Three kilometres above Patnitop on the road towards Srinagar, Nathatop sits at around 2,700 metres and gives the best views in the area. On a clear day the panorama takes in the snow-capped Pir Panjal range to the north and the deep gorge of the Chenab valley to the south. The meadow at the top is open and windswept — bring a layer even in summer.
You can drive to Nathatop or walk up from Patnitop along a forest trail in about two hours. The viewpoint is busier on weekends when day-trippers come up from Jammu; weekday mornings are quieter and the light is better for the mountains.