4-Day Vaishno Devi Itinerary for Families in June 2023

1. Day 1: Arrival and Katra City Tour
   1-hour drive from Jammu Airport

   In the morning, arrive at Jammu Airport and take a taxi to Katra. After checking in at your hotel, explore the bustling city of Katra. Visit the Nau Devi Temple, Raghunath Temple, and the market area for some local shopping. Have a scrumptious lunch at one of the many restaurants serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or take a stroll around the city to experience its nightlife.

2. Day 2: Vaishno Devi Darshan
   5 km trek from Katra

   Start your day early with a trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple. The trek is 5 km long and can take up to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter ride to the temple. After paying your respects at the temple, explore the nearby Bhairon Temple. Return to Katra by evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel.

3. Day 3: Patnitop Hill Station
   3-hour drive from Katra

   In the morning, take a scenic drive to Patnitop, a beautiful hill station located 3 hours away from Katra. Visit the Nag Temple and Shiva Garh temples. Go on a nature walk in the beautiful surroundings of the Sanasar Lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. Spend the evening at your hotel, taking in the magnificent views of the Himalayas.

4. Day 4: Departure
   4-hour drive from Patnitop to Jammu Airport

   After breakfast, check out from your hotel and take a drive back to Jammu Airport for your flight back home.

Recommendations

If you have some more time, you can explore the nearby areas of Jammu and Kashmir as well. Some popular side trips include the town of Shivkhori and the Mansar Lake. It is recommended to book your helicopter ride and hotels well in advance, especially during the peak travel season in June. Don't forget to try the local delicacies such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Kahwa. A guided tour of Vaishno Devi can help you get a better understanding of the history and culture of the region.

For maximizing your fun, plan your itinerary in such a way that you get enough rest and are not exhausted. Carry comfortable shoes and clothes for the trek to Vaishno Devi and Patnitop. Also, carry some cash with you as ATMs may not be readily available in some areas. Finally, be respectful of the local culture and customs.

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