The Yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi is a climb from the base town of Katra to the Holy Cave at the Bhawan, about 12–13 km away and roughly 2,700 ft higher. Millions of pilgrims make it every year, from young children to the elderly. With a little planning it is a safe and deeply rewarding journey.
The Yatra in seven steps
- Choose your dates. The Yatra is open all year, but crowds peak in summer holidays, the Navratras and around New Year. See Best time to visit.
- Book travel to Katra. Trains run to Katra itself; Jammu has the nearest airport. See How to reach Katra.
- Book a place to stay in Katra for at least one night. See Hotels & stay.
- Register for the Yatra and collect your free RFID Yatra Access Card. See Yatra registration.
- Start the climb within the time limit on the card — on foot, by pony, palki, battery car (part of the way) or helicopter (to Sanjichhat).
- Have darshan of the Holy Pindis at the Bhawan.
- Visit Bhairon Temple (optional, but most pilgrims go) and return to Katra.
Routes up the mountain
All routes begin at Katra and pass the Banganga check post. Beyond that you have a choice:
| Route | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (old) track via Charan Paduka, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat | About 13 km to the Bhawan | Ponies use this track. Passes the Garbh Joon cave at Adhkuwari. |
| Alternate track via Himkoti (from just below Adhkuwari) | About 500 m shorter than the old track beyond Adhkuwari | Opened in 1999. Wider, gentler, no ponies; battery cars run here. |
| Tarakote Marg (Banganga area to Adhkuwari) | About 7 km | Opened in 2018 for walking pilgrims, with food outlets, water points and shelters. |
See the interactive Yatra route and Katra to Bhawan: the tracks compared.
How long does it take?
There is no official timing, and it depends on fitness, crowds and the wait for darshan. As a rough guide, many walking pilgrims take 5–8 hours to climb and somewhat less to come down, plus time in the darshan queue — which can stretch to many hours on peak days. Plan for a full day and night, and keep a buffer in your travel plans.
Ways to make the climb easier
- Ponies, palkis and pithus — hire only registered operators at the official rates.
- Battery car — between Adhkuwari and the Bhawan on the alternate track, primarily for the elderly, sick and differently-abled; book on the official portal.
- Helicopter — Katra to Sanjichhat, then about 2.5 km to the Bhawan; book only on the official portal.
- Bhawan–Bhairon ropeway — for the final climb to Bhairon Temple.
Capacity and "waiting"
The holy mountain can only hold a limited number of people. According to the Shrine Board, about 30,000–35,000 pilgrims can have darshan in a day. When arrivals exceed this, registration is paused and pilgrims are asked to wait in Katra. Weekends in May and June, the second half of December, school holidays and the Navratras commonly see waiting.
Staying safe
See the full Do's and Don'ts and What to carry.
Important contact numbers
These numbers are published by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Confirm them on the official website (opens in a new tab) as they can change.
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| General helpline (24×7) | 1800-180-7212, 01991-234804 |
| WhatsApp helpline | 99060 19494 |
| Enquiries & reservations | 01991-234053, 9906019446, 9906019460 |
| Online services support | 01991-232887 |
| Joint Control Room, Katra | 9797477777 |
| Joint Control Room, Bhawan | 9906019464 |
| District Administration, Reasi | 01991-245587 |
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Vaishno Devi trek take?
It varies with fitness, crowds and the route. Many walking pilgrims allow most of a day for the round trip, plus time in the darshan queue, which can be long at peak times. Plan for a full day and night.
Is darshan open at night?
Yes. According to the Shrine Board, darshan is open round the clock throughout the year. It pauses for about two hours during the morning and evening aarti.
What should I wear for the Yatra?
Comfortable flat-soled shoes with good grip, and layers. Even in summer the Bhawan is cool at night, and in winter heavy woollens are needed. Carry rain protection in the monsoon. See What to carry.
Can I carry my mobile phone?
Phones, cameras, belts, combs, shoes and other items not allowed in the Holy Cave must be deposited at the free cloak rooms at the Bhawan before darshan. Rules on electronic items along the track can change, so follow the instructions of security staff.
Is food available on the way?
Yes. The Shrine Board runs Bhojanalayas at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and the Bhawan (round the clock at the Bhawan) and refreshment units along both tracks. Food on the route is vegetarian.
Do I need to visit Bhairon Temple?
It is optional, but many devotees believe the Yatra is complete only after visiting Bhairon Temple, about 1.5 km above the Bhawan. A passenger ropeway connects the Bhawan and Bhairon Ghati.
Can I stay overnight at the Bhawan?
Yes. The Shrine Board offers rented rooms and dormitories (book on the official portal) and free rest halls on a first-come, first-served basis, with free blankets against a refundable deposit.
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.