4-Day Spiritual and Scenic Itinerary for Vaishno Devi, Katra, Jammu

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Katra, Jammu, India on May 6, 2025

2:00pm

Check-in to Hotel in Katra

Settle into your accommodation in Katra, a convenient base for the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi.
INR1500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Local Temples in Katra

Explore local temples such as Baba Dhansar Temple and Ganesh Temple, which provide a peaceful introduction to spiritual life in the area.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Market Walk

Stroll through Katra's bustling market, perfect for buying religious souvenirs and tasting local snacks.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dana Choga

Enjoy a traditional North Indian dinner with specialties like Rajma Chawal and dal tadka at this popular local eatery. Open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 2: Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage

Katra to Vaishno Devi Shrine on May 7, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early wholesome breakfast to prepare for the day’s trek. Simple options like parathas and tea are typically offered.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

7:00am

Start Trek to Vaishno Devi Shrine

Begin the 13 km trek from Katra to the sacred cave temple of Vaishno Devi, renowned for its spiritual significance and scenic mountain views.
Free, 5h0m

12:00pm

Darshan at Vaishno Devi Shrine

Perform the holy darshan at the cave temple; the shrine is open from early morning to late evening, providing a profound spiritual experience.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bhawan Canteen

Eat a simple vegetarian meal at the Bhawan Canteen which serves prasadam and meals to pilgrims.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Bhairavnath Temple

A short walk from the shrine, visitors pay homage at Bhairavnath Temple, completing the pilgrimage circuit.
Free, 0h45m

3:30pm

Return Trek to Katra

Begin your descent back to Katra to rest after a spiritually fulfilling day.
Free, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Little Italy

Enjoy a light dinner featuring Indian and continental cuisine in Katra. The restaurant is open until 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Jammu City Sightseeing

Jammu, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Katra before traveling to Jammu city.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Jammu City

Take a short drive from Katra to Jammu to explore the city’s cultural sights.
INR400 (taxi), 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Raghunath Temple

Explore one of the largest temple complexes in North India, dedicated to Lord Rama, with exquisite architecture and vibrant rituals.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Visit Bagh-e-Bahu

Relax in this historic garden surrounding the Bahu Fort, offering beautiful views of the Tawi river and a pleasant break.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Jammu

Dine at this café offering local and international dishes, a perfect spot for a midday meal open till 3pm.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Mubarak Mandi Palace

Tour the historic palace complex blending Rajasthani, Mughal and European architectural styles, open from 10am to 5pm.
INR100, 1h30m

4:15pm

Return to Katra

Drive back to your hotel to rest after the day’s sightseeing.
INR400, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with local flavors at your hotel’s restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Local Sights and Departure

Katra, Jammu, India on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before a final short local excursion.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Charan Paduka

Visit the sacred Charan Paduka shrine near Katra, believed to be footprints of Goddess Vaishno Devi, open throughout the day.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Local Handicraft Shops

Browse shops for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs near Katra market.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Enjoy a final tasty vegetarian meal with local dishes before departure, open till 2pm.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-out and Departure

Complete check-out procedures at your hotel and prepare for onward travel or return journey.
Free, N/A