Nathatop

About Nathatop

Nathatop sits a short climb above Patnitop, at a noticeably higher altitude of around 2,713 metres, which makes it both cooler and snowier than its better-known neighbour for a larger part of the year. The drive up offers some of the more dramatic views on this stretch of the Jammu–Srinagar highway, with layers of pine-forested ridgelines falling away toward the valley below.

The area is popular for short winter treks in the snow, photography, and simply taking in the mountain air away from the more built-up parts of Patnitop. There’s less in the way of formal infrastructure here, which is part of the appeal for visitors wanting a quieter stop.

Getting There

Nathatop is roughly 115 km from Katra, about three and a half hours by road, and is typically reached by continuing past Patnitop on the same highway before a short diversion up the hill. Because the two are so close together, almost every visitor treats them as a single combined excursion rather than two separate trips.

Best Time to Visit

Snow is the main draw from December through February, when Nathatop often has cover well before Patnitop does lower down. May and June bring clear skies and some of the best long-range Himalayan views of the year. Monsoon months can bring cloud cover that hides the views entirely, so this is worth timing carefully.

Good to Know

• Roads up to Nathatop can close temporarily after heavy snowfall — check conditions if visiting in peak winter.
• Warm, waterproof footwear is worth having if you’re visiting for the snow.
• Facilities (food, restrooms) are more limited here than at Patnitop, so plan accordingly.

Add This to Your Yatra

Nathatop is bundled with Patnitop as one combined day-excursion in our wizard — select it once and both stops are included in your itinerary and price.