How to reach Jammu & Katra: Jammu to Katra is ~50 km (approx.), about 1–1.5 h; Katra to Srinagar by train is ~3 h by Vande Bharat, about ~3 h; Katra to Patnitop is ~80–100 km (approx.), about 2.5–3 h. Walk or Shrine Board services on the yatra; cab or train between Jammu, Katra and Srinagar.
Routes
Getting around
Walk or Shrine Board services on the yatra; cab or train between Jammu, Katra and Srinagar.
Jammu to Katra
Jammu to Katra is roughly 50 km, about 1–1.5 hours by road, or a short train ride to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station. Most pilgrims stay in Katra, the base for the Vaishno Devi yatra and now the starting point for trains into the Kashmir valley.
Katra to Srinagar by train
Vande Bharat trains run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar in about three hours, since June 2025. Before boarding a valley-bound train at Katra, a security check is compulsory, so keep at least an hour. It's the easiest way to combine Vaishno Devi with Kashmir, and the trains are built for winter operation.
Katra to Patnitop
Katra to Patnitop is roughly 80–100 km via Udhampur on NH44, about 2.5–3 hours. Patnitop sits at about 2,024 m (112 km from Jammu), a cool pine-forest stop that pairs well with Vaishno Devi. Sanasar is 17 km beyond. Winter snow can slow the last stretch.
Arriving by train (Vande Bharat) & station pickup
Vande Bharat to Kashmir. Since June 2025 trains run into the valley on the Udhampur–Srinagar line. The direct Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat takes about 4 h 50 min; trains also run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. Timings change — check IRCTC/NTES (139) before booking. Tatkal for AC classes opens one day before at 10 am.
Nearest station: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Jammu Tawi (JAT).
Station pickup: We pick you up at Katra or Jammu Tawi. For trains into the valley from Katra, a security check is compulsory, so reach the station at least an hour early.
FAQ
Jammu (IXJ)
Rail reaches Katra and Srinagar; see the routes above.
Open year-round; train also available
Yes. We pick you up at Katra or Jammu Tawi. For trains into the valley from Katra, a security check is compulsory, so reach the station at least an hour early.
