Its location at 6640 ft the highest point along the highway, has led a wag to nickname Patnitop a ‘20th century hill staion’, as as opposed to the other kind that were discovered centuries ago and hence approached by narrow roads. Bounded by dense forests of pine and cedar, Patnitop is not like the oasis in desert, because in the relatively low lying part of Jammu province, it is one of the few areas that receives snowfall in winter. Cool and bracing in the height of summer, Patnitop is besieged by trippers who hurry  through the Jammu Katra Patnitop circuit as quickly as they can, only

to depart by the evening. However, to do that is to miss the charm of the place. Situated on the very top of a hill, Patnitop offers an excel­lent vantage point to enjoy the stunning vistas of the Chenab Gorge.

In winter, there's a thin layer of snow cov­ering Patnitop. It's enough for enterpris­ing locals to run a bustling skiing school, but this is strictly for beginners and/ or those who are unlikely to see snow again in a hurry. Ditto for sledging, snowmen and snowball fights! It's easy to walk around Patnitop-never hot and only 5 km in area.
if you wish, there are ponies on hire and most places can be approached by car. Chinar Garden,  Picnic Spot (complete with swings and slides) and Skating Garden the three must-visit spots. But a far better option is to head out on your own with a book and a sandwich: this is one of the few places in Jammu where you will hear the wind soughing through cedar trees.

There are two excursions out of Patnitop, one to Madha Top, the ridge opposite Patnitop, and the the other to Sanasar, a grassy meadow fringed by fir trees. Somewhat inevitably it has been given the sobriquet 'miniGulmarg'.

Place of worship The 6th century Nag Temple at Ishadhari is within Patnitop itself. The small bazaar that has sprung up around it offers some cherry-like dried fruits that doubles up as prasad as well as mementos. Just outside Patnitop is Shudh Mahadev Ka Pahad, which houses a holy trishul. Slightly fur-ther away is Mantalai, with its apple orchards and lemon and orange groves. Its religious link is that Lord Shiva is said to have married Parvati Devi here. Near Mantalai, Krimchi is the site of the oldest temples in the Jammu region.