Start your journey in Jammu by boarding a flight or train to reach and then drive to Katra, a small town near Vaishnodevi. Once here, check-in to your hotel, freshen up and get ready for an afternoon of exploration. Visit the Bhairavnath Temple and get an idea of the place you will be trekking to the next day. Take a leisurely stroll around the town and explore the markets where you can find a wide range of local handicrafts and delicious street food. End the day by returning to the hotel to rest.
Get up early and prepare for your hike to the sacred Vaishnodevi Temple. Start at the base and put on your trekking shoes as you begin to climb the mountains. The trekking path is well-lit and easy to navigate, and you can take rests at various intervals. The highlight of the trek is the Aradhkanai Charanpaduka Temple, where you can rest and catch gorgeous views of the valley below. Pay homage at the main temple, seek blessings, and then return to Katra for the night.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Baba Dhansar Temple, which is known for its enchanting waterfalls. Take a dip in the refreshing water and seek blessings from the deity. After which board your vehicle and head back to Jammu. If time permits, you can visit the Raghunath Mandir Temple and the Mubarak Mandi Palace. End your trip with the fulfillment of visiting the holiest of places in India and head back to your home destination.
If you have more time, you can explore more temples around the Vaishnodevi region like the Kalika Temple. Alternatively, you can visit the Patnitop, a scenic hill station located about 1.5-hour drive (45 km) from Katra. If you have less time, you can skip visiting Baba Dhansar Temple or the Raghunath Mandir Temple. Do note that Vaishnodevi temple sees the highest footfall during the Navratri festival, and pre-booking is recommended if you plan on visiting during this time.