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Katra · Trikuta hills · Jammu & Kashmir

Vaishno Devi Yatra Packages

Mata Vaishno Devi's holy cave sits in the Trikuta hills above Katra, about 12 km up a well-lit, paved path. It is open all year and draws millions of pilgrims. We plan Katra stays, your RFID yatra card, helicopter or pony options and the Bhairon temple darshan, so the only thing you need to do is walk and chant "Jai Mata Di".

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Trek
About 12 km from Katra to Bhawan
Altitude
About 1,580 m at the Bhawan
Open
All year, 24 hours
Base town
Katra
Fastest train
Vande Bharat, New Delhi to Katra
Must carry
RFID yatra card and photo ID

Vaishno Devi Yatra packages

Train + road

Vaishno Devi from Delhi

Delhi → Katra → Bhawan → Bhairon → Katra → Shiv Khori → Delhi

3N / 4DView plan →

Vaishno Devi by Helicopter

Katra → Sanjichhat · About 8 minutes

View plan →
Road

Vaishno Devi with Amritsar

Delhi → Amritsar → Wagah → Katra → Bhawan → Delhi

5N / 6DView plan →

About Mata Vaishno Devi

The Goddess is worshipped in the cave as three natural rock forms, the Pindis, representing Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Legend holds that the young devotee Vaishnavi meditated here and was pursued by Bhairon Nath, whom she defeated at the cave's mouth. Before he died he asked for forgiveness, and the Goddess blessed him. That is why pilgrims complete the yatra with darshan at the Bhairon temple above the Bhawan.

Ways to reach the Bhawan

OptionFromTime upNotes
WalkKatra (Banganga)5–7 hrsVia Ardhkuwari, or the gentler new Tarakote route
Pony or palkiKatra3–4 hrsFixed rates, pay at the counter
Battery carArdhkuwariAbout 20 minOn the new track; limited seats, book on the day
HelicopterKatra helipad to SanjichhatAbout 8 min + 2.5 km walkBook only through the Shrine Board's official portal
RopewayBhawan to Bhairon templeA few minutesSaves the steep 1.5 km climb

RFID yatra card: required for every pilgrim

Every pilgrim needs an RFID yatra card from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. You can register online in advance, or collect the card free from the registration counters at Katra with your photo ID. It is checked at Banganga, and the yatra must be started within a set time of issue. Read our Vaishno Devi yatra guide.

Best time to visit Vaishno Devi

  • March to June: pleasant days and busy weekends
  • July to August: monsoon showers, with fewer crowds but slippery paths
  • September to October: clear weather, but Navratri brings very large crowds
  • November to February: cold, with snow possible at Bhairon. The quietest and, for many, the most peaceful time

Frequently asked questions

How many days are needed for Vaishno Devi yatra?

Two nights in Katra are enough for the darshan and Bhairon temple. From Delhi, plan 3 nights / 4 days by train or car.

Is the RFID card compulsory for Vaishno Devi?

Yes. Every pilgrim needs an RFID yatra card. It is free and available online or at the Katra counters.

How do I book the Vaishno Devi helicopter?

Only through the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board portal. Be careful of fake websites offering helicopter tickets.

Can elderly pilgrims do the Vaishno Devi yatra?

Yes. Use the helicopter to Sanjichhat, a pony or palki, or the battery car from Ardhkuwari. We plan the yatra around their comfort.

Is Vaishno Devi open at night?

Yes. The track is open 24 hours and well lit, and many pilgrims walk at night to avoid the daytime heat and crowds.

Keep planning

Last updated 6 October 2026

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