7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Vaishno Devi

  1. Day 1: Arrival and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
    Located in the Trikuta Hills, a 14 km trek from Katra town

    Hike to the shrine of the goddess, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and seek blessings. The trek is well marked and there are many facilities on the path.

  2. Day 2: Baba Bhaironath Temple and Nau Devi Darshan
    15-min drive from Katra town

    Visit the Baba Bhaironath Temple, which is located on a hilltop near the shrine of Vaishno Devi. Afterward, visit the Nau Devi temples which are a part of the Darshan.

  3. Day 3: Aghar Jitto and Dera Baba Banda
    45-min drive from Katra town

    Visit the Aghar Jitto temple and experience this spiritual place surrounded by natural beauty. Then, head to Dera Baba Banda which is a beautiful and famous Gurudwara located on the banks of the Chenab river.

  4. Day 4: Patnitop
    2-hour drive from Katra town

    Enjoy a beautiful drive to Patnitop and relax at this hill station surrounded by the mountains of the Pir Panjal range. Try local street food and take in the scenic views.

  5. Day 5: Sanasar and Nathatop
    1-hour drive from Patnitop

    Visit Sanasar, a famous adventure destination and go paragliding or trekking. Then, head to Nathatop, known for its stunning views of the mountains.

  6. Day 6: Bhimgarh Fort and Katra Shopping
    30-min drive from Katra town

    Visit the ancient Bhimgarh Fort and explore its beautiful ruins. In the afternoon, go shopping in Katra town and buy souvenirs and local crafts.

  7. Day 7: Departure
    Travel back home

    Take the memories and blessings of the spiritual and cultural richness of the place back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine (6-8 hours, free)
  • Baba Bhaironath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Nau Devi Darshan (4-5 hours, free)
  • Aghar Jitto (1-2 hours, free)
  • Dera Baba Banda (2-3 hours, free)
  • Patnitop (1 day, $20-50)
  • Sanasar (1 day, $30-60)
  • Bhimgarh Fort (1-2 hours, free)
  • Katra Shopping (2-3 hours, $10-100)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $60-210

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a visit to the Shiv Khori Cave Temple and Krimchi temple complex. If you have less time, skip Sanasar and Nathatop. Pre-booking of helicopter for the Vaishno Devi shrine visit is recommended. Lastly, be sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothing for the trek.

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