Temperature: Summer: 20 - 8 CWinter: 10 -0 C
Best Season: Throughout the year
Clothing: Summer- Cottons,
Winter- Heavy woolens
Languages spoken :
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri
STD Code: 01992
Situated 112 km from Jammu is one of the greatest treasures of Jammu and Kashmir, Patnitop, a hill resort perched on a beautiful plateau at an altitude of 2024 meters offering breath taking views of the of the Chenab basin.
Though not as famous as other tourist places of the state, Patnitop, enveloped by thickly wooded forests, is known for its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover of the pine trees that make the place a far more appealing travel destination than other more famous destinations in the state.
A haven for outdoor pursuits, Patnitop is also a trail-head for numerous treks to the nearby mountains. The beauty of Patnitop means that a trip here should definitely be included in your Jammu’s itinerary.
Getting There
How would you like to travel?
AIR
The nearest airport is at Jammu that is connected by flights with different cities and places in India.
RAIL
Katra and Jammu Tawi are two nearest railway stations connected with different cities and places in India.
ROAD
Patnitop is connected by roads with different places and cites in India
Patnitop is: 112 km from Jammu
180 km from Pahalgam
Sights to See
Sudh Mahadev
Situated at an altitude of 1225 meters near Patnitop, this sacred place is visited by pilgrims on the full moon night of "Saawan" (July-August) to worship the "Trishul" (trident) and a mace which according to tradition is said to belong to Lord Shiva.
Excursions
Sanasar (19 km)
A lush green cup-shaped meadow surrounded on all sides by the thick bands of lofty conifers on the mountain slopes, the place is ideal for adventurous spirits who can indulge in paragliding. Located at an altitude of 2079 meter, Sanasar is known for its natural beauty and tranquility.
Akhnoor (32 km from Jammu)
Situated on the banks of the mighty Chenab River, the picturesque and historic town of Akhnoor is associated with the legendary romance of Soni-Mahiwal. Hence romance is most definitely in the air in Akhnoor. Ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization along the riverbank are a real draw.
Jammu (112 km from Patnitop)
Appropriately called the City of Temples because of the profusion of shrines dotting the landscape, Jammu is the leaping off point for the magnificent religious and natural attractions that lure the tourists and devotees to the other parts of the region. In Jammu you can visit beautiful temples, palaces and relics of the past and enjoy the city’s peaceful atmosphere with delightfully stunning tourist sights. The Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine held sacred by the people.
Vaishnodevi (100 km)
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Trikuta Mountains, the cave shrine of Trikuta Bhagvati, popularly known as Vaishnodevi, is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in India – and indeed the world. Located at an altitude of 5,200 feet above sea level, the shrine attracts devotees from different parts of the country and the world.
Adventure
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 en-route. 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.
The equipment is issued against cash receipt or on Guarantee letter from Dy. Dir Tourism/Dy. Secy of State or central govt. For a foreign tourist Passport is held as security deposit. Some travel agencies in Jammu city also organize Trekking in the area.
Skiing
Skiing courses are conducted at Patnitop in the months of January and Feburary. During winter months 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. Restaurants and Dhabas serve tourists round the year.
Aero sports
Paragliding has been introduced at Sanasar and Jammu. Equipment is available on Hire from tourist office in Jammu city. May-June and September-October are best suited for paragliding. Other aero sports like Parasailing and Hot air ballooning are also becoming operational shortly.