Vaishno Devi, the holy abode of Mata Vaishno Devi is a popular pilgrimage site. The trek to the temple takes about 6-8 hours, which passes through gorgeous hills, refreshing waterfalls, and magnificent views of the valley. You can opt for a pony or a helicopter ride as well. The trek can be demanding, but it's worth every step. Devotees believe that the goddess herself calls them to her shrine. The temple is open 24 hours, and the aarti ceremony takes place twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Don't forget to carry comfortable shoes, water, snacks, and warm clothes as it's chilly up in the hills.
The Bhairavnath Temple is situated approximately 2.5 km from the Bhawan towards the left, and is the last point of the trek. It's a challenging climb, but the views are worth the effort. The temple is dedicated to Bhairav Baba, who is believed to be the guardian of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is said that the pilgrimage is incomplete without visiting this temple. The trek includes a steep climb, and it takes around 3-4 hours to reach the temple. The temple is open 24 hours.
If you have extra time, you can explore the nearby town of Katra. Here, you can shop for traditional handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. You can also visit the Dera Baba Banda shrine, which is located on the banks of the Chenab river. It's a beautiful place with a great view of the river. You can also plan a day trip to Patnitop, which is a hill station and is located approximately 80 km from Katra. It's a scenic drive, and the place offers a lot of adventure activities like trekking, skiing, and paragliding. You can also visit the Sanasar Lake, which is located 20km from Patnitop.
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