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Patnitop, a crown jewel nestled amidst the verdant hills of Kashmir, beckons travellers with its captivating beauty and plethora of experiences. The places to visit near Patnitop address varying traveller’s expectations, be it for spiritual solace or the environs of the town. But the magic extends far beyond the town’s borders. Venture out and discover a myriad of breathtaking landscapes, sacred shrines steeped in history, and adventure playgrounds that will set your adrenaline pumping. Planning your itinerary with the list of popular sightseeing spots in and around Patnitop should unearth the beauty of this quaint town.
10 Places To Visit Near Patnitop
From lush green valleys to ancient temples, the places to visit near Patnitop offer a diverse range of experiences for travellers.
1. Nathatop
Photo: Its sumit sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Ascend to a haven of snow-clad peaks and panoramic vistas at Nathatop, one of the best tourist attractions near Patnitop. From December to February, it transforms into a winter wonderland, carpeted with pristine snow. Ski enthusiasts can carve their way down well-maintained slopes, while snowboarders can experience the thrill of gliding across the powdery terrain. You must visit the Naag Devta temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site when you’re there. Dedicated to the Serpent God, the temple is old and steeped in local legends. Various trekking trails through Nathatop are ideal for visitors to explore.
Distance From Patnitop: 10 km
Things To Do: Adventure activities and visiting Naag Devta Temple
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Patnitop
2. Sanasar Lake
Photo: Imviiku / Wikimedia Commons
The tranquillity of the Sanasar Lake is a picture-perfect haven nestled amidst the verdant meadows. Glide across the glassy surface of the lake in a paddle boat, enjoying the reflection of the surrounding mountains and the cool mountain breeze. A unique activity that’s native to Sanasar Lake is zorbing, where you hurtle downhill inside a giant inflatable ball. The transparent walls of the zorb ball provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape as you bounce and roll down the slopes or in the water. If you prefer a more sedate pace, explore the surrounding meadows on a leisurely nature hike.
Distance From Patnitop: 19.7 km
Things To Do: Hiking trails and Zorbing
3. Skyview Patnitop
Photo: Nandaro / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ascend to new heights with Skyview Patnitop, Asia’s highest gondola ride, offering a journey that will leave you awestruck. Imagine soaring over valleys and snow-capped peaks while you’re inside a glass cabin. It spans 1.8 km and provides panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas stretching as far as you can see. You can also explore the dedicated adventure park. Here, you can test your skills on a variety of challenging obstacles, including rope bridges, climbing walls, and swinging logs. After an exhilarating day of adventure, grab a bite at the cafeteria located at the top station.
Distance From Patnitop: 3.2 km
Things To Do: Ropeway experience, visiting adventure park and cafes
Suggested Read: Pahalgam Trekking
4. Naag Mandir
Photo: Jpatokal at wts wikivoyage / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For religious tourists, one of the best places to visit near Patnitop is the Naag Mandir. The temple is dedicated to the serpent deities. According to legends, the location of the Naag Mandir is where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Also, historians believe that the temple is 600+ years old. The temple comes to life with decorations during the Naag Panchami festival. The beauty of the Chenab gorge and the pine trees adds to the stunning views. Most people also believe that every devotee’s wishes come true in the temple, which is the reason behind its overwhelming crowd.
Distance From Patnitop: 12 km
Things To Do: Exploring the temple premises and architecture
5. Billo Ki Powri
Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nestled amidst meadows, Billo Ki Powri offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore the unique architecture, featuring a series of stepped platforms adorned with colourful statues. These statues depict local deities and warriors, offering a window into the region’s folklore. As per legends, the carved stairs in this place were built by Raja Chenani to form a shortcut to Batot City. You can enjoy a picnic there, making unforgettable memories. It is one of the best places to go near Patnitop if you want to relax and rejuvenate.
Distance From Patnitop: 2.5 km
Things To Do: Explore carved steps and surrounding landscape
Suggested Read: Forts in Jammu
6. Baglihar Dam
Photo: Gtsenthilnath / Wikimedia Commons
Witness the marvel of modern engineering at the Baglihar Dam, a colossal structure that regulates the Chenab River. Take a boat ride on the vast reservoir, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding hills. The dam is 143 m high and 363 m long, which explains its majestic appearance. The beauty of this dam is better explored with its location in between two hills. It makes for a perfect photography opportunity. The dam is located in the southern district of Doda, so once you finish witnessing the dam, you can make your way to Doda and explore it.
Distance From Patnitop: 38.4 km
Major Attractions: Doda, Patnitop Park, Nathatop, and Sanasar Lake
7. Sudh Mahadev Temple
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Embark on a spiritual odyssey to Sudh Mahadev Temple, a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The naturally formed cave, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, provides a unique setting for prayer and meditation. The temple is reportedly 2800 years old and one of the top places to visit near Patnitop. The highlight of this temple lies in the “three pieces of trident” that are buried underneath the ground. Most devotees visit the temple to perform “Jal Abishekham” on these tridents. Even the broken trident is worshipped in the temple for its powerful nature.
Distance From Patnitop: 42.1 km
Things To Do: Explore temple premises, stalagmites and stalactites, and pieces of trident
Suggested Read: Kashmir Temples
8. Kud
Photo: Ali Irtiza / Wikimedia Commons
Kud is the most underrated and offbeat destination to visit near Patnitop. You will not find many tourists highlighting this spot. This charming village offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region. Explore the local markets and engage in a conversation with the villagers to learn about their rich cultural heritage. One of the highlights of Kud is in its sweets’ production. The use of desi ghee, full cream milk and local preparation of the sweets add to the popularity. You can buy them from the local shops and sellers when you visit Kud.
Distance From Patnitop: 8 km
Things To Do: Explore pasture lands, sweet shops and learn the process how sweets are made
9. Chenani-Nashri Tunnel
Photo: Sidheeq / Wikimedia Commons
Set out on a thrilling journey through the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in India. This engineering marvel cuts through the majestic Shivalik hills, considerably reducing travel time between Jammu and Kashmir. Witness the marvel of modern infrastructure as you navigate through this technological marvel. The tunnel falls en route to Patnitop and is 10.89 km in length and located at an elevation of 1200 m. You can get this must-have experience while you’re on the way to Patnitop.
Distance From Patnitop: 22.8 km
Things To Do: Visit this longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
10. Madhatop
Photo: George Chernilevsky / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Following a 5 km simple and beginner-friendly trek from Patnitop, you can reach Madhatop, one of the offbeat places to see near Patnitop. The spot is located 2024 m above sea level and offers a picturesque view of the surrounding landscapes and mountains. Hike through dense forests, teeming with diverse flora and fauna. For the adrenaline junkies, paragliding opportunities offer a chance to soar above the scenic landscape. There are several lodges and hotels along the way, making it perfect for tourists who want to spend their holiday in an offbeat location.
Distance From Patnitop: 5 km
Things To Do: Trekking and hiking trails
Patnitop serves as a gateway to a treasure trove of experiences. From spiritual sanctuaries to heart-pounding adventures, the region caters to every taste. You will find yourself in the midst of adventure and beauty all at the same time. If you are ready to embark on a vacation to explore the places to visit near Patnitop, finalise all your bookings and planning with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Vikas Panwar / Wikimedia Commons
