6-Day Family-Friendly Budget Itinerary for Vaishno Devi, Patnitop, and Jammu

Day 1: Arrival & Pilgrimage

Katra, India

10:00 AM

Arrival at Katra

Begin your adventure by arriving in Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
Catch a taxi or shared van from Jammu to Katra, it's a beautiful drive.
INR1200, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Start the Trek

Commence the trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple, a 13 km journey that offers stunning scenic views.
Follow the designated trekking path to the temple; horses and palanquins are available for hire if needed.
INR250, 4 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at the Bhawan

Enjoy a simple but hearty meal at the Bhawan's langar (community kitchen).
Dine in the temple premises.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Darshan at Vaishno Devi Temple

Experience the spiritual moment during your visit to the revered temple.
Follow the temple protocols and queue for a peaceful darshan.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Return Trek

Make your way back down to Katra with refreshing evening views as the sun sets.
Use the same trekking path.
Free, 4 hours

10:00 PM

Dinner at Jagdish Bhojanalay

Treat your family to traditional North Indian cuisine to recharge after a long day.
Dine in Katra before retiring for the night.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploration & Relaxation

Katra, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a refreshing breakfast included at your hotel.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Ardhkuwari Cave

Explore this historic cave which is a significant stop along the trek to Vaishno Devi.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to the cave entrance.
INR50, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Trikuta Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful North Indian meal at Trikuta restaurant with family.
Located in Katra.
INR600, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit the Local Market

Wander through Katra’s bazaar to shop for souvenirs like prayer beads and handicrafts.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Variable, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Katra's Gardens

Relax in the peaceful surroundings of the local gardens, perfect for family bonding.
Head towards the central park in Katra by foot.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Neelkanth

Savor local flavors in another popular restaurant that caters to every palate.
Return to your hotel for dinner.
INR700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature & Adventure

Patnitop, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Patnitop

Pack up and enjoy the scenic drive to the beautiful hill station of Patnitop.
Hire a taxi or use a shared vehicle available in Katra.
INR2000, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Check-in to the Hotel

Unwind at a budget-friendly hotel with comfortable amenities in Patnitop.
Choose hotels like Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) for best rates.
INR3000, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Trek to Nathatop

Embark on a family trek to the stunning Nathatop for panoramic views.
Follow marked trails from your hotel.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Patnitop

Refuel with a hearty meal at a local eatery, sampling regional dishes.
At a restaurant near your trekking area.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Nature Walk at Patnitop

Stroll through the lush green pine forests that Patnitop is famous for.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Hilltop Restaurant

Wrap up your day with local delicacies in a cozy ambiance.
Located within Patnitop, a short distance from your hotel.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure & Local Culture

Patnitop, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Paragliding Experience

Lift your spirits by embarking on a paragliding adventure, witnessing the beauty of Patnitop from the skies.
Book through local adventure sports operators.
INR3000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe Patnitop

Refuel with a light meal at a trendy café known for its pastries and snacks.
Located close to your paragliding site.
INR650, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Patnitop’s Top Attractions

Explore landmarks like the famous Shiv Temple and enjoy the scenic views around.
Easy to reach by local taxi.
Free, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel and soaking in the serenity of nature.
N/A
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a serene dinner at your hotel after a thrilling day of adventures.
N/A
INR700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Exploration

Jammu, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Jammu

Set out for Jammu, a region rich in cultural heritage and history.
Hire a taxi from Patnitop.
INR2500, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Raghunath Temple

Explore one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Rama, rich in intricate architecture.
Taxi from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Manda Zoo

Visit Manda Zoo and enjoy the variety of wildlife it has to offer, especially for kids.
Arrange a taxi to the zoo, which is slightly outside the city.
INR100, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Aastha Restaurant

Enjoy a scrumptious meal that caters to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tastes.
Located in Jammu city.
INR600, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Mubarak Mandi Palace

Discover the historic palace that showcases the heritage and architecture of Jammu.
Easy taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR50, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Jammu Restaurant

Savor authentic local dishes among a vibrant community atmosphere.
Near your accommodation.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relaxation & Departure

Jammu, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Jammu, indulging in local specialties.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Leisure Time at Bagh-e-Bahu

Spend your morning in this beautiful garden, perfect for family relaxation and playing.
Easy taxi ride from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Dogra Rasoi

Relish the traditional Dogra cuisine before you wrap up the trip.
Located in Jammu city.
INR600, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Look for local handicrafts, textiles, and saffron to take a piece of Jammu home.
Visit the local markets near your restaurant.
Variable, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Departure Preparation

Head back to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Arrange a taxi in advance to the airport/station.
INR1000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability