Snow surge: Nathatop emerges as tourist magnet in Jammu hills

PERCHED at an altitude of nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, Nathatop in Udhampur district has emerged as a favourite destination for tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir.Located close to popular hill resorts such as Patnitop and Sanasar, Nathatop has in recent years become one of the most visited spots, attracting not only local travellers but also visitors from various parts of the country.The snow-clad slopes, crisp mountain air and sweeping Himalayan views are proving irresistible, particularly for tourists from the plains of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. The influx has significantly boosted the local economy, offering seasonal livelihood opportunities to residents.With snow still carpeting the upper reaches following recent heavy snowfall, locals have created their own small tourism ecosystem. Sledging and other snow-based activities are drawing crowds, while renting out woollen clothing to unprepared visitors has become a thriving business.Sudesh Singh (55), a local tea and snack vendor, said the current tourist rush is unprecedented. “For the first time, we are witnessing such a heavy flow of visitors from different parts of the country. Tourists are eager to touch and play in the snow. There was heavy snowfall here a few days ago, and the snow is still intact,” he said.He added that earlier, most visitors were from the Jammu region, but this season has seen a marked rise in tourists from other states.Hemant Kumar, a tourist from Madhya Pradesh, said he had travelled with his family to pay obeisance at the Vaishno Devi shrine and decided to extend the trip to Patnitop and Nathatop before returning home.However, the surge in footfall has also led to frequent traffic snarls, with taxis and private vehicles crowding the narrow hill roads. In the absence of adequate police presence, locals have been stepping in to help clear congestion.The nearly 14-km stretch from Patnitop to Nathatop is dotted with vendors renting woollen overcoats and boots. For many small entrepreneurs, the steady stream of tourists has translated into a dependable source of seasonal income, bringing much-needed cheer to the hill economy.

Snow surge: Nathatop emerges as tourist magnet in Jammu hills

#JammuJournal: Sledging, snow games and woollen rentals create thriving micro-economy

Arjun Sharma

Our Correspondent

Snow surge: Nathatop emerges as tourist magnet in Jammu hills

#JammuJournal: Sledging, snow games and woollen rentals create thriving micro-economy

Arjun Sharma

Our Correspondent

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article