Blog

February 18, 2025

Vaishno Devi. Tucked away in the misty hills of Jammu, this sacred pilgrimage is a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and devotion. If you’re seeking a peaceful escape or an exhilarating trek, this detailed Vaishno Devi itinerary caters to all types of travelers. This challenging yet rewarding hike to the holy shrine to exploring the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes, every step promises awe-inspiring experiences. Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirituality, culture, and natural wonders of this timeless destination!

Mr Jitendra Samtani, Travel Design Pvt. Ltd, Marketing Director says, "Embarking on the Vaishno Devi Yatra is not just a journey; it is a sacred experience that nurtures the soul, renews faith, and connects travellers to the divine, at Travel Design Pvt. Ltd, we take pride in offering a seamless, enriching pilgrimage that ensures every devotee walks this path with reverence, comfort, and serenity. Let us guide you through this unforgettable journey of devotion and discovery."

BEST TIME TO VISIT VAISHNO DEVI

The best time to visit Vaishno Devi is from October to June when temperatures range from a cool 10°C to a comfortable 30°C, offering pilgrims and tourists favourable weather conditions for their spiritual journey.

HOW TO REACH VAISHNO DEVI

Air

• The nearest airport to Vaishno Devi is Jammu Airport (Jammu Civil Enclave), which is around 50 km away from Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi.
• Major airlines connect Jammu to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar.

Train

• The nearest railway station is Katra Railway Station, located about 1-2 km from the Vaishno Devi base camp.
• Jammu Tawi Railway Station is another option, situated 50 km away from Katra. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Katra.

Road

• Katra is well-connected by road to major cities like Jammu, Srinagar, and Delhi.
• You can take a bus or taxi from Jammu (50 km away) or nearby towns to reach Katra.
• National Highway 44 (NH44) connects Jammu to Katra.
• From Katra, a 14 km trek or a pony ride | palki can take you to Vaishno Devi temple.

 

 

Vaishno Devi Yatra Detailed Itinerary

The Vaishno Devi Yatra, nestled in the serene Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, is a spiritual journey undertaken by millions of devotees each year. Here’s a meticulously crafted itinerary to ensure travelers have a seamless and fulfilling yatra experience:

Day 1: Arrival in Jammu

• Morning:
  • Arrive at Jammu Airport or Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
  • Meet Travel Design coordinator and proceed to Katra (approximately 1.5–2 hours by road).
• Afternoon:
  • Check into your hotel in Katra and rest.
  • Collect Yatra Parchi (travel permit) online or at the Yatra Registration Counter in Katra. ( Travel deisgn Pvt Ltd can book your yatra online registration and permits application bookings) We at Travel Deisgn specialize in consolidated tailor-made packages.
• Evening:
  • Attend the evening aarti at a local temple in Katra. (VIP Aarti by Travel Deisgn Pvt Ltd).
  • Enjoy a light dinner and prepare for the yatra the following day.

 

Day 2: Trek to Vaishno Devi Bhawan

• Early Morning:
  • Start the trek to Vaishno Devi Bhawan (14 km from Katra) around 4:00–5:00 AM. If you want Tour Guide., we at Travel Design will give complete hand holding support.
  • Options:
    • On foot: Enjoy the traditional trek with scenic views on horseback or by plaki.
    • Battery-operated vehicles: Available up to Ardhkuwari.
    • Ponies/Palkis: Convenient for those unable to trek long distances.
    • Helicopter: Board a helicopter from Katra to Sanjichhat (5-minute ride) for a quicker option. (Travel deisgn Pvt Ltd can book your helicopter service)
• Midway Stops:
  • Banganga (1 km): The first checkpoint with water believed to have been created by Goddess Vaishno Devi.
  • Charan Paduka (2.5 km): A sacred spot where the Goddess’s footprints are enshrined.
  • Ardhkuwari (6 km): Visit the Holy Cave where the Goddess meditated for nine months. Darshan here may take 1–2 hours.
  • Refreshments: Multiple eateries and resting areas (Himkoti and Adhkuwari) along the route offer snacks and tea.
• Afternoon:
  • Reach Vaishno Devi Bhawan.
  • Freshen up and deposit your belongings in lockers.
  • Offer prayers and seek the Goddess’s blessings.
• Evening:
  • Begin the descent back to Katra (if trekking).
  • Reach Katra, Rest in the comfort if your hotel. If your require a massage or a foot soak please connect with the hotel concierge team.

Day 3: Bhairon Temple Visit and Return to Katra

• Morning:
  • If staying overnight, trek or use a ropeway to visit Bhairon Temple (2 km uphill from Bhawan).
  • Seek blessings from Bhairon Nath, as it is believed that the yatra is incomplete without visiting this temple.
• Afternoon:
  • Descend to Katra via trek, ponies, or battery-operated vehicles.
  • Arrive back at your Katra hotel by late afternoon.
• Evening:
  • Relax and rejuvenate after the trek.
  • Stroll through Katra’s local markets for souvenirs and prasad. (Travel deisgn Pvt Ltd can plan your customise Vaishno Devi Yatra itinerary )

Day 4: Departure

• Morning:
  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
  • Depart from Katra to Jammu via road.
• Afternoon:
  • Optional: Visit Raghunath Temple and Mubarak Mandi Palace in Jammu.
• Evening:
  • Transfer to Jammu Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.

Additional Tips for Travellers

1. Clothing:
   • Wear comfortable trekking shoes and layered clothing (the weather can change unexpectedly).
2. Essentials to Carry:
   • ID proof, Yatra Parchi, water bottle, snacks, raincoat/umbrella, and first aid kit.
3. Helicopter Booking:
   • Book tickets in advance through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board website.
4. Medical Assistance:
   • Medical units and pharmacies are available at regular intervals during the trek.
5. Eco-Friendly Travel:
   • Avoid littering and carry reusable bottles and bags.
6. Best Time to Visit:
   • March to October (pleasant weather) or during Navratri for an enhanced spiritual vibe.

MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO VAISHNO DEVI

• Katra to Bhawan is 13km. It takes 5-8 hours to climb and 3-6 hours to ascend
• Katra is the base camp for Vaishno Devi Yatra. Bus, taxi and train is available to Katra. Flight is available to Jammu (View full details)
• 2 routes from Katra to Ardhkuwari (mid-point of the trek). The old route is 5.5km. This has Charan Paduka temple enroute. The new route is 7.5km. This is better to come down as it is steeper
• Ardhkuwari to Vaishno Devi Bhawan has 2 routes. One is 6.5km steep uphill. The other one is shorter 5.5 km and less steep
• Katra to Bhawan: Mule: INR 1250 one side/per person, Palki: INR 3150 one side/pp, Pitthoo: INR 540 one side/pp
• Ropeway: INR 100 two way/pp from Bhawan to Bhairon Nath Temple
• Helicopter: INR 1730 from Katra to Sanjichhat (1.5km from Bhawan). Ponies are also available from Helipad to Bhavan
• Massage chairs available on the entire route. Cost around INR 50 for 15 minutes.
• Toilets available on every 300-400 mts
• Shrine board Yatri Niwas near Katra bus stop ideal for a short stay of few hours
• Shrine board shop near Bhawan is best to buy prasad
• Mobile, wallets, cameras and belts are not allowed inside the Ardhkuwari temple and main bhawan.
• Free and paid basic accommodation is available at Katra, Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. The reservation has to be made at the Enquiry and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex located near the Katra Bus Stand.

VAISHNO DEVI YATRA REGISTRATION PROCESS

All pilgrims must register themselves before undertaking the Vaishno Devi Yatra. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is the sole statutory and legal authority for the registration process. Here's how the registration works:

Website: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/causes/yatra-registration

Online Registration

• The registration process is completely online and free of charge.
• Pilgrims are required to register at the Yatra Registration Counter (YRC) at the Katra bus stand.

RFID Yatra Access Card

• Upon registration, pilgrims are photographed and issued a RFID Yatra Access Card.
• This RFID card serves as documentary permission to proceed on the journey to the shrine.

Mandatory Checkpost Crossing

• Pilgrims must cross the first Check Post located at Banganga (1.5 km from the YRC) within 6 hours of receiving the RFID card.
• Failure to do so will result in the confiscation of the RFID card, and the pilgrim will need to obtain a new one.
• Note: If pilgrims are found without an RFID card at Bhawan or en route, they will be turned back, and disciplinary action may be taken.

Yatra Counter No. II

• To reduce waiting times, a second counter, YRC-II, has been established near the second bus stand, approximately 1 km from the main YRC on the Udhampur road. This counter is especially useful for pilgrims arriving by coaches.

Waiting Phenomenon

• Due to the limited capacity of the Holy Trikuta Mountain, only 30,000-35,000 pilgrims can have Darshan per day. During peak rush periods (like weekends in May, June, and December), the number of pilgrims may exceed the capacity, leading to waiting.
• During waiting periods, no new yatra registrations are issued. Pilgrims are advised to check the yatra status on the official website before planning their trip.

 

Tips for a Comfortable Yatra

Clothing: Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate attire and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Packing Essentials: Carry a light backpack with water bottles, snacks, a first-aid kit, and necessary identification documents.

Health Precautions: Stay hydrated, take breaks, and consult medical aid if needed.

Respect the Environment: Avoid littering and adhere to eco-friendly practices to preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage.

Additional Experiences

Helicopter Service: For those short on time, helicopter rides are available from Katra to Sanjichhat, reducing the trek considerably.

Cultural Immersion: Explore the vibrant local markets of Katra, offering souvenirs, dry fruits, and handicrafts.

Local Cuisine: Relish regional delicacies such as Rajma Chawal, Kachalu Chaat, and Kaladi Kulcha.

ACCOMMODATION

Luxury Accommodation

• WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels - Katra
• Vivanta Katra, Vaishno Devi
• Fortune Park, Katra by ITC
• Katra Marriott Resort & Spa

Mid-Luxury Accommodation

• Ramada by Wyndham Katra Station Road
• The White Hotel Katra
• Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi
• Lemon Tree Hotel Katra

Budget Accommodation

• Hotel Shree Hari Niwas
• Katra Guest House
• Vaishno Devi Yatri Niwas

(Travel deisgn Pvt Ltd can book your accommodation as per your requirements)     

Conclusion

In conclusion, this meticulously crafted Vaishno Devi itinerary ensures a perfect blend of spiritual fulfilment, cultural immersion, and serene relaxation. This journey is not just a pilgrimage but an experience that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul, offering a harmonious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With thoughtful planning and attention to every detail, this itinerary guarantees a seamless and enriching experience for travelers seeking spiritual solace and tranquility.

Dr Niraalee Shah Travel Design Pvt. Ltd.'s specializes in curating tailor-made itineraries, we ensure a seamless and bespoke journey that perfectly aligns with your preferences, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this sacred journey with comfort and ease. Let us create an unforgettable travel experience for you.

Jai Mata Di!