Majestic Udhampur

On arrival you will be picked up from Jammu Airport / Railway Station and transfer to hotel for Check-in. Check in as per standard time (1400 – 1600 hours). Rest of the time is free at leisure. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.
Or you can also begin your journey to Mata Ji in the late evening. Please do not miss to get your RFID based Yatra Access Card from the counters available at Airport / Railway Station. You may also get it online from https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/causes/yatra-registration

Today, we will do trekking of Vaishno Devi shrine, which is around 13 Kms and at an altitude of an around 6000 Ft. (at Bhairo baba) from the sea level. There are few essentials which one need to know and carry on the trek:-
a.            The Yatra Parchi (Journey Slip).
b.            Video Shooting not allowed.
c.             The room reservation papers if any.
d.            The one or two spares garments as per season / weather.
e.            A torch and an umbrella.
f.             Canvas shoes if you are to go on foot.
 
During the trek, you may see lots of pilgrims and rush on the route because of the Holidays and this will be best to watch and to feel the real Indian Crowd. People will be in Festive mood all around, lots of eateries and “bhajans” during this time. Trek for the whole day and after some rest, back to your accommodation unit by the evening. It takes 3 – 6 hours to reach the height and 2 – 4 hours to be back to the town. You may hire pony, palanquin, etc directly by negotiating the rates locally as it is beyond our control. Helicopter tickets are also available from Katra – Sanjichat – Katra and that needs to be booked by the pilgrim itself at-least 60 days advance.
 
For the more information regarding trek and FAQ’s, please click on the link
https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/

We will leave for the Medieval town of Udhampur. You will visit Krimchi Temple Complex en-route. The complex comes after a small hiking of around 500 mtrs to 700 mtrs. This Complex consists of five temples and two shrines. This temple complex is one of the oldest in India and is mixture of Greek and Orrisa (another state of India) Temple’s architecture. Later we will proceed to Udhampur town. Rest of the Day is free and to roam around the Bazaars and to meet locals here. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.

We will head towards a Heritage site which was the Capital of the Ancient town of Jammu. There are ruins of some temples and part of fort in Manwal, built by the son of Pandava king Arjuna, the Babruvahan. This site is around 28 Kms from main town of Udhampur Later, we will visit the Remnants of a fort of Ram Nagar, which served as the capital of old Bandrlta State. This fort is at distance of 40 Kms from Udhampur main city and was constructed by the Bandral lords but was reconstructed and renovated by Raja Suchet Singh, brother of Mahraja Gulab Singh. Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Nawa Mahal (New Palace) is worth seeing in this historic complex. Evening back to Udhampur. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.

After early breakfast, head towards one of the oldest shrines in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. This shrine is said to be 2300 years old. First, we will stop at Gauri Kund which is approx. 40 Kms. from the Udhampur town and is at Altitude of 1225 mts above sea level. The journey is bit mountainous but worth watching. There is a small cave which is associated with the Goddess Parvati, wife of Shiv is a 5 Kms short of Sudh Mahadev Temple. Sculptures from the Hindu mythology can be seen here.

At the distance of about 5 Kms, you will visit the holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the site and temple is said to be more than 2300 years old.

Later, you will visit the Archeological wise important site of Man Talai, red earthen ware and terra cotta figures discovered here. This site is at the distance of 8 Kms. approx. Continue your journey towards Patnitop which is another 42 Kms. from Sudh Mahadev. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.

After early breakfast, take the Gandola Ride (Only gondola in India with over 65 meters of ground clearance and longest span of 849 meters between 2 towers).

Later drive towards the meadow of Sanasar. At 11 kms from Patnitop, Natha Top offers scenic views of the mighty western (Kishtwar) Himalayas and the lower Shivalik range.

Nine kms. down the road, from Natha Top, is Sanasar. As you approach Sanasar, the range on the right is Shanta Ridge, with the Shank Pal Nag temple situated at its highest point of 2800 mts. Sanasar is named after small local lakes, ‘Sana’ & ‘Sar’ is located approx. 20 km west of Patnitop.

Sanasar, the mini Gulmarg and one of the remotest regions of India, is a wonderful hill station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is built in a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. Recently, it has been developed as a golf course for its tourists. While visiting Sanasar, you are provided opportunities for paragliding, parasailing and horse riding also. All these adventure sports activities are controlled by J&K government authorities. The place is a paradise for those who want to explore their latent sporting spirits and sportsmanship. It is particularly famous for the wide range of sporting activities and Tulip Garden. On the return walk around in the meadow and will visit the famous and unique temple dedicated to the Snake lord and made like the Pagodas in Patnitop. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.

It is the famous hilltop, originally called as “Patan da Talab”. Patan da Talab or Patnitop (current name) is situated at an altitude of 2024 mtrs from sea level. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the of the Chenab basin. Walk around in the meadow and will visit the famous and unique temple dedicated to the Snake lord and made like the Pagodas. In the evening drive to Udhampur. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.

This is your last day of the tour. After breakfast check-out from the hotel and you shall be dropped at Katra railway station / Jammu railway station / Jammu airport for onward journey.

Important Note: The above itinerary is indicative and is subject to change during ground operations. Distance and timing(s) mentioned above is approximate.