How long does the Vaishno Devi trek take?

The 13 km trek from Katra to the shrine typically takes 5-7 hours depending on fitness and pace. The return trek is 3-4 hours. Most pilgrims complete the round trip in one day.

Is yatra registration mandatory for Vaishno Devi?

Yes, registration is mandatory. You can register online at the SMVDSB website (maavaishnodevi.org) or at the registration counter in Katra. A yatra slip with time slot is issued.

Are there alternatives to trekking to Vaishno Devi?

Yes. You can hire a pony, palki (palanquin), or take a helicopter from Katra to Sanjichhat (9.5 km). Battery-operated vehicles cover part of the route. The last 1.5 km to the cave must be covered on foot.

What should I carry for the Vaishno Devi yatra?

Carry comfortable trekking shoes, a raincoat, water bottle, light snacks, warm clothing (especially in winter), a torch, and your yatra registration slip. Keep luggage minimal.

Is Vaishno Devi temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the shrine is open all year round. However, the trek can be challenging in winter (December-February) due to snow. Check weather and route conditions before planning a winter visit.

How many pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi every year?

Approximately 8 million pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi each year, making it one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. Navratri season sees the highest footfall.

How long does the Vaishno Devi trek take?

The 13 km trek from Katra to the shrine typically takes 5-7 hours depending on fitness and pace. The return trek is 3-4 hours. Most pilgrims complete the round trip in one day.

Is yatra registration mandatory for Vaishno Devi?

Yes, registration is mandatory. You can register online at the SMVDSB website (maavaishnodevi.org) or at the registration counter in Katra. A yatra slip with time slot is issued.

Are there alternatives to trekking to Vaishno Devi?

Yes. You can hire a pony, palki (palanquin), or take a helicopter from Katra to Sanjichhat (9.5 km). Battery-operated vehicles cover part of the route. The last 1.5 km to the cave must be covered on foot.

What should I carry for the Vaishno Devi yatra?

Carry comfortable trekking shoes, a raincoat, water bottle, light snacks, warm clothing (especially in winter), a torch, and your yatra registration slip. Keep luggage minimal.

Is Vaishno Devi temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the shrine is open all year round. However, the trek can be challenging in winter (December-February) due to snow. Check weather and route conditions before planning a winter visit.

How many pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi every year?

Approximately 8 million pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi each year, making it one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. Navratri season sees the highest footfall.

SHAKTI PEETH

Vaishno Devi Temple

Katra, Jammu and Kashmir

Main God

Goddess Vaishno Devi (Mahalakshmi)

Timings

Open from early morning (hours vary by season)

Location

Katra

Type

SHAKTI PEETH

Open from early morning (hours vary by season)

Plan Visit

Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, attracting approximately 8 million pilgrims every year. Situated at an altitude of 5,200 feet in the Trikuta Hills near Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, the shrine is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Mahalakshmi. The sanctum sanctorum is a natural cave housing three natural rock formations called Pindis, representing the three forms of the Goddess — Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali. The trek from Katra to the cave shrine covers 13 kilometres. The shrine is managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), which oversees all facilities along the route. A visit to Bhairav Temple, located 2.5 km beyond the main cave, is considered essential to complete the pilgrimage.

Darshan Guide

Register for Yatra

Register online at the SMVDSB website or at the Yatra Registration Counter in Katra. You will receive a yatra slip with a group number and time slot — this is mandatory.

Start Trek from Katra — Ban Ganga

Begin the 13 km trek from Katra. The first stop is Ban Ganga (1.5 km), where pilgrims wash their hands and feet in the sacred stream before proceeding uphill.

Adikumari and Ardhkuwari Cave

At around 6 km, reach Ardhkuwari — a narrow cave where the Goddess is believed to have meditated for nine months. Many pilgrims stop here for rest and darshan.

Cave Darshan at the Main Shrine

Enter the sacred cave to have darshan of the three holy Pindis — natural rock formations representing Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali. Water flows through the cave naturally.

Visit Bhairav Temple

After cave darshan, trek 2.5 km further to Bhairav Temple. The pilgrimage is considered incomplete without visiting this shrine where Bhairavnath's head is believed to have fallen.

Temple Rules & Guidelines

Visitor Tips

Book your yatra slip online in advance — it is mandatory and walk-in slots fill up fast during peak season
Wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip — the 13 km path is paved but steep in sections
Carry a raincoat or poncho — the mountain weather is unpredictable throughout the year
Start the trek early morning or late evening to avoid midday heat during summer months
Carry light snacks and a water bottle — refreshment stalls are available along the route but queues can be long
Keep your luggage minimal — heavy bags make the uphill trek exhausting. Cloakrooms available in Katra
Use the free langar (community kitchen) facilities along the route for meals

Mistakes to Avoid

Do not skip Bhairav Temple after the main cave darshan — the pilgrimage is considered incomplete without it
Do not start the trek without the mandatory yatra registration slip — you will be turned back at checkpoints
Do not underestimate the trek — 13 km uphill at altitude requires reasonable fitness. Elderly pilgrims should consider pony or helicopter options
Do not carry excess baggage — only essentials are allowed inside the cave shrine
Do not plan your visit during heavy snowfall months (December-January) without checking weather advisories

Please follow these guidelines to maintain the sanctity of the temple

How to Reach

By Bus

Regular J&K SRTC and private buses from Jammu to Katra (42 km, 1.5 hours). Buses also available from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar to Katra.

By Air

Jammu Airport (50 km from Katra). Taxis and buses available from Jammu to Katra. Some helicopter services operate from Katra to Sanjichhat near the shrine.

By Rail

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (SVDK) is the nearest, well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities via direct trains.

Local Transport

From Katra, the 13 km trek to the shrine can be done on foot, by pony, palki (palanquin), or helicopter (Katra to Sanjichhat). Battery-operated vehicles available for part of the route.

Nearby Attractions

Bhairav Temple

2.5 km from main shrine

Sacred temple of Bhairavnath located above the main cave. Visiting here completes the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.

Ardhkuwari

6 km from Katra

A narrow cave temple where Goddess Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months. An important stop on the yatra route.

Ban Ganga

1.5 km from Katra

Sacred stream where the Goddess is believed to have shot an arrow to create a water source. Pilgrims wash here before starting the climb.

Sanjhi Chhat

9.5 km from Katra

A viewpoint and helipad station on the trek route offering panoramic views of the surrounding Trikuta Hills.

Katra Market

0 km (base town)

The bustling base town for the yatra with shops selling puja items, dry fruits, Kashmiri handicrafts, and trekking essentials.