How should I plan my first solo trip to vaishnodevi?
Hello Quoran!Going to vaishno devi is not a tough journey. You just need to check a few things and you are good to go solo or in group.Although it's a place where people prefer going with family or friends but it can be equally exciting for a solo traveler, given that he must know what is he seeking out of his trip.It's holy place and people have so much faith in mata vaishno devi that anticipation of darshan makes it exciting.As a solo backpacker, you can enjoy scenic beauty as well as the heights of faith of people. You will see people coming there from different parts of country.I would suggest you toTalk to other yatris on the way about their story of faith in mata vaishno devi (you may get to know some amazing things and you will feel that how miracle happens when you jeep faith)Eat at bhojnalay (भोजनालय) rather than hotels to taste the real flavour of that placeGo on foot rather than taking pony for the way from katra to bhawan. It may be a bit tiring but then, it ll be worth the experience.Keep your zest alive. Be ready to stand in long queue for darshanI have written my experience of vaishno devi darshan and useful tips for travellers. Please check यात्रा श्री माता वैष्णो देवी की !!I hope this helps. If you need to know more then please comment or message. I would be happy to answer.Jai mata di!!SS
How can I take my grandparents to Vaishno Devi if they can't walk for long time?
Jai mata di!Thanks for A2A!There are two other way to reach Vaishno devi bhawan for older people.PalkiesYou can hire Palkies as shown in figure. Palkies are easily available and completely safe for people who can’t walk and are afraid to sit on pony.Second option is of helicopter. You can take your parents to bhawan by helicopter which available from Katra to Sanjhichhat helipad. From there bhawan is near and you can reach there by walking. Tickets for helicopter are affordable and booking is available online. It can save your time too. But If you want to enjoy the yatra then go for palkies.There are fixed rates for ponies and palkies. You can get easily get information about them once you reach katra.*Rates shown in figure are for idea as they may get revised.Also, you can book room or dormitories online, near bhawan area so that your parents can take rest, if needed.You can check complete booking details, cost about helicopter and rooms here - SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI SHRINE BOARDHave a safe and soulful yatra!Jai mata di!
What budget is sufficient for a Vaishno Devi tour on an average basis?
On the cheaper side-Get down at Katra station and you can then take an auto or walk to any hotel… Auto will cost around Rs. 50.Hotel per day will cost you on an average Rs. 1000.Food per day will cost around Rs. 400 (Breakfast, lunch and dinner and other snacks included)If you walk to Banganga. (from where the yatra starts) , then you save money.You walk the whole way up, you save money but lose energy and time.Bhaint will cost you around Rs. 100 on an average. There are different prices for different sizesSo, the cheap tour will cost you nearly Rs. 1500 for one day.On the expensive sideYou get down at Jammu station and take a cab to Katra. (Rs. 1500 average)Take an auto to a hotel (Rs. 50)Hotel (Rs. 1800)Food (Rs. 500)Auto to Banganga (Rs. 100)Horse or pony (Rs. 800)Bhaint (Rs. 100)Total Rs. 4850/-So, on an average the price can be anywhere between around Rs. 1500 to Rs. 5000