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01
Manali
Manali, a popular hill station near Jammu, is known for adventure sports and breathtaking landscapes. The most famous attraction here is Hadimba Devi Temple which is set amidst deodar forests and looks serene. Other tourist places that you can visit are Manikaran Sahib, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, and Arjun Gufa. Some of the activities that you can indulge in Manali are rafting in Beas River, paragliding and zorbing and Solang Valley, and trekking to Bhrigu Lake.
Celebrated as the resort town of Himachal, Manali is nestled on the banks of River Beas. This scenic hill station near Jammu looks breathtakingly beautiful with surrounding snow covered Himalayan peaks, lush forests, and lush valleys. You can enjoy stunning views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges from here. Manali gets snowfall during the winter months from December to February and turns into a magical paradise.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 486 km
Best Time to Visit: April to June for pleasant weather; December to February for snowfall.
Places to Visit: Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Mall Road
Things to Do: Paragliding, River Rafting, Trekking
02
Shimla
This is one of the best hill stations near Jammu that is loved for its colonial-era architecture and scenic beauty. Jakhoo Temple here is perched on the highest peak and is home to the world’s tallest Hanuman statue. You can enjoy a ride in the historic Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, an UNESCO-listed attraction. You can visit places like The Ridge and Mall Road that are lined with shops selling souvenirs like Kullu Shawls, stoles, mufflers, and pullovers.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 403 km
Best Time to Visit: March to June for sightseeing; December to February for snowfall.
Places to Visit: Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri
Things to Do: Toy Train Ride, Ice Skating, Nature Walks
03
Ladakh
Ladakh is a high-altitude desert that is famous for its monasteries and rugged landscapes. At this best hill station near Jammu, you can visit attractions like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Hemis Monastery, and Magnetic Hill. Adventure enthusiasts enjoy biking on Khardung La which is one of the world’s highest motorable passes.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 663 km
Best Time to Visit: June to September when roads are accessible.
Places to Visit: Leh Palace, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley
Things to Do: Monastery Visits, Trekking, River Rafting
Things to Do: Monastery Visits, Trekking, River Rafting
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04
Srinagar
Srinagar, a stunning hill station near Jammu city, is famous for Dal Lake, where houseboats and Shikara rides offer a unique experience. Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh reflect Persian-style landscaping. Hazratbal Shrine and Jamia Masjid hold religious significance. The floating vegetable market is a cultural highlight. During winter, Srinagar transforms into a snowy wonderland, attracting visitors for skiing in Gulmarg.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 270 km
Best Time to Visit: April to October for blooming gardens and pleasant weather.
Places to Visit: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh
Things to Do: Shikara Ride, Houseboat Stay, Shopping at Floating Markets
05
Dalhousie
Dalhousie, a peaceful hill station near Jammu, is known for its British-era charm and tranquil surroundings. You can visit places like Khajjiar, Dainkund Peak, and St. John’s Church showcases colonial architecture to capture breathtaking alpine mountain views. Adventure seekers can go for the thrilling Sach Pass trek and enjoy visiting the remote Pangi Valley.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 175 km
Best Time to Visit: March to June for sightseeing; December to February for snowfall.
Places to Visit: Khajjiar, Dainkund Peak, St. John's Church
Things to Do: Nature Walks, Trekking, Boating
06
Kullu
Located in Himachal Pradesh, Kullu is famous for the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO-listed site. Here, you can go for a trek and spot many native and rare flora and fauna. Kullu is also the best hill station near Jammu to soak in the culture of the region. You can participate in festivals like Vasantotsava, Shamshi Virshu, and Kullu Dussehra to witness the local traditions.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 450 km
Best Time to Visit: March to June for sightseeing; October for the Dussehra festival.
Places to Visit: Raghunath Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Great Himalayan National Park
Things to Do: River Rafting in kullu, Trekking, Paragliding
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07
Dharamshala
Dharamshala, the spiritual hub of Himachal, is among the best hill stations near Jammu. You can visit McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and other places like Gyuto Monastery and Norbulingka Institute to know about Tibetan traditions. Adventure lovers can go on Triund Trek that offers a moderate climb with views of the Dhauladhar range. The War Memorial here honors Indian soldiers and is another must-visit place.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 197 km
Best Time to Visit: March to June for sightseeing; December to February for snowfall.
Places to Visit: McLeod Ganj, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Waterfall
Things to Do: Trekking, Meditation Retreats, Exploring Tibetan Cuisine
08
Kasauli
Kasauli, a tranquil hill station near Jammu, is known for its colonial-era architecture and dense forests. You can visit several enchanting attractions here like Monkey Point and The Christ Church which dates back to the British era. For some time amidst nature, you can go on the popular Gilbert Trail nature walk. You can visit The Kasauli Brewery is one of India’s oldest distilleries and offers you a glimpse into traditional whiskey-making.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 384 km
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November for pleasant weather.
Places to Visit: Monkey Point, Christ Church, Gilbert Trail
Things to Do: Nature Walks, Bird Watching, Exploring Local Markets
09
Leh
Leh, one of the most adventurous hill stations near Jammu, is a gateway to Ladakh’s mesmerising landscapes. You can visit Leh Palace which resembles Lhasa’s Potala Palace and capture stunning city views. The Thiksey Monastery here is famous for the giant Maitreya Buddha statue. You can visit Sangam Point where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet and The Hall of Fame museum which showcases the bravery of Indian soldiers.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 659 km
Best Time to Visit: June to September for clear roads and comfortable weather.
Places to Visit: Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame
Things to Do: Biking, Trekking, Camping
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10
Patnitop
Patnitop, a serene hill station near Jammu city, is known for its meadows and adventure activities.You can visit several attractions here like Skyview Patnitop ropeway and the 600-year-old Naag Mandir. At Nathatop, located close to Patnitop, you can paraglide and at Sanasar Lake, you can camp and trek. During winter, Patnitop transforms into a skiing destination and you can enjoy snow-based activities like skiing and sledging.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 109 km
Best Time to Visit: March to June for sightseeing; December to February for snowfall.
Places to Visit: Nathatop, Sanasar Lake, Naag Mandir
Things to Do: Paragliding, Horse Riding, Trekking
11
Kufri
Kufri, one of the most scenic hill stations near Jammu, is a winter sports hub.The Kufri Fun World here is one of the highest amusement parks in the world and offers several thrilling rides. You can visit the Himalayan Nature Park and spot rare wildlife like the snow leopard. You can also indulge in activities like a horseback ride to Mahasu Peak or skiing during the snowfall season.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 419 km
Best Time to Visit: December to February for snowfall; March to June for outdoor activities.
Places to Visit: Kufri Fun World, Mahasu Peak, Himalayan Nature Park
Things to Do: Skiing, Horse Riding, Tobogganing
12
Gulmarg
This hill station near Jammu is a premier skiing destination with the world’s highest golf course. The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest in Asia and takes you to Apharwat Peak, where skiing and snowboarding are popular. The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is home to several endangered flora and fauna and you can spot several rare species like musk deer.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 294 km
Best Time to Visit: December to February for skiing; April to June for sightseeing.
Things to Do: Skiing, Gondola Ride in Gulmarg, Snowboarding
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13
Pahalgam
Renowned as the best hill station near Jammu, Pahalgam is known for its pristine valleys. The Betaab Valley here is named after a Bollywood film and features lush greenery and a river. You can visit the scenic Aru Valley which serves as a base camp for the Kolahoi Glacier trek. You can also visit the Pahalgam Golf Course which offers a scenic sporting experience. The Lidder River is perfect for trout fishing and rafting.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 232 km
Best Time to Visit: March to October for sightseeing; December to February for snow.
Things to Do: Trekking, River Rafting, Pony Rides
14
Chail
Chail, a lesser-known hill station near Jammu, is famous for housing the world’s highest cricket ground. You can visit the Chail Palace, which was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala. Head to Kali Tibba Temple to bask in the panoramic Himalayan views. At Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, you can spot animals like sambar deer and leopards.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 473 km
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November for sightseeing.
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Exploring Heritage Sites
15
Sonmarg
Sonmarg, rated as the best hill station near Jammu, is known for its stunning glaciers and trekking routes. You can visit the Thajiwas Glacier, famous Zoji La Pass that connects Kashmir to Ladakh, and indulge in trout fishing at Vishansar Lake. You can also visit The Baltal Valley which serves as the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra.
Distance from Jammu: Approximately 322 km
Best Time to Visit: May to October for sightseeing; December to February for snow.
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Fishing
