One Day Itinerary for a Family Friendly Visit to Vaishno Devi

  1. 6:00 AM: Start Trek to Vaishno Devi from Katra
    Distance: 12.2 km, Time: 4-5 hours (one way)

    The trek begins in the early hours of the morning, making it a peaceful and beautiful start to your journey. The path to Vaishno Devi is well-maintained and can be traversed by people of all ages. Several eateries and stalls selling religious souvenirs are present throughout the trek.

  2. 11:00 AM: Bhairavnath Temple
    Distance: 2.8 km (from Vaishno Devi), Time: 1 hour (one way)

    The Bhairavnath Temple is known for its unique architecture and houses the idol of Bhairavnath - one of the primary deities of the region. The temple offers a stunning view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

  3. 1:00 PM: Sanjichhat Restaurant
    Distance: 2 km (from Bhairavnath Temple), Time: 20 minutes (one way)

    The Sanjichhat Restaurant is a great spot for a quick lunch break. The multi-cuisine restaurant offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and has a pleasant ambiance.

  4. 2:30 PM: Ardhkuwari Temple
    Distance: 4.5 km (from Sanjichhat Restaurant), Time: 1.5 hours (one way)

    The Ardhkuwari Temple is an ancient temple and is one of the most revered spots by the people of the region. The location of the temple - a cave - provides a unique and thrilling experience.

  5. 5:00 PM: Bhawan Temple
    Distance: 3.3 km (from Ardhkuwari Temple), Time: 1 hour (one way)

    The Bhawan Temple is the ultimate destination of the journey and the most important temple in the region. The temple complex is divided into several sections and requires visitors to stand in a queue.

  6. 7:00 PM: Return Trek from Vaishno Devi to Katra
    Distance: 12.2 km, Time: 4-5 hours (one way)

    The trek back to Katra can be done in the evening hours, making it a great time to enjoy the peacefulness of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Trek to Vaishno Devi and Back: (8-10 hours, no cost)
  • Bhairavnath Temple: (2 hours, no cost)
  • Sanjichhat Restaurant: (1 hour, INR 500 for a family of four)
  • Ardhkuwari Temple: (3 hours, no cost)
  • Bhawan Temple: (2 hours, no cost)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 500 for meals

Useful Tips

Make sure to carry enough water bottles for the trek, wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes, especially during winter months. It is essential to start early in the morning and plan enough time for the trek. If you have more time, you can consider visiting the Charan Paduka Temple, Dera Baba Banda, or the Nau Devi Temple in Katra. If you have less time, you might need to skip some of the locations and prioritize the ones that interest you the most.

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