Welcome to Katra, the gateway to Vaishnodevi! After checking into your hotel, spend the morning exploring the local markets and sampling delicious street food. In the afternoon, head to the Banganga Temple, a sacred water tank where pilgrims traditionally take a dip before beginning their climb. In the evening, visit the Ardh Kuwari Cave, which is believed to be the halfway point of the journey to the Vaishnodevi Shrine.
Banganga Temple: Free, 1 hour
Ardh Kuwari Cave: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Vaishno Dhaba, a popular eatery known for its delicious vegetarian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Enjoy a satisfying lunch at Jai Mata Di Restaurant, which offers a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Mathura's Kitchen, a vegetarian restaurant that specializes in North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Saturday, November 18: Trek to Vaishnodevi Shrine
Start early morning to undertake the trek to the Vaishnodevi Shrine. The uphill journey takes approximately 4-6 hours depending on your pace. Along the way, enjoy the scenic beauty and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching the shrine, seek blessings from the divine deity. After offering prayers, begin your descent back to Katra. In the evening, relax and rejuvenate at your hotel.
Trek to Vaishnodevi Shrine: Free, 10-12 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day which offers a range of hot and cold beverages along with delicious sandwiches and pastries. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, visit Gulshan Vaishno Dhaba which serves authentic Punjabi cuisine including dal makhani, butter chicken, and naan. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 300 per person.
For dinner, try out Kwality Restaurant known for its North Indian and Chinese delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 500 per person.
Sunday, November 19: Bhairavnath Temple and Raghunath Temple
In the morning, visit the Bhairavnath Temple, dedicated to Bhairava, the fierce form of Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an altitude of around 6,600 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Afterward, explore the Raghunath Temple, a popular pilgrimage site in Katra. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and houses several idols and shrines within its complex. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Ban Ganga River.
Bhairavnath Temple: Free, 2 hours
Raghunath Temple: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shri Hari Vaishno Dhaba, a popular restaurant known for its delicious and authentic Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try the mouthwatering vegetarian thalis at Niharika Restaurant. This restaurant offers a wide variety of North Indian and South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Devi Bhojanalaya, a traditional restaurant that specializes in serving divine vegetarian food. Enjoy the serene ambiance and relish their sumptuous thali. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Monday, November 20: Patnitop and Sanasar
On your last day, take a day trip to Patnitop and Sanasar, located around 70 kilometers from Katra. In Patnitop, enjoy picturesque views, go for nature walks, and indulge in adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing. Afterward, proceed to Sanasar, known for its lush meadows and captivating landscapes. Engage in outdoor activities such as horse riding, camping, and trekking. Return to Katra in the evening and bid farewell to this enchanting region.
Patnitop: Cost varies depending on activities, 6-8 hours
Sanasar: Cost varies depending on activities, 4-6 hours
Restaurants
Cafe de Hilltop: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe de Hilltop. This cozy cafe offers a range of options, including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Picnic Point: For a delightful lunch, head to Picnic Point, a charming restaurant overlooking the valleys of Patnitop. Indulge in local specialties like Rajma Chawal (kidney bean curry with rice) and Makki ki Roti (cornmeal flatbread). Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Sagar Ratna: Savor the flavors of North Indian cuisine for dinner at Sagar Ratna. Known for its vegetarian thali (platter) comprising of a variety of curries, rice, roti, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, venture beyond the popular attractions and explore the lesser-known gems in Katra. Visit the Baba Dhansar Temple, a picturesque spot known for its cascading waterfall and cave shrines. Another hidden gem is the Shiv Khori Cave, a natural cave formation that houses a naturally formed Shiva Lingam. These off the beaten path attractions offer a serene and secluded ambiance, perfect for family outings and moments of spiritual contemplation.