A Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary for Vaishno Devi

Day 1: Arrival in Jammu

Jammu, India

Arrival Time

Check-in at Hotel

Start your family trip by arriving in Jammu and checking into a comfortable hotel to rest and prepare for the upcoming days of adventure.
Take a taxi from Jammu Airport to your hotel.
£50, 1 hour

Evening

Exploring Jammu

Take a leisurely walk in the local markets of Jammu, sampling local street food and shopping for souvenirs.
Stroll around the Raghunath Bazaar and Residency Road.
£20, 2 hours

Dinner Time

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal at a local restaurant, tasting dishes like Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo.
Head to a recommended restaurant like KC Residency or Pahalwan Di Hatti.
£30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Jammu to Katra

Katra, India

Morning

Travel to Katra

Embark on a scenic journey to Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
Take a taxi or bus from Jammu to Katra, which is approximately 50 kilometres away.
£20, 1.5 hours

Lunch Time

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Stop for a fulfilling Punjabi meal at a local dhaba on the way to Katra.
Look out for popular dhabas along the highway like Lovely Sweets and Punjabi Haveli.
£10, 1 hour

Afternoon

Check-in at Hotel in Katra

Settle into your accommodation in Katra, ensuring a comfortable stay before starting the pilgrimage.
Head to your chosen hotel in the heart of Katra.
£60, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Vaishno Devi Yatra Day 1

Vaishno Devi, India

Early Morning

Start Trekking to Vaishno Devi Temple

Begin the challenging but rewarding trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple, a spiritual epicentre for thousands of devotees.
Start your trek from Katra, which is the base camp for the pilgrimage.
Free, 6-8 hours

Lunch Time

Packed Lunch

Enjoy a packed meal consisting of sandwiches, fruits, and energy bars during your trek.
Carry your packed lunch provided by your hotel or local vendors.
£10, 1 hour

Evening

Arrival at Vaishno Devi Temple

Reach the magnificent Vaishno Devi Temple, offer your prayers, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Follow the marked path and signs to the temple complex.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Vaishno Devi Yatra Day 2

Vaishno Devi, India

Morning

Second Day of Trekking

Continue your pilgrimage with the second day of trekking towards the Bhairon Temple, another significant shrine in the region.
Follow the designated path towards the Bhairon Temple.
Free, 6-8 hours

Lunch Time

Lunch at Bhawan

Have a meal at the Bhawan complex, enjoying the vegetarian offerings after a strenuous trek.
Visit the dining halls in the Bhawan area.
£15, 1 hour

Evening

Return to Katra

After completing your visit to the Bhairon Temple, trek back to Katra, marvelling at the scenic beauty around you.
Follow the well-marked trail back to Katra.
Free, 6-8 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Vaishno Devi Yatra Day 3

Vaishno Devi, India

Morning

Helicopter Ride

Opt for a helicopter ride from Sanjichhat to Sanjichhat to get a bird's eye view of the picturesque surroundings.
Book a helicopter ride in advance and arrive at the helipad.
£50, 30 minutes

Lunch Time

Lunch at Sanjichhat

Have a quick meal at Sanjichhat before embarking on the final leg of your pilgrimage.
Visit the food stalls near the helipad for a light meal.
£10, 30 minutes

Evening

Explore Katra

Take a relaxing evening to explore the local markets, buy souvenirs, and enjoy a meal in one of the many eateries in Katra.
Stroll through the local markets and choose a restaurant for dinner.
£40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Vaishno Devi Yatra Day 4

Vaishno Devi, India

Morning

Pony Ride to Ardhkuwari

Enjoy a pony ride to Ardhkuwari, a halfway point on the trek, providing a unique perspective of the surroundings for the family.
Arrange for pony rides from Katra to Ardhkuwari.
£25, 2 hours

Lunch Time

Lunch at Ardhkuwari

Stop at Ardhkuwari for a simple yet delicious lunch before continuing your journey.
Choose one of the local eateries at Ardhkuwari for a meal.
£10, 1 hour

Evening

Visit Himkoti

Head to Himkoti after the trek for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a serene environment to relax.
Trek or use pony rides to reach Himkoti from Ardhkuwari.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Departure from Jammu

Jammu, India

Morning

Return to Jammu

Bid farewell to Katra and embark on your journey back to Jammu for your departure.
Take a taxi or bus from Katra to Jammu.
£20, 1.5 hours

Lunch Time

Lunch en Route

Stop for a quick lunch at a local eatery on your way back to Jammu.
Look out for dhabas or restaurants along the highway.
£10, 1 hour

Afternoon

Explore Raghunath Temple

Visit the historic Raghunath Temple in Jammu before departing, immersing yourself in the rich culture and architecture.
Head to the temple complex in the city centre.
£5, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability