Patnitop, a crown jewel nestled amidst the verdant tapestry of the Himalayas, attracts travellers with its captivating charm. Somehow, getting to witness the beauty of the azure sky with the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks is an experience beyond comprehension. With so many amazing tourist attractions, shortlisting the best places to visit in Patnitop can be a struggle. Whether to go for adventure-filled Nathatop or visit the religious spots, can be your next question. Patnitop’s soul lies in its diverse experiences and here is a list of everything from exhilarating adventure sports to serene hikes.
10 Places To Visit In Patnitop
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Patnitop considering all the top spots worth visiting on your next vacation.
1. Nathatop
Photo: Its sumit sharma / Wikipedia
Located at an elevation of 2,711 m, Nathatop is one of the tourist attractions in Patnitop that you don’t want to miss out on. Getting to explore this piece of paradise enveloped by serenity is an exhilarating experience like no other. The lush meadows adorned with wildflowers make this plateau have breathtaking bird-eye views of the surroundings. Additionally, one can enjoy a thrilling horse ride, exciting paragliding and rejuvenating nature walk.
Distance: 8 km from Patnitop town centre
Timing: 24*7.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kashmir
2. Skyview Patnitop
Photo: My Lord / Wikimedia / Image For Representation Only
When preparing the itinerary of the best places to visit in Patnitop, one needs to add things that are out of comfort zone. The sky-high adventure at Skyview Patnitop, Asia’s highest gondola ride, happens to be one such. Getting a view of the verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks from the glass cabin is an experience unlike anything else. Moreover, the exhilarating ride culminates at a vantage point offering a plethora of activities like a zipline, an aerial adventure park, and a mesmerising glass-bottomed skywalk.
Location: Sanget Valley, Patnitop
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹700 for adults, ₹400 for children (prices subject to change)
3. Sanasar Lake
Photo: / Shutterstock / Harsh – S
If you want to breathe in some fresh air, Sanasar Lake also known as “mini Gulmarg” happens to be one of the top Patnitop tourist places for nature lovers. It is the popular hill station in the city where one can paddle across the crystal-clear waters in a boat, or simply relax on the banks and soak in the serenity. Besides basking in the beauty of nature, there are adventure activities like trekking and paragliding available too.
Distance: 20 km west of Patnitop
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Camping In Kashmir
4. Naag Mandir
Photo: jly un / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For tourists who want to indulge in the spiritual side of their travel experiences, Naag Mandir is an absolute must in the Patnitop tourist places list. Located on top of the Mantalai Hills, the temple is believed to be 600 years old and dedicated to the serpent deities. The intricate carvings and serene atmosphere make it a place for both spiritual reflection and cultural immersion. Visiting during the Naag Panchami period allows one to witness the grandeur of the celebrations that happen in the temple.
Distance: 2 km from Patnitop town centre
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
5. Patnitop Park
Photo: My Lord / Wikimedia Commons
Up next on the list of best spots is Patnitop Park. It is a perfect sightseeing spot for families and nature enthusiasts. Besides getting to experience the pristine and precisely manicured lawns, one can click photographs, arrange and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the towering trees or simply relax. There is a dedicated play area with swings, slides and other recreational activities that happen to be perfect for children to spend their time in.
Location: Parbal, Patnitop
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Patnitop
6. Baglihar Dam
Photo: Gtsenthilnath / Wikimedia Commons
When shortlisting the best places for a Patnitop trip, Jammu and Kashmir India, Baglihar Dam happens to be one of those places that one should not miss out on. Also known by the name of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, this majestic structure is nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. It showcases the true marvel of modern engineering, something that one will be proud to witness. This dam not only provides hydroelectric power but also serves as a popular tourist destination with its boat ride options available.
Location: Doda district, 30 km from Patnitop (taxi ride recommended)
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
7. Billo Ki Powri
Photo: Shailendrachauhan95 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
To explore the true beauty of this place one should make his way to the scenic 270 steps staircase, which was constructed by the former king of Chenanil. It offers a breathtaking view of the valley and mesmerising meadow that’s adorned with wildflowers, reasons why it’s one of the best places to visit in Patnitop. Legend has it that a local shepherd named Billoo used to graze his sheep here, hence the name. One can pack a picnic and enjoy the same with the view of the lush green meadows around.
Distance: 2 km from Patnitop town centre (accessible by car or a short hike)
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Udhampur
8. Shiva Garh
Photo: Arun Kumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
According to historical information, Shiva Garh previously used to be a fort that now has remnants of the bygone era, making it a must for history buffs and nature enthusiasts. The best way to explore this tourist destination in Patnitop is by making the trek to the summit. Once you reach the top, be prepared to soak in the views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Also, the serene atmosphere of this place makes this a truly unique experience.
Distance: 59 km from Patnitop (taxi ride recommended)
Timings: 24*7
9. Sudh Mahadev Temple
Photo: Photo: Naman Sood / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Among the tourist places in Patnitop, the Sudh Mahadev is another spot that deserves a mention. It is a cave shrine that’s devoted to Lord Shiva and is located in a picturesque location surrounded by meadows, valleys and blooming flowers. The highlight of this place is the fact that stalagmites and stalactites are naturally found here. The majority of the devotees visit and frequent this shrine to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva experiencing peace and rejuvenation.
Distance: 7 km from Patnitop town centre (accessible by car or taxi)
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Suggested Read: Raghunath Temple
10. Madhatop
Photo: kumar chandugade / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Madhatop is one of the places for the Patnitop trip that one needs to finalise without any further thoughts as it is a lot more underrated than Nathatop but offers equally thrilling adventure activities for you to indulge in. There are paragliding opportunities that let you soar through the skies and capture breathtaking aerial views of the city. There are trekking trails in the surrounding hills, which make for an even better adventure experience as well.
Distance: 10 km from Patnitop town centre (accessible by car or taxi)
Cost/Person: ₹1000 onwards (varies depending on the paragliding operator)
Patnitop is a unique place that’s woven with breathtaking beauty, enthralling adventure opportunities, stunning views of the valleys, and rich cultural heritage. Be it for adventure or a vacation away from the chaos of city life, the list of places to visit in Patnitop will take care of you quite well. Leave the heavy burden of planning and plan a trip with TripXL and secure the best deals.
Cover Photo: Shailendrachauhan95 / Wikimedia Commons