Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage: 2 Days, 3 Nights Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Katra

• Evening:
  • Arrive at Katra in the evening by train, bus, or private vehicle.
  • Check-in to Hotel: Settle into your hotel, freshen up, and have dinner.
  • Overnight Stay in Katra: Rest and prepare for the next day’s trek to Vaishno Devi.

Day 1: Katra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan

• Early Morning:
  • Begin Trek to Vaishno Devi: Start your trek from Katra early in the morning (around 6:00 AM). The distance to the Bhawan is approximately 13 km, and the journey takes around 5-7 hours, depending on your pace. You can also opt for ponies, palanquins, or helicopter services for convenience.
• Afternoon:
  • Reach Bhawan: Arrive at the Vaishno Devi Bhawan and freshen up at nearby facilities.
  • Darshan of Vaishno Devi: Offer your prayers at the holy shrine and seek blessings.
• Evening:
  • Trek to Bhairon Temple (Optional): After the darshan, you can trek a further 2 km to Bhairon Temple if desired.
  • Start Descent to Katra: Begin your return trek to Katra. If you feel tired, you can break your descent by resting in shelters or using ponies.
• Late Night:
  • Arrive back in Katra late at night, enjoy dinner, and get some rest after your pilgrimage.
  • Overnight Stay in Katra.

Day 2: Katra to Departure

• Morning:
  • Relax and Free Time: After breakfast, spend some time exploring the local market in Katra. Purchase religious souvenirs, dry fruits, or other local specialties.
• Afternoon:
  • Check-out from Hotel: Depart from Katra after lunch for your onward journey to the nearest airport/railway station or by road.

Inclusions:

• Breakfasts and dinners at the hotel.
• Trekking assistance (ponies, palanquins, or helicopter can be arranged at extra cost).

Exclusions:

• Personal expenses (shopping, snacks).
• Trekking gear.
• Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

Optional Add-ons:

• Helicopter Service: If you wish to save time, book a helicopter ride from Katra to Sanjichhat (near Bhawan). Prior booking is recommended.
• Arti Ticket: You can book a special aarti ticket for a more immersive spiritual experience at the Vaishno Devi Bhawan.