Pamsar Lake. About 20 minutes into walking, you will come across a bouldered section. The boulder section can be quite thrilling and gives an adventurous feel to the trek, although, you definitely need a good deal of fitness to cross this section. Be mindful while you cross the boulders as some of the rocks may be loose and shift disrupting your balance. After a gradual hike through the boulder, Pamsar Lake becomes visible.

It is a huge lake and you may not see it all at once. As you slowly inch closer to the lake, it begins to reveal itself. The beautiful lake is surrounded by a serenity that will soothe your senses. Sit down, and relish a few quiet moments here before you head onwards on your journey towards Duriem.

From the lake, you have to ascend a ridge to reach Duriem. You will ascend through a boulder section to reach a ledge. Continue walking until you reach the top of the ridge and once you reach the top, you can start your descent towards Duriem. Before you arrive at your campsite, you will have a stream crossing, which is quite a refreshing experience after a tiring day. We will pitch our tents after the stream crossing and retire for the night after dinner. Today has been a long day so rest well and recover for the next day’s trek.

Day 6 :

Trek from Duriem to to Gadtar via Bodsar Lake, Trastar Lake, Navkansar I,II & Damamsar Lake

Today is going to be a long and interesting day as you spot not one or two but five beautiful lakes. Today also we will start the day early. From the campsite, you will start ascending towards to reach the first lake. After climbing for about 2.5 km, you will reach a point where you will go off the trail. From here you will start trekking towards Bodhsar Lake viewpoint. The viewpoint is about half a kilometer away towards the left. From this viewpoint, you can see the Duriem campsite. Also, keep an eye out for Tratsar Lake, also known as Lokutsar Lake.

After you have spent some time taking in the views and enjoying the beauty of the lakes, you will return back to the point where you started hiking toward Bodhsar Lake. Now you will ascend in the opposite direction through a bouldery section. The ascend becomes steep pretty soon. And continues for about a kilometer until you reach a flat portion of the ridge. This is a picturesque vantage point that unfolds a panoramic view of the lakes in front of you. Spending some time here, you will begin descending from the ridge and after about an hour of descending, you will begin to ascend again until you reach Damamsar Lake. The highest point of the ridge will give a beautiful bird’s eye view of Damamsar Lake as well as Navkansar I and II. This is a wonderful sight. One that stays with you for a long time. The lakes are formations from the snow that has melted from the surrounding mountains. Rejoicing in this captivating view for some time, we will descend all the way to the Gadtar campsite.

Day 7 :

Trek from Gadtar to Tosamaidan. Drive to Srinagar

Today is the last day of trekking, albeit also the longest. Start early as you have quite a long distance to cover. The trek starts with a wonderful river crossing post which you start ascending to a grassy ledge. There will be a couple of stream crossings today. You will mostly stay around the same altitude as you make ascends and descends until you reach the top of the ridge. Once you reach the top, you will again descend towards the second river crossing of your day followed by a mud trail. This trail also connects to the Tosa Maidan side.

Follow the trail and you will come across a water source and the third stream crossing for the day. This is the last leg of your trek after the river crossing. You can rest for a while if you want. The Tosa Maidan region starts at the end of the descent and it unfolds a very gorgeous vista in front of you, which is a pure treat to the eyes. Now, you will ascend for a short stretch of about 200 meters followed by a U-turn, and then again begin descending towards the diversion. Follow this trail and you will reach the road head soon. Once you reach the road head, mobile networks also start working.

From here, you will be driven to Srinagar, ending this beautiful sojourn in the mountains.

Cost Terms

Inclusion

1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):
a. Camping while on trek (twin sharing).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
a. All meals while on trek (Veg).
3. Transportation (as per the itinerary):
a. Transport from Srinagar to DoodhPathri (Tata Sumo/equivalent : non
ac) and return as per the itinerary.
4. Support:
1 Versatile base camp manager: handles communication and deploys extra
manpower in emergencies.
1 Mountaineering & First aid qualified professional expedition Leader.
1 Experienced high altitude chef.
a.Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group
size).
b. Enough support staff.
5. Trek equipment:
a. Sleeping bag, Sleeping liners (if required), Mattress, Utensils.
3 men all season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet
tent.
a. Camping stool, Walkie talkie.
b. Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness(if required).
c. Climbing Boots, Gaiters & Crampon /micro spike (if required).
6. First aid:
a. Medical kit, Stretcher, Oxygen cylinder, Blood pressure monitor,
Oximeter, Stethoscope.
7. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
8. All necessary permits and entry fees, up to the amount charged for Indian.

Excludes

Insurance (Mandatory)
Food during the transit.
Any kind of personal expenses.
Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charge or etc.
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.
Hotel Stay in Srinagar.
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things).
1- Satellite phone/set phone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.
3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the 2-Day Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman:

Expand all

What is the best time to embark on this tour?

The ideal time for this tour is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploration.

Are meals included in the tour package?

Most tour packages include meals, but it’s advisable to check with the tour operator for specific details. Some packages may include traditional Jordanian meals for a complete cultural experience.

What should I wear and pack for the tour?

Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended for exploring Petra. In Wadi Rum, casual and breathable clothing is suitable. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. For the Dead Sea, pack a swimsuit and sandals.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?

While most of the tour is accessible to individuals with moderate fitness levels, there is some walking involved in Petra. Wadi Rum activities may vary in intensity. It’s advisable to inform the tour operator of any mobility concerns in advance.

Can I extend my stay in Petra or Wadi Rum?

Yes, many tour operators offer the flexibility to extend your stay in Petra or Wadi Rum. Check with the operator for options and additional costs.

Are there opportunities for shopping during the tour?

Yes, both Petra and Wadi Rum offer opportunities for souvenir shopping. Local crafts, jewelry, and traditional items can be found. The tour may include stops at designated shopping areas.

Is the tour guided, and in what language are the guides fluent?

Yes, the tour typically includes a knowledgeable guide who is fluent in English. If you require guidance in another language, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator in advance to make suitable arrangements.

Doodhpathri Trek

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs