Begin your spiritual journey with a visit to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The temple is nestled in the hills of Trikuta and is surrounded by picturesque views. The trek to the temple is around 13.5 km and takes around 4-5 hours depending on your pace. You can either trek on foot or rent a horse/palki. You will pass through Banganga, Adhkuari, and Sanjichhat before reaching the temple. The trek is worth it as you will be blessed with the divine darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi.
After your visit to the Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir, visit the Bhairavnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Bhairav Nath, who is believed to be the protector of Mata Vaishno Devi's shrine. The temple is located atop a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, make your way to the Ardhkuwari Cave. This cave is believed to have been the place where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months before finally emerging as the holy shrine. The cave has a narrow opening and is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
Start your day with a visit to the Nau Devi Temple. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each form has its own idol and is worshipped individually. The temple is located on a hill and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding valley. Afterward, visit the Baba Dhansar Temple, located around 14 km away from Katra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located amidst a beautiful waterfall. People believe that taking a dip in the waterfall can cure diseases and fulfill wishes.
On your final day, visit the Shivkhori shrine, located in the Reasi district of Jammu. The shrine is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and the main deity is a natural rock formation that is worshipped as a lingam. The cave where the lingam is located is around 150 meters long and has various stalactites and stalagmites that add to its beauty. Afterward, make your way to the Bahu Fort, located in the heart of Jammu. The fort is believed to have been built by Raja Bahulochan around 3,000 years ago and has many beautiful gardens and temples within its complex.
If you have more time, you can add a trip to the Mansar Lake or the Patnitop hill station. If you have less time, you can skip the Bahu Fort and visit the Raghunath Temple or the Peer Kho Cave Temple instead. Make sure to carry comfortable shoes and warm clothing as the weather can get chilly in the hills. It's best to avoid the monsoon season (July to September) as the roads can get slippery and the area is prone to landslides. Lastly, carry enough water and snacks for your trek to the Vaishno Devi temple.