Upon arrival at Jammu Airport, take a taxi to Katra, which is the base camp for Vaishno Devi Yatra. Check into your hotel and take some rest. In the evening, visit the Ardh Kuwari Cave, which is located at a distance of 5.5 km from Katra. This cave is an important stop on the way to the Vaishno Devi Temple and is believed to be the place where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months. You can also enjoy some local street food in the market near the cave.
Start your day early and trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple, which is located at an altitude of 5200 feet above sea level. The trek is 14 km long, and it takes around 6-8 hours to reach the temple and back, depending on your pace. You can hire a pony or a palanquin if you do not want to trek. The temple is one of the most revered Hindu shrines and is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. After darshan, you can have lunch at the Bhojanalayas or the langar hall, which serves free food to all the devotees.
On the third day, visit the Bhairavnath Temple, which is located at a distance of 1.5 km from the Vaishno Devi Temple. It is believed that the yatra is incomplete without visiting this temple. After darshan, you can visit Shivkhori, which is a cave shrine that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at a distance of 70 km from Katra and is famous for its natural rock formations. It takes around 3-4 hours to visit both the places, and you can have lunch at the local dhabas on the way.
On the last day, check out from your hotel and proceed to Jammu Airport to catch your flight back home.
If you have some extra time, you can visit the Patnitop hill station, which is located at a distance of 90 km from Katra. It is famous for its scenic beauty and adventure sports such as paragliding and skiing. You can also take a day trip to the Mansar Lake, which is located at a distance of 60 km from Katra. It is a famous picnic spot and is surrounded by lush green forests.
To maximize your fun, make sure to carry comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle during the yatra. You can also buy some souvenirs such as Mata ki Chunri, Prasad, and Rudraksha Malas from the shops near the temple. Finally, make sure to book your hotel and flight in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
For hotels and flights, you can visit https://trip.tp.st/5u0O2Vxp.