Pathankot Travel Essentials

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"The Gateway to Himachal & Kashmir"

Pathankot Tourism

Pathankot is a city located in Punjab, bordered by Pakistan on the west in the foothills of Kangra and Dalhousie. With the river Chakki passing by, Pathankot is located at the meeting point of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is best known for its serene green beauty and a rich historical past. Pathankot has its railway station which is connected with most of the major railway stations of India, and that makes it a significant place to the surrounding areas of Dalhousie, Dharamsala, Kangra, Manali and parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Pathankot was known for Loi and shawl weaving industry for many centuries. Pathankot currently houses the base for the defence forces - Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Pathankot also introduces you to some beautiful religious places like Mukteshwar Temple, Kathgarh temple, Nagni temple and Shahpurkandi Fort.

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The Gateway to Himachal and Kashmir

The Gateway to Himachal and Kashmir, Pathankot is both a destination as well as a stop-over site for tourists. The city boasts of a rich historical culture and flavour. With flowing Chakki and Ravi rivers, along with Shiwalik on the south and Himalayas in the North, Pathankot is a true beauty. One of the oldest sites of Punjab, Pathankot is richly blessed with forts, temples and lush green surroundings.

History of Pathankot

Pathankot, an ancient city with one of the oldest cited history in the state of Punjab antecede its past from the times of Mahabharata. Pathankot was known as 'Prathisthan' at that time and it is believed that it was a part of the kingdom 'Audumbra'  In the 17th Century, Pathania clans of Rajput ruled the city from 'Nurpur' (at present, part of Himachal Pradesh). Nurpur which was named after Begum Nurjahan is also mentioned in the "Ain-i-Akbari" as the Pargana headquarter. During the time of Akbar, the name of the city was changed to 'Dhameri'. In 1781, Sayed Khan, a Paithan descendent from Nurpur kingdom took over Pathankot. However, in the other side of the story, a famous historian Cunnigham says that Pathankot gets its name from the 'Pathans' who settled there in medieval times. Pathankot was a home to coins of faraway history and the largest timber market of Asia at that time. Later on, after independence Pathankot became a residence for immigrants from Pakistan.

Restaurants and Local Food in Pathankot

North Indian food, especially Punjabi fares are hot favourites with visitors in Pahankot and are easily available. The specialities of Pathankot include Dal tarka, Muttar Paneer, Mutton Tikka, Mutton curry and more. Local Punjabi cuisine includes Channa Batura or Chhole Batura, Dal makhani, various varities of Paneer, Rajma (Red kidney Bean), Lassi, Sarson Da Saag with Makai ki Roti (Bread made from corn with mustard gravy). A standout in Punjabi cuisine is its rich and spicy non-vgetarian delicacies.
Other than these do try out the snacks like Samosas, Pakodas and sweets including Jalebi, Barfi, Kheer, Gulab Jaamun and Palang-tod, which is a type of milk-cake. Apart from the traditional delicacies, the ara is famous for Litchis. One can enjoy the fruit or sip in some refreshing Litchi Juice.
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Suggested Itinerary for Pathankot

Day 1- Reach Pathankot in the morning. Freshen up and have breakfast. You can go for authentic Punjabi breakfast that will keep you filled the whole day. Post breakfast, head towards the Mukteshwar Temple. You can also visit the Shahpurkandi fort and the nearby caves. The fort gives an excellent view of the city. Head towards the Nurpur Fort and the nearby temples. In the evening, you can shop at the local bazaars, Pathankot is famous for its woollens and hosiery.
Day-2 You can visit the Keshopur Chhamb, a heaven for migratory birds and photographers. Alternatively, you can visit the Ranjit Sagar dam, post which you can delve into the tranquil atmosphere of Gurudwara Barath sahib. Evening strolls near temples and historical ruins are another past-time in Pathankot.

Best Time to Visit Pathankot

How to Reach Pathankot

How to Reach Overview

Pathankot is well-connected by rail and road. It is also a stop-over place before resuming the journey to Himachal or Jammu & Kashmir. It also connects Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kangra, Manali and parts of J&K with rest of the country.

How to reach Pathankot by flight

Pathankot has an airport but commercial flights are available only from limited cities including New Delhi and Kullu. The nearest fully functional airport is at Amritsar.

How to reach Pathankot by road

Pathankot is easily accessible via road. Pathankot can be reached via bus/taxi/self-drive. The Maharana Pratap Inter State Bus Terminal is a major bus station of Pathankot.

How to reach Pathankot by train

Pathankot is an important railway junction as it connects Indian Railways with Kangra Valley Railway which is important to reach to various places in Himachal Pradesh.

Local transport in Pathankot

You can take an auto rickshaw or a bicycle rickshaw at cheap rates.

Most frequently searched routes to Pathankot

Route Name Distance Time
Delhi to Pathankot 481 km 7 hours 12 mins
Chandigarh to Pathankot 235 km 4 hours 11 mins
Manali to Pathankot 313 km 8 hours 17 mins
Mumbai to Pathankot 1,901 km 1 day 4 hours
Hyderabad to Pathankot 2,028 km 1 day 7 hours
Agra to Pathankot 696 km 10 hours 10 mins

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Pathankot Photos

Pathankot, Punjab
Kathgarh temple
Shiv Mandir, Pathankot

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FAQs on Pathankot

What is the best way to reach Pathankot?

Pathankot is well-connected by rail and road. It is also a stop-over place before resuming the journey to Himachal or Jammu & Kashmir. It also connects Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kangra, Manali and parts of J&K with rest of the country.
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What are the places near Pathankot?

The top places near to Pathankot are Mcleodganj which is 62 km from Pathankot, Dalhousie which is located 43 km from Pathankot, Khajjiar which is located 49 km from Pathankot, Manali which is located 145 km from Pathankot, Dharamsala which is located 64 km from Pathankot

What are the things to do in Pathankot?

The top things to do in Pathankot are Mukteshwar temple, Nurpur Fort, Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpurkandi Fort, Kathgarh temple, Nagni Temple. You can see all the places to visit in Pathankot here

How much does a package cost for Pathankot?

The packages for Pathankot start at INR 40000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the local food in Pathankot?

North Indian food, especially Punjabi fares are hot favourites with visitors in Pahankot and are easily available. The specialities of Pathankot include Dal tarka, Muttar Paneer, Mutton Tikka, Mutton curry and more. Local Punjabi cuisine includes Channa Batura or Chhole Batura, Dal makhani, various varities of Paneer, Rajma (Red kidney Bean), Lassi, Sarson Da Saag with Makai ki Roti (Bread made from corn with mustard gravy). A standout in Punjabi cuisine is its rich and spicy non-vgetarian delicacies.
Other than these do try out the snacks like Samosas, Pakodas and sweets including Jalebi, Barfi, Kheer, Gulab Jaamun and Palang-tod, which is a type of milk-cake. Apart from the traditional delicacies, the ara is famous for Litchis. One can enjoy the fruit or sip in some refreshing Litchi Juice.
Read More

What is the best time to visit Pathankot?

October to April is the best time if you want to enjoy a trip to Pathankot itself. However, if you are planning to visit other places near Pathankot, you can come here anytime as the weather is never too hot in the summers as well.
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Who should visit Pathankot?

Ideal for couples/families/solo travellers seeking a short vacation. Pathankot is a multipurpose city; you can visit the city itself or various places around Pathankot.

What is not so good about Pathankot?

Slightly overcrowded in peak season. Limited flight connectivity from major cities.

What is famous about Pathankot?

Pathankot is a major stoppage before resuming the journey to Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Historically sound and boasts of rich scenic beauty.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Pathankot

Q. Can I access tiny villages of Himachal from Pathankot?

Kumar Kislay

6 years ago
Yes there is actually a toy train system that will take you around the place.
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Q. Can we put photographs of the places we visited on your app.?

Pallavi Siddhanta

6 years ago
Yes. You can add it in the review section. Give a review to whatever places you've visited, and add a picture along with that. :)
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Pathankot Reviews

Your rating

Manak Sharma

on Kathgarh temple 6 years ago
Excellent temple..rich history..and a great atmosphere....tranquil.

Mekey Salaria

6 years ago
Overall it's an average place to visit.
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