The hill resort of Patnitop is perched on a beautiful plateau at an altitude of 2024 meters. It is easily the most well maintained tourist destination around Jammu and is unparalleled in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. Surrounded by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop has beautiful picnic spots, leisurely walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab river. In winter, the resort provides for various snow games, including skiing.
For the adventure traveller, all trekking routes are open in summer although some are open in winter as well. The Sundarani-Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar route in Jangal Gali area is a particularly exciting trek. There are also great camping sites en route. Madhatop (5 km from Patnitop on Sanasar Road) is an excellent skiing spot. Paragliding is also on offer for those interested. The months from May to June and September to October are best for paragliding. Other aero sports like parasailing and hot-air ballooning are also very popular here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
May - June, September – October, Peak Skiing season is from December - February
HOW TO GET THERE
BY AIR: The nearest domestic airport is Jammu (112 km).
BY ROAD: Patnitop is well connected to Jammu and Srinagar by National Highway and can be reached by a local bus or taxi. There are regular buses available from Jammu Bus Stand, Railway Station and Airport. J&K Tourism Development Corporation operates special luxury coaches from Railway Station and J.K.T.D.C. Residency Road, Jammu. Daily Transport facility is also available from Katra, Base Town of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
BY RAIL: The nearest railway station is Udhampur (35 km). From Udhampur, one can take a bus to Patnitop, which reaches there in an hour. Jammu is a convenient railhead as it is well connected to all the major cities in India.
