Patnitop

Location : 110-km From Jammu, J&K
Altitude : 2,024m
Adventure Attractions : Trekking, Skiing & Aerosports
Best Time To Visit : 
Summer - May To June
Autumn - September To October
Winter - December To March

112 km from Jammu, Patnitop boasts of being a hill resort of matchless beauty. Perched on a beautiful plateau and encased by thickly wooded forests, it offers pretty picnic spots, tranquil walks and panoramic views of the mountainous of the basin of River Chenab. Snow enwraps it in winters and there are endless opportunities for various snow games such as skiing. Natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover compliment the best-developed touring spot of Jammu region. Situated at a high altitude, there are many pleasant walks around Patnitop. It is also a starting point for many short or long treks into the nearby mountains such as the attractive one-day 11-km walk to Shiva Garh, situated at an altitude of almost 3,500 m.

The highlights of Patnitop are its three gushing, ice-cold freshwater springs in the area, which are said to have medicinal properties. Flowery meadows make Patnitop an ideal place for walks and picnics. It also has a 6-hole golf course, which is being expanded to 9-holes. Adventure lovers may trek or ride ponies along little known trails, opt for paragliding and basic skiing while others can enjoy camping and walks. Sudh Mahadev is a sacred spot situated close to Patnitop.

Visiting Time 
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.

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.

EXCURSIONS 
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.

Where To Stay
There are a large number of huts and Tourists Bungalows, all managed by JKTDC, having facilities of Drawing room/Dining room and fully equipped kitchen in all huts and LPG facility.

Food and Beverages Services 
Well stocked bar serving imported wines & liquor
Ice cream Parlour
Chinese Corner
Restaurant serving Indian food of choice including authentic Kashmiri cuisine.

Other Facilities
Well stocked library
Indoor games including Billiards, Table Tennis, Carrom, Cards etc.
Conference hall facilities having capacity of 150 persons.
Skiing during winter months.

HOW TO GET THERE 
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.