- From Pathankot
- ≈ 160 km (about 3.5 hrs by road)
- Best time
- March to June and September to December; Navratri is very crowded
- Altitude
- Bhawan ≈ 1,585 m
- Good for families
- Yes — ponies and palkis help children and elders
About Vaishno Devi (Katra)
The cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi sits in the Trikuta mountains above Katra. Pilgrims register at Katra, receive an RFID Yatra card and walk roughly 12–13 km from Banganga to the Bhawan, passing Ardh Kuwari on the way. Ponies, palkis, battery cars on part of the route and a helicopter to Sanjichhat are also available. After darshan, many pilgrims continue to the Bhairon Nath temple above the Bhawan. The yatra runs year-round; registration is free and handled only by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Highlights
Holy cave shrine
Darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Trikuta hills
About 12–13 km of paved trek.
RFID registration
Free, mandatory card from the Shrine Board.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to December; Navratri is very crowded
How to Reach
By road: about 160 km from Pathankot via Jammu, roughly 3.5 hours. By train: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station has direct trains. Nearest airport: Jammu.
Local Food
Vegetarian food only on the route; Shrine Board bhojanalayas and dhabas in Katra.
Stay Options
Hotels in Katra; Shrine Board accommodation at Katra and the Bhawan (book on the official site).
Places to see
Top attractions in Vaishno Devi (Katra)
Must-visit places in and around Vaishno Devi (Katra).
- 01
≈ 12–13 km from Banganga
Vaishno Devi Bhawan
The cave shrine at the top of the trek.
- 02
Midway
Ardh Kuwari
Cave temple roughly halfway up the route.
- 03
Above the Bhawan
Bhairon Nath Temple
Temple above the Bhawan, traditionally visited after darshan.
- 04
Start of the yatra
Katra town
Base town with registration counters, hotels and markets.
Things To Do
Walk the yatra
Start early or trek overnight in summer.
Take the helicopter
Katra–Sanjichhat; book only on the official Shrine Board site.
Visit Bhairon temple
After darshan at the Bhawan.
Suggested Itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Drive/train to Katra, register, start the trek in the afternoon or night.
- 2
Day 2
Darshan at the Bhawan, Bhairon temple, descend and rest in Katra.
Photo Gallery
Travel Tips
Registration is free — use only the official Shrine Board site or counters.
You must cross the Banganga check post within six hours of getting your RFID card.
Carry a light jacket even in summer; nights at the Bhawan are cool.
Phones and leather items are not allowed inside the cave area — use the free cloak rooms.
