Patnitop, a hill station and a small district of Jammu and Kashmir, is a popular destination in India that is frequented all year round by travellers. Patnitop was initially known as Patan Da Talab which means, Pond of the Princess. Today, this place has greenery, meadows, snow-capped mountains and abundant flora and fauna. Patnitop is also visited due to adventurous activities such as skiing, paragliding, trekking, rock climbing and more.
What is the best time to visit Patnitop?
As per Trip o Mania, Although you can visit Patnitop at any time during the year, December till Mach is considered the best as this is the time when you will be able to encounter snowfall and enjoy skiing in the snow-covered mountains. This place becomes a honeymooner’s paradise in between October till February due to pleasant weather. Summers are ideal for paragliding and hiking like activities or trekking to nearby hill stations.
Best places to visit in Patnitop
Nathatop
Nathatop is one of the best places to visit in Patnitop which can be reached after a small trek. During winter, the hill station is covered with snow, which makes it crowded with tourists. If you love skiing, visit Nathatop during winters. Apart from it, you can enjoy paragliding too and experience the panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas from an altitude 2711 m above the ground. The hills have a pleasant climate and hence are ideal for nature lovers who love enjoying tranquillity amidst natural sites.
Madhatop
At an altitude of 2024 m above sea level, Madhatop is yet another popular tourist site in Patnitop that can be reached easily by road. It can also be trekked from Patnitop by climbing 5 kilometres. The hill is surrounded by natural landscapes and is considered a good destination for honeymooners, trekkers, winter sports lovers and vacationers.
Naag Mandir
This is a religious site in Patnitop and is dedicated to the Shiva’s pet, the serpentine. The Naag temple is around 600 years old and is made from wood. You must visit this temple during the Naag Panchami festival during which thousands of Shiva devotees visit this temple to pay homage to their lord. Although the temple construction does not comprise any solid foundation, it still stands strong for many centuries. The nearby areas are also worth watching and fascinate the visitors through lush greenery and hilltop.
Shiva Ghar
At a height of 3500 meters above sea level, Shiva Ghar is another Hindu temple in Patnitop that can be reached after trekking 11 kilometres in a one-day trek. The trekking materials can be bought or rented from the nearby tourist offices located in Jammu.
Billoo ki Powri
Biloo ki Powri is one place for history aficionados. The construction is old and regarded as one of the best places to visit in Patnitop. To reach the Powri, you will have to climb 270 stairs carved from a mountain. Although we are not very well aware of the history of this place, the staircase leads towards Batoten town was built by the former King of Chenani.
Kud Park
This park, which is located in Kud, is surrounded by beautiful blooms. The park is appropriate for both couples and families, and it has become a widely known picnic spot for all visitors to Kud. The region’s biggest draw is ‘Patisa,’ a sweet that the region is famous for. It can be found on the Udhampur Srinagar Highway on the way to Patnitop from Jammu.
Sanasar Lake
Sanasar Lake is 20 kilometres west of Patnitop in Jammu & Kashmir’s Udhampur district and is given the name after two nearby waterways, Sana and Sar. The lake is close to two big attractions – Shanta Ridge and Shank Pal – and is known for its green grasslands and picturesque high hills. Sanasar Lake is known for its amazing beauty and lush green environment, making it one of the best among all of Patni’s top sightseeing spots.
Baglihar Dam
Baglihar dam is also known as the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power project and is situated in the Doda district of Jammu on the Chenab River. The dam is located in between the two majestic hills. As a result, you will get a picturesque view of the surrounding from the hilltop. It is built in the mountain itself, and the route to get to it is around 2 kilometres through a tunnel.
Top things to do in Patnitop
Paragliding
As discussed, Patnitop is a hill station that offers paragliding opportunities from an altitude more than 2000 m above the ground. The paragliding activity is conducted from a 2 km landmark known as Dawariyai on the Patnitop’s Sanasar Road. This place is also known as Billoo ki Powri point. The 400 steps carved out of the rock can be climbed from this spot. The activity is organized in a safe and reliable manner while you can opt for a running video to capture the moment. After flying in the air for around 10-15 minutes, you will land at Kud.
Skiing in Patnitop
Winters are the best season for visiting Patnitop if you love skiing. There are many skiing courses available with setup camps if you seek to learn skiing skills. Since Patnitop has gentle slopes, it is preferred by newbies as well. For every level of skiing, Madhatop, 5 km away on the Sanasar top is a good choice.
Hiking and trekking
Patnitop, like other hilly regions in the Himalayas, has great trekking and hiking trails. Trekkers travelling from or through Patnitop experience breathtaking views, scenic beauty and greenery due to beautiful landscapes, valleys, meadows and meandering hills in Patnitop.
Shopping
If shopping is what you seek, visit Patnitop in Jammu which is very popular for its street-side shopping. Dry fruits are bought and sold here in large quantities along with pashmina shawls and Kashmiri handicrafts. Sweets sold are also worth trying and can be bought when returning back home. Naag temple’s nearby locations are famous for the handicraft and local goods for souvenirs. What is best about this area is that all the local items are priced moderately and worth their cost. One of the best places to visit in Patnitop for shopping is Pandora Enclave where you will find the good quality Pashmina shawls in the town.
