Pilgrim Tour of Jammu (2N Jammu, 1N Ransoo, 2N Katra) // TSP 129

Today, proceed towards the Old Jammu for the Heritage walk. Explore the ancient city of Jammu where the past is juxtaposed with the future. Start your tour from the gardens of Amar Mahal (Closed on Monday), which is built like a French Chateau overlooking the River Tawi. Maharani Tara Devi, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh ji, resided in this palace for many years. This is also called as Queen’s Palace. Visit the Museum, where the Throne, made of pure Gold still charms many (Museum is closed on Mondays and National Holidays).

Later, head towards the Fort area, which is known as Mubarak Mandi, you will visit one of the unique forts in the India with the original Architectural things and which is the blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and Baroque architectural elements. After fort and museum, you will be taken through old and historic lanes of Jammu old city, where you can treasure memories for the lifetime.

In the evening, visit famous Raghunath ji Temple and Bazaar. The Temple is the largest temples complex in North India. It contains representatives of almost the entire Hindu pantheon. Stay overnight at hotel.

Leave for Akhnoor, which is approx. 30 Kms. from Jammu. Visits some pre-historic sites at Akhnoor, which was a Greek trading . You will see the glimpses of the earliest of the Civilization known to mankind, The Harrapan or Indus-Valley Civilization, which is some 3rd Century BCE old.

Later visit the Temple, where the Coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh ji was done by Maharaja Ranjit singh ji of Punjab (Lahore) and then Visit the Buddhist Site of Ambaran.

After lunch, proceed to Ransoo, which is the base camp of the Shiv Khori trek, which is considered to be one of the Important pilgrimage site to be visited in India. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, this shrine is some 100 meters long and is formed in the shape of lord Shiva’s damroo, i.e, wider at the two ends and narrow at the center.

Overnight at Tourist Reception Center, Ransoo.

Today, after a lite breakfast, we will trek for 3.5 Kms. Approx. to reach the shrine of Shiv-Khori. On the route, you will find many enthusiast pilgrims from all parts of India following different ways of trekking to make the lord happy.

This holy cave is 100 mtrs long ending into a huge hall and houses a 4 foot high Svayambhu Lingam, which constantly bathes in a milky limestone fluid dripping from a tiny stalactite jetting down from the ceiling.

After the visit, we will trek down 4 kms and will proceed towards the other shrines like Sihad baba, Dera baba banda Gurdwara and Baba Dhansar before reaching to the holy town of Katra. Evening is at leisure.

Stay overnight in the hotel.

Day will be engaged for trekking of Shri Mata Viashno Devi shrine, which is around 13 Kms (one way) and at an altitude of an around 6000 Ft. (at Bhairo baba) from the sea level. It takes 4 – 5 hrs to reach the height and 3 – 4 hrs to be back to the town.

For the more information regarding trek and FAQ’s, please click on the link
https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/help_desk_faqs1.asp

Check-out from the hotel and you will be transferred to Jammu airport / railway station for your onward journey.