Start your day with a trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple. This temple is situated in the Trikuta Mountains and is considered one of the holiest shrines in India. The trek is approximately 14 km long, and it will take you around 5-6 hours to complete. You can hire a pony, palanquin or helicopter to reach the temple if you don't want to trek.
In the morning, visit the Bhairavnath Temple, located at a height of 6,700 feet. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who is believed to be the protector of the holy shrine. Afternoon, visit the Ardhkuwari Cave, which is believed to be the place where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months.
Take a cable car to Sanjichhat to enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. The Bhawan is situated at a height of 5,200 feet and is the main attraction of Katra. It is a complex of three caves and is believed to be the place where Mata Vaishno Devi resides.
Visit the Shiv Khori cave temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cave is believed to be 150 feet long and houses a naturally formed Shivling. The cave is surrounded by beautiful mountains and a stream flows through it.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Patnitop, located at an altitude of 2,024 meters. The town is surrounded by deodar and pine forests and offers breathtaking views of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range. You can also enjoy activities like skiing, paragliding and trekking here.
If you have time, you can also visit the Baba Dhansar Temple, Katra Park and Nau Devi Temple. For side trips, you can visit Jammu city, which is known for its ancient temples, forts and palaces. You can also visit the Mansar Lake or the Surinsar Lake, which are popular picnic spots. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine in Katra, which includes delicacies like rajma chawal, khatta meat and tabak maaz. Don't forget to carry warm clothes as it can get cold in December.