Vaishno Devi Darshan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Jammu- Stay in katra
Arrival at jammu by train / volvo, Reach Katra, the base town for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, either by train/ cab from Jammu  to (about 50 km from Katra). Check into your hotel in Katra and freshen up. Evening Leisure ,If you arrive early, take the evening to explore Katra town, shop for souvenirs or religious items, and enjoy local cuisine. Alternatively, if you’re up for it, you could start your trek to the shrine in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a night darshan.

– Optional Early Trek:
If you prefer night darshan, start trekking towards **Bhawan** (Vaishno Devi shrine) late in the evening. Distance: 13 km from Katra to Bhawan. Modes of travel: Trekking (on foot), Palki (palanquin), Ponies, or Battery-operated vehicles. You can also opt for helicopter service (subject to availability). Overnight stay in Katra (if not starting the trek).

Day 2: Vaishno Devi Darshan
Early Morning Trek, If you didn’t start on Day 1, begin your trek early in the morning for a more peaceful experience. Ensure you have your Yatra Parchi (Yatra Slip), which is mandatory for the trek. It can be obtained online or at the Katra registration center.

– Stop at Ardhkuwari: Midway through the trek, stop at the Ardhkuwari Temple, where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for 9 months. You can also rest here for a while.

– Reach Bhawan: Upon reaching Bhawan, take a bath in the holy waters of the Ganga, known as Bathing Ghats, before proceeding to the shrine for darshan.

– Vaishno Devi Darshan: After bathing and freshening up, proceed for darshan of the holy cave. The darshan might take some time, depending on the crowd, but the atmosphere is filled with devotion and peace.

– Visit Bhairon Temple: Post-darshan, visit Bhairon Nath Temple, about 1.5 km uphill from the Bhawan. It is believed that your Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is incomplete without visiting this temple.

– Return to Katra: Start descending from Bhawan to Katra. It usually takes 4-5 hours to return.

– Relaxation: After reaching Katra, rest and relax after the long trek. Overnight stay in Katra.

Day 3: Departure
Leisure Morning breakfast , After breakfast, you can take a leisurely morning to relax or explore any places you missed in Katra.

– Optional Sightseeing (if time permits):
– Shivkhori Cave (80 km from Katra): A natural cave dedicated to Lord Shiva.
– Nau Devi Temple (about 10 km from Katra): A cluster of 9 temples dedicated to 9 goddesses.

Departure:
Check out from your hotel and proceed towards the railway station or Jammu airport for your onward journey.

Important Tips:
– Best Time to Visit: Vaishno Devi is open all year round, but peak times are during festivals like Navratri. For a peaceful experience.
– Clothing: Wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry light woolens even during summers, as temperatures can drop at higher altitudes.
– Helicopter Service: Book in advance if opting for the helicopter service from Katra to Sanjichhat. From Sanjichhat, Bhawan is about 2.5 km away.
– Essentials to Carry: ID proof, water bottles, snacks, first-aid kit, and any required medications.