Patnitop

Relatively unknown, compared to the other tourist spots in the state Patnitop is no less beautiful or serene. If one is aiming to get away from it all for some time, this place is hard to beat. With all its beauty at a hill station, it is a charming plateau at 2, 024m. The meadow is surrounded by dense woods and lush greenery of Pines. Tracks lead to pockets where time stands still and calm prevails. Trekking Picturesquely situated at a high altitude, there are many pleasant walks around this popular hill station. Patnitop is a good starting place for many short or longer treks into the nearby mountains. An attractive one-day walk is to Shiva Garh, about 11-km from Patnitop at an altitude of almost 3,500 metres. Good bridle paths passing through wooded lanes and fascinating scenery link Patnitop with Kud and Batote. There are three, gushing, ice-cold freshwater springs in the area, which are said to have medicinal properties. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna.

Tourist Places in Patnitop

Patnitop is an ideal place for walks and picnics. Sanasar, 19-km away was chosen by J&K Tourism for major development. Situated in a Gulmarg-like meadow it has picnic spots around. The 6-hole golf course is being expanded to 9-holes.

Pony rides along little known trails, camping and walks can be indulged in by those with a less adventurous spirit. The daring can opt for Para gliding and basic skiing, introduces in recent years. Sudh Mahadev is another sacred spot situated close to Patnitop.

What to Do in Patnitop

Trekking - A range of trekking options is available here. Summer is the season when all trekking routes are open while some are open in winter too. There are excellent camping sites also enroute. The Sundarani- Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar route in Jangal Gali area lets you choose any of three exciting treks. There are Trekking equipment hire shops of tourism Department at Jammu and Kud. They stock imported and local gear. These are available for fixed prices.

Skiing - Skiing courses are conducted at Patnitop in the months of January and Feburary. During winter mionths there are introductory courses for tourists/beginners at gentle gradient slopes of Patnitop. At Madhatop (5/6 Kms from Patni top on Sanasar Road) excellent possibilities for all kind of skiing exist. A ski-lift in the area is also proposed. As for facilities 40 sets of equipment is available at Patnitop and Sanasar. Also available are wooden sledges locally. For beginners Instructors are also available.

Aero sports - Paragliding has been introduced at Sanasar and Jammu. Equipment is available on Hire from tourist office in Jammu city. May-June and Septemer October are best suited for paragliding. Other aero sports like Parasailing and Hotair ballooning are also becoming operational shortly.

How to Reach Patnitop

By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Jammu/Katra/Udhampur. By a taxi it takes about 3 and a half hours to reach Patnitop and bus takes about 5 hours.

Best Time to Visit Patnitop

 Although Patnitop is an 'anytime' place, the best time for a visit are summer, during May-June, and autumn, September-October. If seeking snowboard joys, December to March is the time to be here.