Short answer: Doodhpathri is currently closed. The owner of Travel Etios Kashmir confirmed this on 9 November 2026. It has been closed to tourists since 4 September 2026, when authorities asked visitors not to go there "until further orders" during a security operation in the Ashdar Gali forests of Budgam. We have found no published reopening order since then. Do not plan a Doodhpathri day this winter until we, or the local authorities, confirm it is open again.
The photos in this post are our own, taken at Doodhpathri in the green season before the 2026 closure. They show what the meadow looks like when it is open. In winter, even after reopening, snow on the road can still shut access after every heavy fall.
Doodhpathri in summer, before the closure. Photo: Travel Etios Kashmir
Is Doodhpathri open or closed? The 2025-26 timeline
| Date | What happened | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 22 April 2025 | Closed, one of 48 tourist spots shut across Kashmir | Security review after the Pahalgam attack |
| 16-17 February 2026 | Reopened, one of 14 places cleared by the Lieutenant Governor | "Thorough security review" |
| 18 February 2026 | Tourism Department held a Snow Carnival at Parihas Maidan | Winter promotion |
| 22 July 2026 | Closed by the Doodhpathri Development Authority | Heavy rain, flash flood and landslide risk on the approach roads |
| 21 August 2026 | Reopened; about 500 visitors on day one, the DDA said | Weather improved |
| 4 September 2026 | Tourists asked not to visit "until further orders" | Security operation in the Ashdar Gali forests of Budgam, near Doodhpathri and Yusmarg |
| 9 November 2026 | Still closed (owner-confirmed; no reopening order found) | Security closure from 4 Sep still in force as of this date |
Why is Doodhpathri closed?
Security (current reason)
Doodhpathri is a forested meadow in the Pir Panjal, close to forest belts where security forces run operations. On 4 September 2026 a joint Army, J&K Police and CRPF operation in Ashdar Gali, Budgam, led the authorities to ask tourists not to visit Doodhpathri until further orders, The Hindu and the Daily Jagran reported. Nearby Yusmarg was shut to tourists the same day, Kashmir Observer reported. As of 9 November 2026 our team still treats it as closed, matching that advisory, and we have seen no district reopening notice.
Marshy meadow and forest edge at Doodhpathri in summer. Photo: Travel Etios Kashmir
Rain and landslides
From 22 July to 21 August 2026 the Doodhpathri Development Authority kept it closed because of incessant rain, flash floods and landslides along the approach roads, Rising Kashmir and KNO reported. A cloudburst was also reported in the Raiyar-Doodhpathri area on 6 August.
Snow
Even when the meadow is cleared for visitors, winter snow is a separate problem. The Budgam district site says heavy snow can leave Doodhpathri inaccessible for several months. In January 2025 Budgam Police allowed only 4x4s and vehicles with anti-skid chains from Khansahib towards Doodhpathri after snow, Greater Kashmir reported. A forecast issued on 9 November 2026 said Doodhpathri, along with Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam, may get the season's first snowfall between 12 and 14 November.
A local shepherd on the meadow. Photo: Travel Etios Kashmir
Doodhpathri in winter: only after it reopens
When it is open, Doodhpathri in snow is quieter than Gulmarg. The Tourism Department has pushed it as a winter spot, with the February 2026 Snow Carnival (snowshoe races, ski demonstrations, snow cricket). The J&K Cable Car Corporation lists a Doodhpathri ski drag lift among its projects, but we have seen no notice that it is running.
Right now we do not plan Doodhpathri as a fixed snow day. Our rule for winter guests while it stays closed:
- Treat Doodhpathri as off the itinerary until we confirm a reopening.
- Keep Gulmarg or Sonamarg as the fixed snow day.
- If it reopens mid-trip, check the road the same morning and go only in a car with chains, or a 4x4 where the police require it.
- Sleep in Srinagar. There is almost nowhere to stay at Doodhpathri, and we do not book a hotel there.
When it is open again, our Doodhpathri day trip guide explains the day, and the Srinagar to Doodhpathri taxi fare page has our car rates.
A local child on the open meadow. Photo: Travel Etios Kashmir
If Doodhpathri is closed, go here instead
- Gulmarg for winter infrastructure: the Gondola, sledging and ski slopes. See our Gulmarg Gondola guide (tickets, Tatkal, timings).
- Sonamarg, as far as the road is cleared (Sonamarg in winter).
- Drung waterfall near Tangmarg, which freezes in the cold weeks and sits on the Gulmarg road.
Yusmarg is not an alternative right now. It was shut to tourists on 4 September 2026 during the same Budgam security operation, Kashmir Observer reported, and we have found no reopening by early November 2026. Do not plan Yusmarg until an official reopening is announced. More quiet winter options are in our offbeat places in Kashmir in winter post.
A horseman on the meadow with a saddled horse. Photo: Travel Etios Kashmir
FAQ
Is Doodhpathri open today?
No. As of 9 November 2026 it is closed. The owner of Travel Etios Kashmir confirmed the closure that day. The last public advisory we found (4 September 2026) asked tourists not to visit until further orders. WhatsApp us before you travel in case that changes.
Why was Doodhpathri closed in September 2026?
Because of a security operation in the Ashdar Gali forests of Budgam, near the meadow. Authorities asked tourists not to visit until further orders.
Why was Doodhpathri closed in 2025?
It was one of 48 tourist places closed after the Pahalgam attack of 22 April 2025, and it reopened on 16-17 February 2026 after a security review.
Does it snow in Doodhpathri?
Yes, usually from late November to March. Heavy snow can close the road for days until it is cleared, even after the security closure ends.
Can we stay overnight in Doodhpathri?
We do not book a stay there. Plan it as a day trip from Srinagar when it is open.
Ask us before you go
We will tell you that week whether Doodhpathri has reopened, and plan Gulmarg or Sonamarg as your snow day if it has not. WhatsApp +91 70060 85655, call +91 70060 85655 or +91 95960 44418, or email enquiry@traveletioskashmir.com. Travel Etios Kashmir, Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, J&K Tourism registered (JKEA00005366), 5.0★ from 155 Google reviews.
