Vaishno Devi 4-Day Itinerary - November 17th to November 20th, 2023

Friday, November 17th: Arrival in Katra

Morning: Arrive in Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Check into your hotel and rest. Afternoon: Visit the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, located in the Trikuta Mountains. Begin your trek from Katra and ascend to the shrine, approximately 12 kilometers away. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mata Vaishno Devi. Evening: Explore the local market in Katra for some shopping and enjoy a delicious dinner.

• Vaishno Devi Shrine: Free, 6-8 hours
• Local Market: Varies based on shopping

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Vardaan Restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian spread with options like parathas, chole bhature, and dosas. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try the authentic North Indian cuisine at Matka Peer Restaurant. They offer a variety of dishes including butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori roti. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Kashmir at Jannat Restaurant. This restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes like rogan josh, Kashmiri pulao, and goshtaba. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.

Saturday, November 18th: Patnitop Excursion

Morning: Take a day trip to Patnitop, a beautiful hill station situated at an altitude of 2,024 meters. Enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush green landscapes. Afternoon: Visit Sanasar, a picturesque meadow famous for adventure activities like paragliding and horse riding. Spend some time indulging in these thrilling activities. Evening: Return to Katra and relax at your hotel.

• Patnitop Day Trip: Transportation cost may vary, 8-10 hours
• Adventure Activities in Sanasar: Prices vary based on activities chosen

Sunday, November 19th: Bhairavnath Temple & Katra Exploration

Morning: Begin your day by visiting the Bhairavnath Temple, located on a hill about 2 kilometers from Vaishno Devi Shrine. Seek blessings at this ancient temple dedicated to Bhairavnath, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Afternoon: Return to Katra and explore the town. Visit the Nau Devi Temple, dedicated to the nine forms of the goddess Durga. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the Banganga River and relax after a day of exploring.

• Bhairavnath Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Nau Devi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
• Local Restaurant: Prices vary based on menu

Monday, November 20th: Departure

Morning: Check out of your hotel and bid farewell to the serene town of Katra. Afternoon: If time permits, visit the Aghar Jitto Temple dedicated to Baba Jitto, a farmer-saint. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Evening: Depart from Katra and reminisce about the beautiful memories created during your trip.

• Aghar Jitto Temple: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly experience, consider visiting the Himkoti Gardens, situated between Katra and Vaishno Devi. It offers panoramic views of the Trikuta Mountains and a perfect spot for a picnic. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Dera Baba Banda complex, located near Katra. It includes a Gurudwara and a temple dedicated to Baba Banda Bahadur. It is a peaceful place surrounded by mountains and is popular among locals for its spiritual significance.