A 5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Vaishno Devi

  1. Day 1: Vaishno Devi Temple
    Located in Katra, 3.5 km from Banganga.

    Visit the Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the holiest shrines in India for devotees of Maa Vaishno Devi and witness the magnificent view of the Trikuta Mountains. Take the Yatra Parchi, health certificate, and ID proof before starting the trek.

  2. Day 2: Bhairavnath Temple
    Located 1.5 km uphill from Vaishno Devi Mandir.

    Visit the Bhairavnath Temple dedicated to Bhairav Baba, who is worshipped as the guardian deity of the holy shrine. The trek takes approximately two hours to reach the temple's entrance, which can be shortened by hiring a helicopter.

  3. Day 3: Nau Devi Temple
    Located 3 km from Katra Bus Stand.

    Visit the Nau Devi Temple, which comprises nine different forms of Goddess Durga. The temple has an alluring architecture that attracts tourists and devotees alike.

  4. Day 4: Himkoti Viewpoint
    Located 2.5 km from Katra Bus Stand.

    Visit the Himkoti Viewpoint to catch a breathtaking view of the Trikuta Mountains range. The point also has food stalls and recreational areas for children.

  5. Day 5: Baba Dhansar Temple
    Located 11 km from Katra.

    Visit the Baba Dhansar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a beautiful waterfall and a small cave with a Shiva Linga.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Vaishno Devi Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Bhairavnath Temple (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Nau Devi Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Himkoti Viewpoint (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Baba Dhansar Temple (2-3 hours, Free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: Free

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Shiv Khori Cave Temple (70 km from Katra), which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a naturally formed Shiva Lingam. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can skip Nau Devi Temple or Baba Dhansar Temple. It is advisable to carry comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and some energy bars for the trek to Vaishno Devi Temple and Bhairavnath Temple.

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