Pilgrims climbing stone steps beside rock walls and buildings at Shiv Khori in Reasi district

Pilgrimage · Reasi district

Shiv Khori

A revered cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Reasi district, reached by a walk of a few kilometres from the base at Ransoo — a popular day trip from Katra.

Distance
About 80 km from Katra by road (sources vary)
Best time
All year; Maha Shivratri brings large crowds

Shiv Khori is a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the hills of Reasi district, and one of the most visited pilgrimages in the Jammu region after Vaishno Devi. Inside the cave is a naturally formed Shivlinga, worshipped by devotees.

Getting there

  • Vehicles go as far as Ransoo, the base camp.
  • From Ransoo, a walk of about 3–4 km on a developed track leads to the cave. Ponies and palkis are usually available.
  • Most pilgrims visit as a day trip from Katra by taxi. The hill roads take several hours each way.

Tips

  • Start early to avoid the afternoon heat and crowds.
  • Inside, the cave narrows in places.
  • Maha Shivratri draws very large crowds.

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.

Also worth visiting

The steel arch of the Chenab rail bridge spanning a deep river gorge between mountains in Reasi district

Chenab Rail Bridge

A landmark railway arch high above the Chenab river in Reasi district, crossed by trains between Katra and the Kashmir valley.

Kol Kandoli Temple, Nagrota

A temple near Nagrota that tradition associates with the Pandavas and with Mata Vaishno Devi. Some pilgrims stop here on the way to Katra.