Vaishno Devi Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for June 2023

1. Day 1: Arrival in Jammu
   40 minutes (7.5 miles) from Jammu Airport

   Upon arrival in Jammu, take a taxi to your hotel and check-in. Spend the morning relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude. In the afternoon, take a walk to Raghunath Bazaar and explore the local markets. In the evening, visit the Bahu Fort, which is beautifully illuminated after sunset.

2. Day 2: Katra
   1 hour 15 minutes (28 miles) from Jammu

   In the morning, take a taxi to Katra, the base camp of Vaishno Devi. After checking into your hotel, begin the 12-kilometre uphill trek to the holy shrine. You can hire a pony, palanquin or a helicopter if you find it difficult to walk. In the evening, return to Katra and visit the Ardh Kuwari Cave, which is halfway to the shrine.

3. Day 3: Vaishno Devi
   From Katra

   Today, start early in the morning for the Vaishno Devi shrine. It is a steep climb, but the breathtaking views and the spiritual atmosphere make it worth it. Seek blessings from the Goddess and spend some time in the serene surroundings. In the evening, return to your hotel in Katra for a good night's sleep.

4. Day 4: Patnitop
   2 hours 15 minutes (50 miles) from Katra

   After breakfast, take a taxi to Patnitop, a serene hill station located between the lush greenery of the Shivalik Range. Enjoy a scenic drive to Patnitop and visit the Nag Temple, Sanasar Lake and Nathatop. In the evening, return to your hotel in Patnitop and relax in the peaceful surroundings.

5. Day 5: Departure from Jammu
   3 hours (96 miles) from Patnitop

   After breakfast, take a taxi back to Jammu Airport for your flight back home.

Recommendations

If you have extra time in Jammu, you can visit the Amar Mahal Palace Museum, which showcases the rich history and culture of Jammu and Kashmir. You can also take a day trip to the stunning Mansar Lake, which is located about an hour's drive from Jammu. Another side trip worth considering is a visit to the picturesque hill station of Pahalgam, which is about 6 hours from Katra by car. To maximize your fun, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water for the uphill trek to Vaishno Devi. You can also hire a mule to carry your luggage and make the journey easier. Finally, don't forget to try the delicious local cuisine, especially the famous Rajma Chawal and Chole Bhature.