5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Vaishno Devi Temple

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Jammu
    3 hours (82 km) from the Vaishno Devi Temple

    Begin your journey with a visit to the historic Bahu Fort, offering scenic views of the city and housing a mesmerising temple. Afterwards, visit the Raghunath Bazaar, a bustling market for handicrafts and souvenirs. End the day with a trip to the Mubarak Mandi Palace, an architectural delight known for its stunning rooms and galleries.

  2. Day 2: Reach Katra and Trek to the Temple
    Travel time: 1 hour (46 km) to reach Katra

    Travel to Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi Trek. After breakfast, begin the trek to the temple which takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The journey can be divided into five sections, each offering their own unique views and experiences. Upon reaching the temple, attend the divine aarti and seek blessings from the holy shrine.

  3. Day 3: Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan and Relaxation
    All day at the temple

    Attend the early morning aarti and spend the day exploring the temple premises and the surrounding natural beauty. Take a pony ride to the nearby Bhaironath Temple and enjoy beautiful panoramic views from the mountaintop. End the day with some relaxation and rejuvenation at the temple bathrooms.

  4. Day 4: Visit Shiv Khori and Patnitop
    Travel time: 3 hours (85 km) to reach Shiv Khori and 30 mins (16 km) to reach Patnitop

    Explore the famous Shiv Khori Cave Temple, known for its mystical cave, natural formation of a Shivlinga and the captivating sound of flowing water. Later visit Patnitop, a charming hill station that offers a range of activities such as paragliding, hiking and horse-riding. Take a scenic walk along the river and enjoy the stunning views of the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

  5. Day 5: Departure
    Travel time: 3 hours (87 km) to Jammu Airport/ Railway Station

    Depart for your onward journey with blissful memories of the Vaishno Devi Temple, Mata's blessings and the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Bahu Fort (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Raghunath Bazaar (2-3 hours, varied costs per item)
  • Mubarak Mandi Palace (2-3 hours, INR 25/person entry fee)
  • Vaishno Devi Trek (5-6 hours, free entry)
  • Bhaironath Temple (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Shiv Khori Cave Temple (2-3 hours, INR 100/person entry fee)
  • Patnitop (4-5 hours, varied costs per activity)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 200/person (excluding accommodation and travel expenses)

Useful Tips

We recommend starting the trek early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and carry light snacks and water during the journey. If you have more time, go on a day trip to the scenic Nathatop or the historical Amar Mahal Palace. In case of less time, skip visiting Patnitop and spend more time exploring Jammu and its local cuisines.

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