Located within proximity to the northern rims of Punjab, Pathankot shares its borders with neighboring states such as Jammu And Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. This town provides access to all the roadway traffic that leads into the base area of the Himalayan ranges. Pathankot derives its financial income majorly from its flourishing stone-crushing industry. While in Pathankot, tourists can explore stunning fortresses, stroll through magnificent temples, venture into exciting research stations, or trek through scenic lakeside areas. Other activities that could excite visitors include fishing, watersports, birdwatching, and trekking. Let us read on to know more about the different things to do when in Pathankot.

Nurpur Fort of Pathankot is an age-old fortress constructed by the Rajputs several centuries ago. Back in the day, this fort was popular among the locals as Dhameri Fort. However, after the Rajputs lost control of the fort to the mighty Mughals, Jehangir, a stalwart Mughal emperor of yore, decided to reconstruct the fort. It is believed that Noor Jehan, Jehangir's wife, was enchanted by the magnificent architectural grandeur of Nurpur Fort. In honor of his wife's love for the fortress, Jehangir decided to turn the fortress into a palace, thereby rendering it the name Nurpur Fort. Some of the prime attractions around the fort's vicinity include a gigantic Maulsari tree and the sacred Brij Raj Swami Temple.

Kathgarh Temple of Pathankot is famous around the whole of India, with tourists coming in throughout the year to pay their tribute to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The center of attraction in the shrine includes the gigantic Shivaling that has been separated into two sections. One half of the Shivaling is revered by the presence of Lord Shiva, while Goddess Parvati venerates the other half of the Shivaling. The shrine area also forms abode to an age-old temple from the Mughal era, which accommodates a 6-feet tall Shivaling. This one of a kind Shivalinga is capable of breaking into two equal parts and rejoining into a single structure once again with ease.

Pathankot's Hydraulic Research Station is an ideal tourist destination for those who vest their interests in fields such as Civil Engineering and Hydraulics. Engineering aficionados would be intrigued by the rich knowledge that this research station has to offer about the irrigation system of Pathankot's dams. The Hydraulic Research Station is studded with several life-size prototypes of the irrigation projects and dams that prevail across Pathankot's expanse. Located approximately 7 km away from town, the enthusiasts who visit are provided with an in-depth knowledge of the engineering techniques deployed to prepare these great barriers. If you want to be amazed by the marvelous power generation and water management technologies of Pathankot, Hydraulic Research Station is a must-visit.

Shani Dev Mandir is situated along Dhangu Road and pays tribute to Lord Shani as its primary deity. The local inhabitants believe that those who devoutly offer prayers to the god are freed from their difficulties and miseries. Perfectly nestled amidst wilderness, Shani Dev Mandir grants the faithful with a tranquil atmosphere where they can reflect on their life's progress. The picturesque landscapes that prevail around the shrine are a product of the beautiful Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas in the background. Several stairs lead tourists up the hillock where Shani Dev Mandir is perched. These steps provide an apt trekking experience for tourists with an adventurous vigor.

Pathankot provides tourists with exciting trekking experiences that start from the Kangra area and scale a fantastic height of 3,300 meters beyond the sea level. Kareri Lake falls on this trekking route too. When on this serene journey, visitors are greeted by scenic grasslands, captivating gorges, lush vegetation, and tapered country roads. One of the famous adventurous ventures performed by locals and tourists here is Tyrolean Traversing. Catching a glimpse of the magnificent Kareri Lake from atop the hillocks is a breathtaking experience. Trekkers usually prefer to embark on this trek between December and April, when Kareri Lake continues to stay frozen and forms a beautiful picture to the eyes of tourists.

Located along Pathankot's Dalhousie Road, Novelty Mall is one of the premier shopping centers across town. The mall hosts shopping outlets belonging to some of the best global as well as domestic brands. Tourists can drop by and choose to take home some exciting home appliances, home decor, apparel, footwear, and cosmetics. For all those movie buffs, Novelty Mall also houses a PVR theatre that screens the latest Bollywood as well as Hollywood movies. Once done with watching a movie, visitors can feast on some delicacies at the mall's feisty food court. Tourists who wish to engage in some fun and frolic and end up buying exotic apparel at the same time must visit the state-of-the-art Novelty Mall.

The picturesque Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir is situated within proximity to the city of Pathankot. It lures tourists from all parts of the globe thanks to its exciting collection of water sports. Perched at a fantastic height of 450 m, the reservoir is spread over an expanse of 45,000 hectares. Water Skiing is a popular water sport taken up by most of the adventurous souls that visit the Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir. Water skiing is a water sport where one is allowed to slide atop the water surface on a waterski while being dragged along by a motorboat. The splashing of gushing water against a rider while you glide above the water at exciting speeds is thrilling to the core. Waterskiing is a perfect activity for those adventurous tourists who wish to get their adrenaline going.

Nature enthusiasts who love admiring the splendid glamour of Mother Nature would be thrilled when they take up a birdwatching tour in Pathankot. Situated approximately 50 km away from Pathankot, the Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir forms an apt birdwatcher's haven. The reservoir houses the biggest freshwater sanctuary in the whole of the country, Pong Dam Wetland Sanctuary, and covers a 475 sq. km expanse. Not only are these freshwaters thronged by resident birds, but they are also visited by beautiful migratory birds regularly. Some of the captivating birds found in the vicinity include red neck grebes, ducks, black-headed gulls, terns, and plovers.

Tourists who wish to spend refreshing time around Pathankot's scenery must make it a point to go fishing at the Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir. Along with its repertoire of water sports, Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir also offers visitors with perfect fishing experience. Popular as Pong Dam, Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir nurtures approximately 27 species of fish within its tranquil waters. Some of these exciting varieties of fish include Gad, Sal, Rohu, and Himalayan Golden Mahseer. The water levels stay adequate and benefit those who wish to relax through their fishing trips. Imagine how rejuvenating it would be if visitors can relish the natural beauty around the vicinity while they catch their fish.