Vaishno Devi (Katra)

Photos

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Best time to go

Sights and activities

Getting there

By bus

JKSRTC and private buses run from Jammu railway station and the Jammu general bus stand to Katra about every 15 minutes from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm. Direct private buses run from Delhi (about 633 km, about 14 hours) and Chandigarh (about 397 km, about 9 hours).

By train

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) is about 1.5 km from Katra town and has about nine trains a day from Delhi, so there is no need to pick a particular one except for the Vande Bharat, which is the fastest at about 8 hours 20 minutes. Sleeper, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier all run daily on the overnight trains, which take 11 to 13 hours. Jammu Tawi, 50 km away, takes the trains that stop short of Katra; buses to Katra leave from beside the station every 10 to 15 minutes.

By air

Jammu Airport is about 50 km from Katra, with flights from Delhi of about 1.5 hours. Taxis run from the airport to Katra.

Where to base yourself

Stay in Katra town near the bus stand and registration counters, with an optional night at Shrine Board rooms at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat or Bhawan.

Getting around

• Most pilgrims walk the 12 to 13 km paved track from Katra to Bhawan, which takes a healthy walker about 4 to 7 hours.
• Ponies cost about Rs 1,500 to 2,500 one way from Katra to Bhawan and palkis about Rs 4,000 to 6,000; fixed official rates are posted on Shrine Board sign boards along the track.
• Helicopters fly from Katra to Sanjichhat in about 8 to 10 minutes for about Rs 1,800 to 1,830 per person one way, booked on the Shrine Board online portal up to 60 days ahead.
• Battery cars cover part of the newer route for about Rs 50 to 100 per section, and the Bhawan to Bhairon ropeway costs about Rs 100 return.
• Autorickshaws link Katra Chowk with the Tarakote Marg start, about 2.5 km away.

Often combined with

Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.

• Amritsar: Train or road via Jammu to Katra, about 5 to 6 hours, about 270 km by road. See the Amritsar and Vaishno Devi trip

Where to stay

Food

Shrine Board Bhojanalayas and view points along the track serve meals and milk for children, and private shops sell snacks. Budget meals run about Rs 300 to 500 a day per person.

Try these

• Langar (free community meal served on the old route)
• Bhojanalaya meals (Shrine Board eateries along the track)

Check locally for vegetarian and Jain options.

Daily costs

Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.

Paid once for the visit

Permits and documents

Yatra registration and an RFID Yatra Access Card are mandatory and free. Register online on the Shrine Board portal or at counters in Katra or at Tarakote Marg, and carry valid ID proof. Helicopter passengers also need ID, address proof and the payment card.

Safety

By day

The track is busy and staffed by Shrine Board, police and medical teams. Use only designated routes and rest at shelters on steep stretches.

At night

The Shrine Board advises not to trek alone, especially at night or in low visibility.

Solo women

The route is crowded with pilgrims; Follow the general advice not to trek alone at night.

Roads

Postpone travel when IMD or the district administration issues rain, cloudburst or landslide alerts, and do not stop near landslide-prone slopes or drains.

Emergency numbers

112 (all emergencies), 1800-180-7212 (Shrine Board toll-free helpline), 9797477777 (Joint Control Room, Katra), 9906019464 (Joint Control Room, Bhawan), 01991-245587 (District Administration, Reasi)

Practical

Mobile network

Prepaid SIM cards from outside Jammu and Kashmir do not work there, so bring a postpaid connection. Postpaid coverage is good in Katra and along the track.

ATMs and cash

The Shrine Board lists banks and ATMs among its yatra facilities.

Fuel

The nearest petrol pump listed is about 4 km from the centre (H P).

Medical

Katra has a block hospital and a 24-hour Shrine Board charitable dispensary; Banganga, Adhkuwari and Sanjichhat have basic emergency care; Bhawan has a dispensary and 24-hour ICU. Advanced treatment is only in Jammu.

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Accessibility

Seniors

Elderly pilgrims should see a doctor before starting. Ponies, palkis, porters, the helicopter and battery cars reduce the walking.

Children

Pithus (porters) can carry small children and milk is available at Shrine Board eateries along the track.

Wheelchair users

The trek is long and steep in parts. Palkis and the helicopter are the main alternatives.

Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.

Culture and responsible travel

• Register before starting the yatra and keep your RFID card with you; it is checked at Banganga and Bhawan.
• Pay only the fixed rates for ponies, palkis and porters, and check that the operator's yearly card is valid.
• Buy helicopter tickets only through the Shrine Board portal or official counter and avoid touts.
• Travel light; bulky luggage, flammable items and sharp objects are not allowed on the track.
• Many pilgrims visit Bhairon Temple after darshan to complete the yatra.

What to pack

• Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence); hotels and permits ask for it
• Proper winter wear: a heavy jacket, thermals, gloves and a cap
• Walking shoes with a good grip, a small daypack and a refillable water bottle
• Clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and socks for hot stone floors where shoes come off. Some temples do not allow phones or bags, so carry little
• Some cash in small notes for autos, stalls and tips
• Your regular medicines, plus basics for stomach upsets, headaches and cuts

Multi-stop trips that include Vaishno Devi

• Amritsar and Vaishno Devi, 4 nights