Patnitop Tourism And Travel Guide

Patnitop is one of the most pristine hill stations of India surrounded by dense coniferous forests and lovely white snow covered mountains. Tourism in Patnitop has grown over the years and since it is a renowned hill station, with a lot of tourists, transportation to reach the place as well as get around is easily available. Here’s a tourism guide to Patnitop, that will attract many travelers to this gorgeous place from all walks of life.

By Air:

The Jammu Civil Enclave Airport also known as Satwari Airport locally is the nearest airport to Patnitop. Major airlines like Air India, Spice Jet and Indigo, fly to and forth from various cities in the country to Jammu. After reaching the airport, one has to travel for approximately 110 km by road to reach Patnitop.

By Road:

You can both choose to drive to Patnitop or simply hire a cab. Either ways, the gorgeous view of the slopy hills is worth the road trip. It takes 2-5 days to reach Patnitop from any city in India, depending on various other factors. Driving on the rugged roads can be exhausting and, hence it is advisable to hire an experienced driver who can drive your there.

By Rail:

Udhampur and Jammu Tawi are the closest railway stations and is the cheapest way to reach Patnitop from any city in the country. There is no direct train to Patnitop and one has to take a different mode of transportation, like a cab or a bus after reaching either of the railways stations.

Getting Around:

Touring around this beautiful hilltop can be done by foot, taxi, bus or even horse backs. Travelling long distances on foot can be tedious; taking a taxi in this case is advisable. Share taxis often ply to different tourist spots. One can travel by horseback as well, which is especially enjoyed by children.

Although any time of the year is a good time to witness the beauty of Patnitop, the best time to visit the hill station would depend on the individual’s preferences and definition of a relaxing holiday. Summers are good for tourists who are not too fond of the cold and love to go sightseeing. Monsoons are more for relaxing in beautiful rooms with lovely sceneries and winters are meant for the ones who love to engage in adventure sports.

Summer (April- June):

Summer is the best time for travellers who are looking forward to have a relaxed holiday and being one with nature. With temperatures rising up to an average of 35°C during the daytime and dipping down to 15°C in the night, Patnitop is a great place to visit during the summer. Paragliding in the midst of clouds, taking strolls in the Kud Park, camping etc. are some of the best things to enjoy in Patnitop during the summer season.

Monsoon (July-October):

Monsoons in Patnitop are for tourists who want a break from their regular busy schedule and just want to wind down. Sitting in a hotel room with a great view of the foggy mountains, greenery and light showers with a cozy blanket around is relaxing and peaceful. Temperatures in the night can drop down to 6°C while the mornings are cool with a temperature of 20°C- 25°C. These are off season months for the hill station and accommodation is fairly cheap.

Winter (November-March):

Winters are spectacular in this hill station and the most preferred time in the year for tourists to visit. The scenery is so picturesque that it seems magical. With snow capped mountains, soft snow on the slopes and frozen lakes, this hill top makes you feel like you are in a postcard. Be sure to pack those woolens before the trip because temperatures can drop down to -2°C during the night and rise to 20 °C during the day. This time of the year is best for adventure sports enthusiasts who enjoy the sport of skiing on the slopy hilltops.

Go Paragliding:

Get close to nature and the tall mountains of Patnitop by going paragliding. Get to witness the breathtaking aerial view of the hilltop while floating through clouds. The thrill of flying from Dawariyai, the ‘main point’ up until Kud for almost 7- 8 minutes is something one must definitely experience on their holiday to Patnitop.

Go on a Pilgrimage:

Patnitop is a hub for various temples visited by thousands every year. People from all over the country come to the temples of this amazing hilltop to have their wishes granted. The significant temple of Sudh Mahadev attracts Shiva devotees and many others as well. There is also the renowned Naag Mandir visited by many and is a prominent place of worship among the tourists and locals.

Go on a Trek to Nathatop:

A beautiful trek, 14 km from Patnitop, will lead you to Nathatop. From this slope, you can see the lower Shivalik range as well as the Kishtwar Ranges of the Himalaya. The path leading to the top is uneven with thick forests all around and is best enjoyed on foot or on horseback. You can witness the beauty of lush greenery in the summer time and thick snow during the winter.

Nature walks in the Kud Park:

Strolls on nature trails can be quite relaxing and fun. Patnitop has a lot to offer to nature lovers who love to walk around and explore their surroundings. A stroll by the Kud Park with vibrant colored flowers and tall green trees or a picnic in the park with your loved ones is absolutely what you need to loosen up.

Skiing at Madhatop:

One of the most popular attractions in the serene land of Patnitop is Skiing. Madhatop is a favourable and renowned place to ski. Good for beginners and professional skiers, Madhatop offers its tourists a spot overlooking the Chenab River which is a marvelous view for any set of eyes. You can find appropriate gear for skiing at the local shops around the location.

The food at Patnitop is not only delicious but fits the budget as well. Specialities like Chocolate Barfi, Rice Kalaadi, Sund Panjeera are available at various sweet shops around the quaint hilltop. The place is also famus for a sweet called Patisa and is savored by many. Whether it is Chinese food or different kinds of Indian food, you will find it all in this hill station.

Patnitop, the well known hill station in Jammu And Kashmir, is famous for its dry fruits, beautiful Pashmina Shawls and hand-made Kashmiri Handicrafts. One can even buy souvenirs that are from the ancient times on the way out of the Naag Mandir.