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2-Day Vaishno Devi (Katra) Pilgrimage Itinerary — Efficient Route and Timings

Viewed by 159 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Trek

Katra, India on February 22, 2026

12:00pm

Arrive Katra & Check-in

Settle at a hotel near the main market or bus stand for quick access to the trek start; hotels in Katra provide luggage storage and porter/mule arrangements if needed.
INR1000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Krishna Vaishno Dhaba or local Punjabi restaurant

Hearty North Indian thali to fuel your trek; popular with pilgrims and close to the trek start.
INR300, 45m

2:00pm

Begin Trek from Adhkuwari / Banganga (start of 13 km route)

Start the 12–13 km walk to Bhawan via the established path; the route is scenic with frequent refreshment stalls and public toilets (open typically 24/7), and the pace should be moderate for acclimatization.
INR0, 6h0m

4:30pm

Short Rest at Ardhkuwari / Bhairon Ghati

Stop for tea/snacks and rest; medical aid and resting benches are available along the route—use this to pace yourself before the final ascend.
INR100, 30m

7:30pm

Reach Bhawan & Evening Aarti/Darshan (if crowd permits)

Attempt darshan or participate in evening aarti depending on queue times; Bhawan remains open 24/7 though darshan waits vary—check live queue updates on the official site or ask the help desk.
INR0, 1h0m

9:00pm

Dinner — Langar at Bhawan / Nearby Prasad Canteen

Simple vegetarian meals offered in pilgrimage canteens; filling and convenient after a long day.
INR100, 30m

9:45pm

Overnight Stay at Bhawan Guest House or Katra Hotel (return by walk)

Rest overnight; Bhawan guesthouses require advance booking or get a room in Katra if you prefer more facilities—return trek to Katra is possible the next morning if staying at Bhawan is unavailable.
INR800, 9h0m

Day 2: Darshan & Return

Vaishno Devi (Bhawan) / Katra, India on February 23, 2026

4:00am

Pre-dawn Wake & Light Breakfast — Packets/Tea

Grab packed tea, biscuits or the temple's breakfast service; early start helps avoid long queues for morning darshan.
INR100, 30m

5:00am

Morning Darshan at Vaishno Devi Bhawan

Attend the morning darshan when crowds thin; Bhawan operates 24/7 but darshan wait times can still be 1–4 hours depending on season—arriving early minimizes wait.
INR0, 2h0m

8:00am

Visit Bhairo Mandir (near Bhawan exit)

Short walk to Bhairo Mandir for additional blessings; it’s customary for many pilgrims to visit before descending.
INR0, 20m

8:30am

Breakfast — Prasad Canteen / Local Cafes near Bhawan

Have a hot simple vegetarian breakfast (poori, sabzi, chai) served at canteens near Bhawan; these open early for pilgrims.
INR150, 30m

9:00am

Begin Descent to Katra (walk or palki/pachar service)

Return along the same route; options include walking, hiring a palki/palki-pather (porter) or pony for sections—confirm operating hours and availability locally (services operate from early morning to evening).
INR0, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Katra Main Market (Gurjar Dhaba or local restaurants)

Comfortable meal in Katra to replenish after descent; many restaurants serve thalis and North Indian specialties.
INR300, 1h0m

2:45pm

Visit Raghunath Temple & Local Sightseeing

Short local temple visit and walk the Katra market for souvenirs—Raghunath Temple and local shops are open during daytime hours (~8:00am–8:00pm).
INR0, 1h15m

4:15pm

Tea/Refreshment — Katra Market Cafe

Relax with tea and cake or local snacks before onward travel.
INR100, 30m

5:00pm

Departure from Katra (train/bus to Jammu or onward travel)

Head to Katra railway station or bus stand for onward connections; stations and services generally run into the evening—confirm ticket timings in advance.
INR0, Varies

7:30pm

Dinner Option if Staying in Katra — JKTDC or Local Restaurant

If remaining overnight in Katra, have dinner at a hotel restaurant offering hygienic vegetarian meals; most hotels serve dinner until ~9:30pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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