Patnitop
Unlike other hill stations in North India, Patnitop is a less explored destination. However, this place is no less beautiful or serene. The meadows are surrounded by lofty pine trees and dense forests. Covered by thick forests, this place is a beautiful picnic spot where you can take long peaceful walks and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the lofty mountain peaks. Patnitop is famous for the unlimited adventure sports that it offers.
Location of Patnitop
112 kms from Jammu, this lesser known hill station is situated on a beautiful plateau at an altitude of 2024 m across the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. It is located on NH 1A, in Udhampur district. This beautiful hill station is on the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas with the Chenab flowing through this region.
What to see in Patnitop?
Apart from the scenic beauty of the place, there are various sports that you can enjoy in Patnitop.
Trekking: A variety of trekking options are available in this region especially during the summer months when all the trekking routes are open. It is a good starting place for any long and short treks. You can take a one day walk to Shiva Garh, about 11-km from Patnitop which is about 3,500m high. The Sundarani- Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar route in Jangal Gali area offers three exciting trekking options. The complete tourist range covers Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna. You can hire trekking equipments like tents, carry mats, sleeping bags, jackets, windcheaters, rucksacks, carry mats, from tourism shops of Jammu and Kud.
Skiing: During the winter months of January and February, introductory skiing courses are conducted at Patnitop. At Madhatop (5/6 Kms from Patnitop on Sanasar Road) great possibilities for all kind of skiing are available. Skiers can available accommodation in Huts of JKTDC at Patnitop, KUD and Sanasar Private Hotels.
Aero Sports: Paragliding is an important aero sport practiced in Patnitop. May-June and September- October are best for paragliding. Other aero sports like Parasailing and Hot air ballooning will also be practiced shortly.Golf: Sansar, 19kms from Patnitop has a vast golf course which is being now developed into a 9-hole course form the existing 6-hole course.
Excursions from Patnitop
Jammu: TJammu is famous for temples and shrines or Ziarats. Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu while the Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other rine that protects the local people.
Buddha Amarnath Temple: This is a unique Shiva Temple located on the foothills unlike most temple which are on hilltops. The Shivlinga of white stone is not self-made in this temple.
Bahu Fort and Temple: Erected by Raja Bahulochan some 3000 years ago, Bahu Fort has been rebuilt by the Dogra rulers. Situated on the left bank of the river Tawi and on the rock face this is perhaps the oldest fort in the city of Jammu. Vaishno Devi: Three images of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati make up the holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi. Located at a height of 5,200ft above sea level, Vaishno Devi is nestled in Trikuta Mountains of the lower Himalayas.
Accomodation selection in Patnitop
Patnitop has a number of bungalows, huts managed by JKTDC.
Best season to visit Patnitop
You can visit Patnitop anytime during the year but summer is the best time for adventure sports like trekking and paragliding. If seeking snowboard joys, December to March is the time.
How to reach Patnitop
You can reach Patnitop by buses and taxis from Udhampur, Jammu and Katra.
By Air: The nearest airport is situated in Badgam district connected with all major cities of India.
By Rail: The nearest station is Jammu.
By Road: You can hire a taxi or catch a bus to reach Gulmarg from Srinagar and Sonmarg.
