About Patnitop
Patnitop or Patni Top, is a hill top tourist location in udhampur district on the national highway, on the way from Udhampur to Srinagar. It is located in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas, and is in Jammu And Kashmir, India. The river chenab flows in close proximity to this location.
Summer is the best time to visit Patnitop because it is a scenic hill station. During April to June, the climate remains mild and inviting. This time is considered best for families for travel. In fact, this is the best time for trekkers too.
The monsoon season is not too harsh. However, the chances of landslides increase during this point of the year, which may cause your schedule to go haywire.If you prepare your itinerary by keeping this aspect in mind, you will surely enjoy your stay at Patnitop during the monsoon.
Try to avoid winter because the minimum temperature reaches -14°C, which is generally not considered good for family travelers. However, during this part of the year snowfall is a common phenomenon. That’s why the adventure lovers and skiing aficionados visit this hill station between November and February. If you are new to skiing, you can join a course conducted here, especially during the months of January and February.
Places to see in Patnitop
Nathatop
One reaches Nathatop after a short trek from Patnitop. The hill station is covered with snow during winters thereby enhancing its beauty two times. One can happily go skiing in these mountains. Nathatop has become very famous for its paragliding and sometimes people from different parts of the country travel to experience the beauty and these experiences offered by the place. One gets an excellent and clear view of the Himalayas from the peak of these hills. It has an altitude of about 2711m. Nathatop has a variety of roadside food vendors who sell yummy delicacies to fill the bellies of the visitors coming there. It has a pleasant climate and is fun to hang out at. It is a must-visit place for the nature lovers and those who love to sit quietly at one place and enjoy the serenity of a place. It is a peaceful place away from the fast moving lives of the city. Pir Panjal Mountains, when visited during winters, are filled with snow all over and are a treat for the eyes! Snow is replaced by lush green grass in summers.
Paragliding in Patnitop
Patnitop is a hilltop tourist destination offering a paragliding joyride perched at an altitude of 2024 metres above the sea level. The ride is conducted at a 2 km landmark, Dawariyai, situated on Patnitop-Sanasar Road, also known as Billoo Di Powri point.
One can reach the point by ascending through 400 plus steps carved out of rock. The organizers, apart from providing safe and thrilling ride, also offer a good quality video. After a flight of about 7-15 minutes, depending upon the wind conditions, you will land at Kud, all excited and enchanted.
Kud Park
Located in Kud, this park is famous for its beautiful flowers. The park is a comfortable place for couples as well as families and has become a favorite picnic spot to everyone who visit Kud. One of the main attractions in the region is 'Patisa', a sweet that the place is known for it comes on the way to Patnitop from Jammu on the Udhampur Srinagar Highway.
Skiing in Patnitop
Winter months in Patnitop are marked by a number of skiing courses and setups coming up in the area. Given the modest and gentle slopes in Patnitop, it tends to be an ideal destination for skiing for people with no prior experience.
Madha Top (5-6 kms from Patnitop on the Sanasar Road) has good possibilities for all levels of skiing.
Naag Mandir
The Nag (Cobra) Temple near Patnitop is more than 600 years old. During the Nag Panchami Festival, it sees hundreds of Shiva devotees, who throng to this temple to pay respects and worship the snake King Cobra.
Predominantly made of wood, this temple has weathered several centuries although it is not a conventional solid temple construction. Standing amidst lush green surroundings, the temple is not only a significant religious center for the area, but also a site which leaves its visitors fascinated by the sceneries around.
Sanasar
Sanasar is the name given to the two small villages of Sana and Sar in Jammu province, Jammu and Kashmir state, India. Named after small local lakes, Sana and Sar are located 20 km west of Patnitop, Udhampur district on the national highway 1A. A nearby mountain range is called the Shanta Ridge. The Shank Pal Temple is located at the highest point of the Shank Pal ridge, at an altitude of 2,800 metres, a few hours walk from Sanasar. The 400-year-old temple is dedicated to Nag Shank Pal. No mortar was used to join the stones of the temple. Shanta Gala is a pass on the Shanta ridge which offers a view of the Panchari valley on the other side of the ridge. The pass leads to the Lander area. One of the newest entries in the list of adventure sports in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is Paragliding. The natural factors like excellent wind condition and landscape of the Kashmir are remarkably suitable for this type of aero sport.