Vaishno Devi Yatra

The Vaishno Devi shrine (Holy Cave / Bhawan) is one of India's most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites. The yatra begins at Katra (Reasi district), Jammu & Kashmir. The trek from Katra (Banganga/starting point) to the Bhawan is roughly 13–14 km round one-way distances/sections depending on route taken with stops such as Banganga, Charan Paduka, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. Many pilgrims combine walking with assisted transport (battery cars / palki / ponies) or use helicopter services to Sanjichhat.

Tip: Register online before travel for smoother entry & use official booking channels for accommodation and helicopter tickets.

At a glance

• Nearest rail/air hub: Jammu Tawi (≈50 km from Katra)
• Trek distance: ~13–14 km (one way path sections vary)
• Average trek time: 4–6 hours (one-way, depending on fitness & breaks)
• Altitude at Bhawan: ~5,200 ft (approx)
• Official site / booking: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board

Official Shrine Board

How to reach Katra (start point)

By Air

Fly to Jammu Airport (Satwari). From Jammu airport it is a 50–90 minute taxi or bus ride to Katra (≈50 km by road). Taxis and state / private buses connect Jammu to Katra at frequent intervals.

By Train

Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railway station. From Jammu Tawi take a taxi or bus to Katra. Trains from major Indian cities connect to Jammu Tawi.

By Road

Well-maintained roads connect Jammu ↔ Katra. Regular buses and private taxis operate on this route; travel time is roughly 2 hours depending on traffic and weather.

Trek route & modes of travel

The common walking route begins at Banganga / Katra town and passes through Charan Paduka, Adhkuwari, Himkoti, Sanjichhat and finally Bhawan (Holy Cave). Pilgrims may combine walking with the following:

• Battery cars / battery buses — run on specific sections (often for elderly/disabled); availability depends on operational status & weather.
• Ponies and palkis (dandies) — for those who prefer animal or carried transport (book locally).
• Helicopter service — Katra ↔ Sanjichhat helipads: fast but subject to availability, weather and advance booking.
• Ropeway — Bhawan–Bhairon ropeway is available for the Bhaironji shrine section (operational hours may vary).

Operational availability can change during heavy rain, landslides or maintenance — always check official updates before travel.

Booking & Registration (important)

Online Yatra Registration: The Shrine Board encourages pilgrims to register online and uses RFID-based Yatra Access Cards. Accommodation (rooms & dormitories at Jammu, Katra, Bhawan and other locations) and some services can be reserved through the official portal. Helicopter & battery car bookings / fare rules are listed on official booking pages.

Booking windows and cut-offs vary; for helicopter bookings, check the official booking portal well in advance (operators and fare revisions are published by the Shrine Board).

Darshan, Aarti & Timings

The main cave opens early morning; Aarti and bhog are performed daily (morning & evening). Temple opening hours vary by season (summer vs winter)—typical hours are early morning to late evening. During festivals/peak seasons timing and crowd control measures change; follow Shrine Board notices.

If you require special entry (medical or senior citizen assistance), arrive early and coordinate with Shrine Board help-desks in Katra.

Accommodation & Food

The Shrine Board runs guest houses, dormitories and can provide shortlisted accommodation in Katra and at the Bhawan complex. Many private hotels and lodges operate in Katra town. Food stalls and community kitchens provide prasadam, tea & meals along the trek — hygiene standards vary, so prefer packaged/boiled water and freshly cooked meals.

Best time to visit

Spring, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon (March–June, Sept–Nov) are popular. Winters are cold but pilgrimage continues; monsoon months bring slippery trails and occasional service suspensions due to heavy rain/landslides—check latest advisories before travel.

Health, Safety & Tips

• Carry a basic first-aid kit, medicines for altitude/indigestion, ORS and a copy of prescriptions.
• Wear sturdy trekking shoes and layered clothing (mountain weather changes fast).
• Stay hydrated, take breaks, and avoid strenuous pacing if you have heart/respiratory issues.
• Keep ID proof & Yatra registration slip accessible. Photocopies are fine; also keep digital copies.
• Plan for crowd delays at Bhawan — allow extra time for darshan queues.

2-Day Itinerary (easy)

• Arrive Jammu by train/flight → taxi to Katra
• Check-in at hotel, register with Shrine Board, rest & prepare for next day trek

• Early morning start from Banganga / Katra
• Walk/partial battery car / pony to Bhawan → darshan & aarti
• Return to Katra and depart for Jammu or next destination