8-Day Family-Friendly Vaishnavdevi Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Vaishnavdevi
   Estimated travel time and distance from Jammu: 2 hours (30 miles)

   Explore the surroundings and relax after the journey.

2. Day 2: Bhairon Temple and Ardhkuwari Cave
   Estimated travel time and distance from Vaishnavdevi Temple: 3 hours (5 miles)

   Visit the Bhairon Temple and the Ardhkuwari Cave, the third halt of the Vaishnavdevi yatra, where you can see the impressions of Mata Vaishnavdevi's feet. Strollers are available for rent at the entrance of the cave.

3. Day 3: Vaishnavdevi Temple
   Free shuttle bus ride from Katra to Banganga, then 12.5 miles trek to the temple

   The main attraction of the yatra, the magnificent Vaishnavdevi Temple is located at an altitude of 5,200ft and is the holiest of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The trek is steep but has beautiful views and facilities such as pony rides and palanquins are available for rent.

4. Day 4: Sanjichat and Himkoti View Points
   Estimated travel time and distance from Vaishnavdevi Temple: 2 hours (4 miles)

   Take a cable car ride from Vaishnavdevi Temple to Sanjichat to witness the majestic Himalayan range and visit the Himkoti View Point to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding city of Katra.

5. Day 5: Bhairo Baba Cave and Nau Devi Darshan
   Estimated travel time and distance from Katra: 1 hour (15 miles)

   Visit the ancient Bhairo Baba Cave where the goddess Bhairavi transformed Bhairo from a demon to a devotee. Then head to the Nau Devi Darshan, a complex of nine beautiful temples, each dedicated to a different goddess.

6. Day 6: Raghunath Temple and Dogra Art Museum
   Estimated travel time and distance from Katra: 1 hour (25 miles)

   Get a taste of history and culture by visiting the Raghunath Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in North India, and the Dogra Art Museum, showcasing the rich heritage and artifacts of the Dogra dynasty.

7. Day 7: Shiv Khori and Baba Dhansar
   Estimated travel time and distance from Katra: 3 hours (60 miles)

   Take a pilgrimage to the ancient and mystical Shiv Khori cave, where a naturally formed Shiv Lingam is worshipped. Then visit the Baba Dhansar, a beautiful waterfall and a revered Hindu shrine.

8. Day 8: Departure from Vaishnavdevi
   Estimated travel time and distance to Jammu: 2 hours (30 miles)

   Take back memories of divine blessings and a spiritually enriching journey.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Vaishnavdevi Temple pony ride (5-6 hours, INR 3,000-4,500)
• Bhairon Temple trekking (4-5 hours)
• Himkoti View Point cable car (30 minutes, INR 500-600)
• Raghunath Temple entrance fee (INR 20-30)
• Shiv Khori parking (INR 20-30)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,550-5,160

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the beautiful hill station of Patnitop or the historic city of Jammu. If you have less time, it is recommended to skip Sanjichat and Himkoti View Points and opt for nearby attractions.