Exotic Vaishno Devi Yatra

Upon your arrival in Jammu, our friendly agent will meet you at the Jammu Airport, the railway station or the ISBT.

From there, you will head towards the Bahu Fort, which is an ancient fort that is situated on the banks of the Tawi River. This fort is also known as the Bahu Killa and was built around the 19th century by Raja Bahu lochan, the brother of Raja Jambu Lochan (founder of the Jammu city). The fort showcases impressive architectural features like thick walls, bastions, and intricate carvings. One of the key highlights within the fort complex is the Bawe Wali Mata Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kali.

This will be followed by a visit to the Bagh-e-Bahu, or the Bahu Garden, which is a beautiful garden situated near the Bahu Fort complex that is known for its lush greenery, well-maintained lawns, vibrant flower beds, fountains, and tranquil seating areas.

After spending some quality time at the Bagh-e-Bahu, you will be visiting the Raghunath Temple, which is one of the most prominent and revered Hindu temples in the region that was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Apart from the main shrine of Lord Rama, the temple complex houses several other shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities, including Lord Shiva, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshmana, and Lord Hanuman.

After this, you will embark on a scenic journey to Katra, which serves as the gateway to the Vaishno Devi shrine. On your arrival in Katra, you will check-in to your hotel to drop your luggage, and then you must head towards the Mata Vaishno Yatra Registration Counter to get your RFID yatra access card for an easy entry the next day morning. Later, return to your hotel to relax, have a delicious dinner, and to grab a restful sleep.

Today, wake up early to a refreshing new day in Katra, the Gateway to Vaishno Devi. You must then freshen-up, have a hearty breakfast and then you will begin your journey towards the Vaishno Devi Temple through a well-maintained winding trail that goes through lush green mountains and whistling pines.

We recommend you start as early as possible to avoid traffic.

As you begin your journey from the starting point in Katra, which is known as Ban Ganga, you will be greeted with chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’, which will further intensify as you ascend the mountain. After walking for about one and a half kilometres, you will reach the Charan Paduka Temple, which houses the sacred footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi. According to the legend, these footprints were imprinted on a rock when she stood there to check whether she was being followed by Baba Bhairon Nath. It is believed that touching the Charan Paduka (footprints) is quite auspicious as it is like getting a divine opportunity of touching the holy feet of Mata Vaishno Devi.

After witnessing the divine footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi, you will continue your journey uphill to visit the Ardhkuwari Temple, which is a sacred cave where Goddess Vaishno used to meditate before heading up towards the place, which is now known as the Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan.

After praying at the Ardhkuwari Temple, you will head towards the Mata Vaishno Bhawan, which houses the Sanctum Sanctorum – the holy cave. Here, you will have to stand in que for the divine darshan (glimpse) of Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is believed to bestow her blessings upon all who seek her grace.

From Ardhkuwari, if you use the alternate route via Himkoti, you will be in for fabulous, picturesque views from Himkoti.

According to the legend, it is believed that Goddess Vaishno Devi was born to a Brahmin named Ratnakar. She left her home at a young age and immersed herself in meditation of Lord Vishnu at the Trikuta Hills. However, Bhairon Nath got enamoured by her divine beauty and decided to follow her from Ardhkuwari to the holy cave. Enraged by Bhairon Nath’s courtship, Goddess Vaishno Devi beheaded Bhairon Nath with such a force that his head fell on another part of the mountain, while his body lay at the entrance of the cave.

It is also believed that the Pandavas had visited the shrine during their exile and were the first ones to have built small temples dedicated to the holy Goddess at Kol Kandoli and the Bhawan. Centuries later, Pandit Shridhar discovered the shrine after Goddess Vaishno Devi appeared before him in his dreams and guided him to her divine abode, where the Goddess resides till date in the form of the holy pindies, comprising of a rock with three rock heads having three distinguish colours. These holy rocks are believed to be the three heads of Goddess Vaishno Devi, with one face being of Goddess Saraswati, another of Goddess Lakshmi and the third of Goddess Maha Kali.

Journey from Katra to Maa Vaishno Devi

There are two routes for going to Vaishno Devi:

1. Katra -> Banganga -> Charan Paduka -> Ardhkuwari -> Hathi Mattha Marg -> Sanjichhat -> Bhairon Ghati (optional) -> Vaishno Devi Bhawan
2. Katra -> Banganga -> Charan Paduka -> Ardhkuwari -> Himkoti Marg -> Vaishno Devi Bhawan

Apart from that you have these options to reach the Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan:

• Walking up to the Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan via Ban Ganga for about 12 kilometres. It should take approximately 4 to 6 hours depending upon your fitness level.
• Walking from the Katra to Mata Vaishno Bhawan via Tarakote Marg Gate for a serene yatra. The journey is 1 kilometre longer than the other route and should take about 4.5 to 6.7 hours.
• Mounting on a pony or a human shouldered palki from Katra to the Bhawan (at your own expense). It should also take about 4 to 6 hours for the journey.
• Mounting on a palki or a pony from Katra to Ardhkuwari and then ride on the electric vehicle to the Bhawan (at your own expense). The journey should take about 2 to 3 hours.
• Walking up to Ardhkuwari and then take the electric vehicle up to Bhawan (at your own expense). This journey should also take about 2 to 3 hours.
• Taking the helicopter ride from Katra to Sanjhichatt (at your own expense). The total time to reach the temple from Katra to the temple would be around 1 hour to 2 hours.

Please Note: Kindly make sure to buy the tickets for your way back also while booking the tickets for your way up, and please be punctual with the timings or your tickets might be considered as void.

After the divine darshan (glimpse), you will step out of the holy temple with a heart brimming with gratitude and your soul imbued with serenity. Next, you must head towards the Baba Bhairon Nath Temple as it is considered that the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi is incomplete without his darshan. This temple is located on top of the hill near the main Vaishno Devi shrine at a walk of about 2.5 kilometres from the Bhawan.

Journey from Maa Vaishno Devi to Baba Bhairon Nath Temple

You have an option of going to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple from Baba Bhairon Nath Temple by:

• Trekking uphill from Vaishno Devi Temple (Bhawan) to the Bhairon Nath Temple, covering a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometres. This journey should take about 30 to 60 minutes.
• Taking the cable car from near the Bhawan to the Bhairon Nath Temple (at your own expense). This ride takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

After seeking the blessings from both the divine Goddess Vaishno Devi and Baba Bhairon Nath Ji, you will head towards your allotted room near the Bhawan. In case of unavailability of accommodation at the Bhawan (during peak season), you will have to descend back to Katra, where you will check-in to your cozy accommodation to have a restful sleep.

Optionally, you can also choose to begin your trek from Katra to Vaishno Bhawan at night, but it is not advisable due to the cold winds and dropping temperatures. In addition to the harsh weather, you might need to procure the RFID card in advance to begin this journey.

Today, wake up with the first rays of the sun in the divine landscape of Vaishno Devi, have an appetizing breakfast and then you will start your journey back to Katra with an uplifted heart and memories of some unforgettable moments spent in communion with the divine.

In case you were not able to get a darshan on the previous night, you must wake up early today, freshen-up and head towards the temple before sunrise to have a peaceful darshan. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to witness the enchanting morning aarti. After this, you must visit the Bhairon Nath ji Temple before heading back to Katra.

However, on the way to Katra, you must visit the Ban Ganga to visit the temple and take a relaxing bath in the fresh waters.

After spending some quality time at Ban Ganga, you will head back to Katra, where you will check-in back to your hotel to grab some well-deserved rest. Later you can come out of your hotel to explore the local vibrant market of Katra.

Later, return to your hotel to relish a delicious dinner and to settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up a bit early to make the most of your day, freshen-up, have a sumptuous breakfast, and embark on an exciting day trip from Katra to Shiv Khori, which is filled with spiritual encounters, natural wonders & cultural exploration.

Enroute Shivkhori, you will first make a small halt to visit the Nau Devi Temple, which is a sacred temple that is dedicated to the nine avatars (forms) of the Goddess Durga namely Mata Shailputri, Mata Brahmacharini, Mata Chandraghanta, Mata Kushmanda, Goddess Skandamata, Mata Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Goddess Mahagauri, and Mata Siddhidatri.

After a soulful experience at the Nau Devi Temple, you will head towards Baba Dhansar, which is a mesmerizing natural cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred site is located near the village of Karua and is renowned for its beautiful waterfall that cascades from the mouth of the cave. Here, you can seek the blessings of the divine, take a leisurely walk through the lush forest trails and witness the awe-inspiring waterfall as it plunges into a small pond, creating a soothing ambiance.

After this, savour a delicious lunch at a popular local restaurant to indulge in the traditional Jammu and Kashmiri cuisine, but at your own expense.

Post lunch, you will continue your journey towards Shivkhori through a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of lush green valleys, cascading streams, and towering mountains. Soon, you will reach Shiv Khori, which is popularly known for housing a self-manifested lingam (a representation of Lord Shiva) inside a naturally formed cave that is approximately two hundred metres long. Here, walk through the intricate rock formations within the cave with awe and devotion as you witness the mesmerizing play of light and shadows.

After seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva, you will bid farewell to Shiv Khori and begin your journey back to Katra through the same scenic route that will leave you spellbound with a beautiful picturesque as you travel through.

Upon your arrival in Katra, check-in to your hotel, indulge in a delicious dinner and then settle in for a good night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to a fresh new day in Katra, relish a delectable breakfast, and then you will set out on a picturesque journey to Patnitop, which is a popular, charming hill station nestled amidst the beautiful HImalayas of Kashmir.

On the way to Patnitop, you will take a short detour to visit the Krimchi Temples, which are also known as the Five Pandavas Temples. These sacred temples feature intricately carved architecture that is adorned with beautiful sculptures dedicated to the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, namely Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva.

After a spiritual experience at the Five Pandavas Temple, you will resume your scenic journey to Patnitop through verdant valleys, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks.

Upon your arrival in Patnitop, you will be greeted by the charming ambiance of this beautiful hill station. Here, you will first visit the ancient Nag Temple which is believed to be more than 600 years old. The Nag Temple is dedicated to the serpent God and it is believed that the temple has been built at the site where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.

After seeking the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and Nag Devta Ji, you will head towards Sanasar, which is a popular tourist attraction that is known for its breathtaking meadows, cedar forests, a beautiful man-made lake, and captivating panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Apart from marvelling at the scenic landscape of Sanasar and enjoying it’s peaceful ambiance, you can also engage in various adventurous activities like paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding (at your own expense).

Soon, you will have an enchanting experience of witnessing the hues of the sky and the lush green landscape change with the setting sun. After this, you will bid farewell to Sanasar and return back to Patnitop to check-in to your cozy hotel, where you will have a delicious dinner and a restful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to another refreshing day in the valley of Kashmir, freshen-up, relish a scrumptious breakfast and then you will set out on a short journey back to Jammu.

As you travel from Patnitop to Jammu, you will witness a scenic transition from the high mountain ranges of Patnitop to the plains of Jammu.

However, enroute Jammu, you have the option to visit the Jambu Zoo to witness the wildlife up close, but at your own cost. The Jambu zoo is also known as the Rani Park and is home to a wide variety of wild animals like leopards, lions, tigers, bears, deer, monkeys, and porcupines. Apart from that, it also houses various species of birds like peacocks, parrots, pigeons, ducks, and even reptiles like crocodiles & snakes.

After spending some quality time exploring the Jambu Zoo, you will have an option of indulging in a shopping spree in the vibrant bazaars of Jammu, renowned for their traditional handicrafts, spices, clothing, and delicious local cuisines.

As per your departure schedule, we will drop you at the railway station, airport or the ISBT, to help you with your journey back home. As you depart from Jammu, this enchanting spiritual ‘Vaishno Devi Yatra’ tour comes to an end, leaving you with cherished memories of the divine blessings enriched with cultural and natural experiences.