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Beyond Vaishno Devi darshan and exploring the numerous temples around, Jammu is also renowned for its adventure experiences. Due to its central location, Jammu serves as the base for several trekking experiences. If you want to indulge in trekking in Jammu, there are several different routes and nature trails available for you to explore. Be it the pilgrimage trek to Vaishno Devi or a trek to the nearby Machail Mata Temple, there are numerous routes to explore. As you are planning your next travel experience around Jammu, ensure that you include all the top trekking experiences without fail.
5 Spots For Trekking In Jammu
Here are the best treks in Jammu, offering a mix of spiritual, historical, and natural trails that are bound to delight:
1. Vaishno Devi Trek
Photo: Raulcaeser / Wikimedia Commons
The most iconic and staple trekking experience in Jammu that you can’t miss out on is the pilgrimage trek to Vaishno Devi. Millions of devotees embark on this spiritual pilgrimage every year. This 13-kilometre trek starts from Katra and winds through the Trikuta Mountains, eventually reaching the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, perched at an altitude of 5,200 feet. There are several convenient means to reach the shrine but trekking happens to be the most exhilarating experience. The climb is quite steep and requires a lot of physical stamina, especially near Sanjichhat. However, the awe-inspiring views of the mountains are truly a treat to the eyes.
Location: Katra, Jammu
Best Time: March to October
Jammu Trekking Price: Free
2. Patnitop To Nathatop Trek
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If you are looking for one of the simplest trekking trips in Jammu, the journey from Patnitop to Nathatop is one of the best. It is a 2 km trek, making it perfect for beginners or those looking for a refreshing walk in nature. Starting from Patnitop, the trek ascends through dense forests of pine and deodar, with panoramic views of the snow-capped Pir Panjal range in the background. Nathatop is the highest point of this trek and you get to witness uninterrupted views of the Shivalik range and the Chenab basin from there. Also, during the winters, Nathatop turns into an adventure destination offering skiing and snowboarding experiences.
Location: Udhampur District, Jammu
Best Time: April to June and September to October
Jammu Trekking Price: ₹500 onwards for guided treks
3. Shiv Khori Trek
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The Shiv Khori trek is a spiritual journey that leads to a naturally formed cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. For a simple trekking in the Jammu experience, the journey to the Shiv Khori temple is a popular one. The trek starts from Ransoo village and spans about 3.5 kilometres, winding through hilly terrain, dense forests, and small waterfalls. The main attraction of the trek is the Shiv Khori cave itself, which is 150 metres long and houses a self-manifested Shiva Lingam. One of the most unique aspects of the temple is the roof, which resembles the legendary snakes from Shiva’s tales.
Location: Reasi District, Jammu
Best Time: February to April and August to October
Jammu Trekking Price: Free
4. Mansar Lake Trek
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Located near the main city of Jammu, Mansar Lake is a popular sightseeing spot that you can also trek to from the nearby city. The Mansar Lake trek takes you through thick forests and surrounding hills. You also might encounter numerous different wildlife and birds including deer, and wild boars since the region has a habitat for a variety of wildlife. This trek is more about enjoying the serene beauty of the lake, which is considered sacred in local mythology. Many trekkers extend their trip to explore nearby Surinsar Lake, creating a twin-lake trekking experience.
Location: Jammu
Best Time: March to May, September to November
Jammu Trekking Price: Free
5. Machail Mata Trek
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The Machail Mata trek is an adventurous and spiritual journey through the remote and rugged terrain of the Kishtwar district. It is one of the hardest Jammu treks that you will embark on, covering a distance of 31 km. The trek begins from Gulabgarh and you get to trek through dense forests, serene meadows and glacial streams too. The destination, Machail Mata Temple, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is considered one of the holiest sites in the region. Due to the length and the altitude of the temple, it is a moderately challenging trek but a fairly worthwhile experience.
Location: Kishtwar District, Jammu
Best Time: July to September
Jammu Trekking Price: Free
How To Reach
Photo: Vikramaadityasumbria / Wikimedia Commons
Jammu is quite well connected to the nearby cities, so reaching this place won’t be a hassle at all, provided that you have a well-planned commute.
By Air: Jammu Airport is one of the nearest airports to the city and you will find regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, there are several taxis and buses available to take you to your destination.
By Rail: The nearest station from Jammu is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is a convenient option for the trekking journey. There are buses and taxis available outside the station to take you to the trekking points.
By Road: National Highway 44 connects Jammu to Delhi, Punjab, and other northern states. You can avail regular buses, and taxis and even drive up to the city to then explore the area.
Best Time For Trekking In Jammu
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The best time to trek in Jammu largely depends on the altitude and difficulty level of the trail, but generally, two seasons stand out for trekking in the region. Usually, the spring and summer months, between March to June, are considered peak season. If you are indulging in lower to mid-altitude treks such as Vaishno Devi, Patnitop-Nathatop, and Mansar Lake, this is the ideal season. Post-monsoon, the weather becomes cool and dry, making it another great season for trekking. This is a great time for you to embark on longer treks in Jammu, like the Machail Mata trek.
Tips For Trekking In Jammu
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To have a great trekking experience in Jammu, you have to be mindful of certain factors, so keep these tips into consideration:
- Jammu treks involve steep climbs and long distances, so ensure you are physically fit.
- Carry enough water, as dehydration is common in higher altitudes.
- If you are trekking at a high altitude (above 8,000 feet), spend a day or two at the base altitude to allow your body to acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
- While some trekking routes in Jammu are well-marked, hiring a local guide can be incredibly helpful, especially on lesser-known trails or high-altitude treks.
- Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain, wind, or cold temperatures even during summer.
- Some treks may require entry permits, so research about those.
Trekking in Jammu is one of the most rewarding experiences that you can immerse yourself in. From exploring the beautiful surroundings to embarking on pilgrimage and spiritual treks, there is a lot that you can explore in this beautiful city. So, on your next visit to Jammu, ensure that you sort out your bookings with TripXL for an enriching trekking experience.
Cover Photo: Saikat Ghosh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
