Start your journey by reaching Katra and rest for a few hours exploring the local market and trying the famous street food. In the evening, attend the Aarti at Banganga.
Begin your journey with a visit to Banganga, a holy water spring revered by Hindus. After a dip in the holy water, begin your 13-kilometer trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine. You can hire a palanquin or a horse to reach the shrine.
Reach the Vaishno Devi shrine early in the morning and attend the first aarti of the day. Visit the Bhairon temple, which is a 2-hour trek from the Vaishno Devi shrine. Return to the shrine in the evening to attend the evening aarti.
Take a day trip to Patnitop, a beautiful hill station surrounded by pine trees. Try the local cuisine and enjoy the serene environment. Visit the Naag temple and trek to Natha Top for a breathtaking view of the valley.
Visit Bhaderwah, also called "Mini Kashmir", for a day trip. Explore the scenic beauty of the Chenab river, visit the ancient Vasuki Nag temple and the beautiful Padri meadows. You can also try skiing in the snow-covered mountains.
Visit Shivkhori, a famous cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the morning. Explore the beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations in the cave. In the evening, attend the aarti ceremony at Raghunath temple in Jammu city.
Visit the Raghunath temple in Jammu city, which is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Explore the local markets for souvenirs and try famous street food like chaat and golgappe. In the evening, board your flight or train back home.
Do not miss visiting the Mansar Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by hills, 1 hour (30 miles) from Jammu City. Also, visit the Amar Mahal Palace Museum in Jammu City to explore the history and culture of the region. You can also plan a side trip to the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, which is around 8 hours (230 miles) from Jammu City. To make your trip more comfortable and hassle-free, use this link to find hotels and flights.