Katra lies at the foot of the Trikuta hills in Reasi district, at about 2,500 ft, roughly 50 km from Jammu. It exists largely to serve pilgrims, and almost every visitor to Vaishno Devi spends at least a night here.
Key places in Katra
| Place | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Main bus stand | Buses to and from Jammu and beyond. The main Yatra Registration Counter is nearby. |
| Second bus stand (Udhampur Road) | Tour coaches park here; YRC-II registration counter |
| SMVD Katra railway station (SVDK) | Direct trains from Delhi and across India; trains to Kashmir since 2025 |
| Niharika complex | Shrine Board accommodation, enquiry and reservation counter |
| Banganga | First check post on the Yatra, about 1.5 km from the main registration counter |
| Helipad | Helicopter service to Sanjichhat |
Where to stay
Katra has everything from Shrine Board dormitories to private hotels. Shrine Board options include Niharika, Shakti Bhawan and Ashirwad Bhawan near the bus stand, Trikuta Bhawan near YRC-II and the Spiritual Growth Centre near Asia Chowk. See Hotels & stay.
Services for pilgrims
- Free cloak rooms at Shrine Board guest houses, for leaving luggage before the climb
- Banks and ATMs
- Hospital and dispensary, including a 24-hour charitable dispensary run under the Shrine Board
- Shops for hiring or buying walking sticks, shoes, rain covers and torches, plus prasad and souvenirs
Before the Yatra
- Check in and rest.
- Deposit extra luggage.
- Register for the Yatra only when you are ready to start: you must cross Banganga within six hours.
After the Yatra
Rest, then explore nearby places such as Shiv Khori, Patnitop and the temples of Jammu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest airport to Vaishno Devi?
Jammu Airport, about 50 km from Katra by road. Taxis take about 70–80 minutes according to the Shrine Board.
How do I get from Jammu to Katra?
By train from Jammu Tawi to SVDK Katra, by bus (every 10–15 minutes according to the Shrine Board, about 2 hours), or by taxi (about 70–80 minutes). See Jammu to Katra.
Can I combine Vaishno Devi with Kashmir by train?
Yes. Since June 2025 trains run from Katra to the Kashmir valley across the Chenab bridge, including the Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express (about three hours).
Timings, fares, rules and routes can change at short notice. Please confirm time-sensitive details with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or the relevant authority before you travel. Page last reviewed: 4 October 2026.