Traditional knowledge serves as the foundation for understanding the intricate connections between biological diversity and the language, cultural memory, ecological knowledge, and social values of local and indigenous communities. Ethnic communities have developed their own cultures, which manifest as taboos, norms, and traditional healthcare systems. To collect data for a comprehensive and systematic ethnobotanical survey in District Budgam, Kashmir Himalaya, semi-structured interviews, focus group talks, and field observations were used. A total of 60 medicinal plants belonging to 38 families have been collected from the study area. Most of them belong to Asteraceae (8 species) and Lamiaceae (7 species) followed by Polygonaceae (3 species). Leaves were the most utilized (32 % of uses) followed by roots (18%), whole plant (15%). In the current study, the most dominant life forms used in the treatment of various ailments were herbs (78%), followed by shrubs (10%). The most treated diseases are gastrointestinal problems (30 species), dermatological disorders (20 species). Aconitum heterophyllum had the greatest UV of 0.62 and Ailanthus excelsa had the lowest UV of 0.1 in the current study. In the current study, ten plants were listed on the IUCN Red List; one is critically endangered, six are endangered, and three are vulnerable. Existing patterns of medicinal plant use are influenced by societal acceptance, physical proximity, and market access. As a result, despite the abundance of therapeutic plants in the area, plants that are widely recognized and have higher utility values are favored. Conservation efforts should be prioritized, and swift intervention is required.