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Pilgrimage · Katra, Reasi · Jammu

Vaishno Devi Yatra

The trek from Katra to the Bhawan: registration, the walk, battery car, helicopter and ropeway, and how to add Kashmir after.

Quick answer

Vaishno Devi is a shrine in the Trikuta hills above Katra, open all year. Pilgrims register for a yatra card, then walk about 12–13 km from Katra to the Bhawan, or use ponies, the helicopter to Sanjichhat or the battery car on part of the path. Katra is also on the rail route to Srinagar.

Rules and dates change every year · last checked 2 October 2026 · always confirm with the Shrine Board

Vaishno Devi at a glance

Last checked 2 October 2026
Season
Open all year
Bhawan altitude
~1,560 m
Trek
~12–13 km from Katra
Registration
Yatra card (RFID), compulsory
Helicopter
Katra – Sanjichhat
Good for
Families, seniors with pony / palki

Two ways up

Walking path

The main path from Banganga via Ardhkuwari to the Bhawan, lit and paved, with shelters.~12–13 km 5–7 h upPonies and palkis available

Helicopter + walk

Helicopter from Katra to Sanjichhat, then a shorter walk to the Bhawan.~2.5 km walk Book aheadWeather dependent

Before you go

  1. 1Book or register for the yatra card through the Shrine Board’s official channels.
  2. 2Collect the RFID card in Katra; carry the same ID.
  3. 3Start early; the path is busiest from late morning.
  4. 4Plan Bhairon temple after the Bhawan if you have energy; a ropeway runs there.
  5. 5Keep a night in Katra before heading to Srinagar.

Good to know

How we helpWe plan stays, cabs and rest days around your yatra date, and send the current rules before you travel. Registration and tickets are always in the pilgrim's own name and ID.
Plan it

Pair it with the valley

Season: All year; busiest in Navratri and summer holidays.

Vaishno Devi + Kashmir: Trikuta hills and temple at dawn
Vaishno Devi + Kashmir: Trikuta hills at Katra
Vaishno Devi + Kashmir: Dal Lake shikaras

Vaishno Devi + Kashmir

  1. 1NKatra
  2. 2NSrinagar
  3. 1NGulmarg
  4. 2NPahalgam
HotelsPrivate cabBreakfast & dinnerSightseeing
From₹24,699per personlowest season price, twin sharing, deluxe hotelsINDICATIVEOctober: ₹29,699
Off-season₹24,699Shoulder₹29,699Peak₹36,099
Getting here

Arriving by train

The Kashmir rail link now runs to Srinagar. Vande Bharat trains are the quickest way in from Jammu and Katra.

TrainFrom → toTimes
26401Jammu Tawi → Srinagarvia Katra, Reasi, Banihal · 6 days a week06:20 → 11:10
26402Srinagar → Jammu Tawivia Banihal, Reasi, Katra14:00 → 18:50
26403Katra → SrinagarCheck current timetableCheck IRCTC
26404Srinagar → KatraCheck current timetableCheck IRCTC
Timings change — check IRCTC or NTES (139) before booking. Tatkal for AC classes opens one day before at 10 am.
Station pickupNearest station for this pageShri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Jammu Tawi (JAT)

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.

Pickup and drop:from ₹1,100 per vehicle (indicative)Arrange my station pickupChecked 30 Sep 2026 · Allow extra time on the way back: there are security checks before boarding.
FAQ

Vaishno Devi questions

About 12–13 km one way from Katra. Most people take 5–7 hours up.

Yes, you need a yatra card (RFID). Carry the same ID you registered with.

Yes, with ponies, palkis or the helicopter to Sanjichhat. Ask us to plan rest time.

Yes. Katra has trains to Srinagar; keep an hour for the compulsory security check.

O
Written by Omar, trip planner in SrinagarChecked on the ground: 2 October 2026 · How we check

Tell us your dates. Get a day-wise plan with a written quotation.

No payment to ask. A real person in Srinagar replies on WhatsApp, 9 am to 9 pm every day.

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