Billoo ki Powri

Billoo ki Powri (also known as Billo ki Pauri) is a fascinating historical rock cut stairway located in the scenic town of Kud, just a short drive from Patnitop in Udhampur district. Perched at an altitude of over 1,700 meters in the Shivalik range, this unique heritage monument consists of roughly four hundred individual stone steps carved directly out of a sheer mountain rock face by local royal rulers centuries ago.

The historic stone stairs of Billoo ki Powri carved directly into the mountain face near Kud and Patnitop.

According to local historical lore, the former King of Chenani ordered this flight of steps to be chiseled through the mountain cliffs to serve as a fast and direct shortcut between Chenani town and the upper meadows of Kud. Carving an entire staircase into sheer solid rock was a remarkable feat of medieval hill engineering, saving foot travelers several hours of steep mountain detour.

Climbing these narrow rock cut steps offers adventure seekers and heritage lovers an invigorating hike surrounded by dense deodar and pine woodlands. As you ascend, open gaps between cedar branches reveal dramatic panoramas of the Tawi River valley below. It makes a fantastic half day excursion while visiting hill resorts across Patnitop, easily paired with tasting fresh hot Patisa sweets at traditional sweetshops in Kud bazar.

Hiking Experience & Trail Difficulty

The climb up the 400 stone steps takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes at a steady pace. The stairs are relatively steep and uneven in places, making sturdy walking shoes with good grip essential. The trail is shaded by pine canopies throughout the morning, making early hikes crisp and refreshing with the sound of songbirds echoing through the valley.

Visiting Hours, Entry & Local Sweet Tasting

Billoo ki Powri is open to visitors every day from sunrise to sunset with no entry fee or ticket required. After completing the staircase climb, most visitors head straight into nearby Kud market to sample freshly made hot Patisa, a flaky ghee rich gram flour fudge that has made the town famous across Jammu and Kashmir.