Travelling Jammu to Paddar

Let’s guide you to travel from Jammu to Paddar.

Why Paddar?

Paddar is one of the most upcoming favourite summer destinations in J&K. This place is highly popular due to the Pilgrim tourism among the local state tourists as also with the tourists flocking in from other states of the country.

The famous Machail Yatra which commences in the month of August every year is the primary reason for Paddar’s popularity. Also, the fact that the place is abundantly blessed with natural beauty.

Nearest Airport, Railway Station, Bus Stand 

• Nearest Airport is Jammu (IXJ)
• Nearest Railway Station is Udhampur (UHP)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Indira Chowk, Jammu. The direct Bus service from Jammu to Paddar is available from here and a couple of Buses run in the early morning from 2 AM to 4 AM. However, you can always board any bus or taxi towards Kishtwar & hop in on another vehicle from Kishtwar to Paddar.

Distance from Jammu to Paddar?

Travelling from Jammu to Paddar is a joyous experience. The journey begins from the plains of Jammu at an elevation of 1073 ft and ends at village Gulabgarh of Paddar at an elevation of 6350 ft. The total distance from Jammu to Paddar is 300 Kms. The whole journey takes around 7 to 8 hours.

What to expect on the way to Paddar?

Jammu to Kishtwar (240 km)

Stops – Jammu – Udhampur – Patnitop – Batote – Ramgarh – Doda – Thathri – Drabshala – Kishtwar

Head on to the National Highway 44 from Jammu to Udhampur. It’s a 4 lane highway and you will have no hiccup until you reach Udhampur. Try to stay on the highway and not enter the Udhampur city if you want to see some fine landscape. Moving further towards India’s Longest Road Tunnel, Chenani – Nashri Tunnel the road will be a bit bumpy due to the 4 laning of Highway. Enjoy the tunnel ride of 9.2 km and turn right towards Kishtwar.

You can also skip the tunnel and take the old route which connects the popular tourist destination Patnitop. The route length will be a bit longer but is definitely worth visiting.

Next town is Batote, you can grab a breakfast or lunch here or wait until you reach Ramgarh.

Ramgarh is very popular for its Rajmah Chawal (Rice) with Desi Ghee and Anardaney ki Chutney.

By now you will have a company of River Chenab on to your left side. You will be following this river to your destination at Gulabgarh Paddar.

You will realize that the landscape has completely changed and there will be a lot of hairpin turns along the national highway. Drive slow and enjoy the magnificence of what nature has to offer. Next towns along the way will be Assar – Doda – Thahtri – Drabshalla – Kishtwar.

Kishtwar is a District Headquarter. You can load up with eatables and fuel here. There are some good restaurants at this stop to ease the hunger pangs. A major attraction here in Kishtwar is the 33 Hectare natural green ground. Stop here to let your hair down before commencing the journey from Kishtwar to Paddar.

Kishtwar to Paddar (60 Kms)

Stops – Kishtwar – Dool – Padyarna – Galhar – Paddar

Also watch – Journey from Kishtwar to Paddar

The road is well-maintained; asphalt surfaced till Lidrari Nallah. The distance of around 45 km till Lidrari Nallah is double-lane and smooth. Brace yourself for the adventure further towards Paddar as the road will be single lane of around 10 kms. The road is metalled but very narrow though uptill Kirthai.

Kirthai is the first noticeable small village when you enter Paddar. The road will widen up from here and will mostly be great as you drive through the center of Paddar from Kirthai through TattaPani, Atholi and Gulabgarh. 

You will experience a lot of water streams, waterfalls, truss bridges, mountain carved road, mighty peaks and a lot more. Keep your eyes open to experience the wealth of nature and most importantly to drive safely. Expect deep gorges and blind turns on the way. Be a good driver and follow all the rules. Honk at the turns.

You will know that you have covered the distance from Jammu to Paddar when Chenab is closer to the road and you see a valley.

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