Mailing List
Sign up for our mailing list to get latest updates and offers.
Morning: Arrive in Katra: Arrive in Katra via train, bus, or car. Katra is the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Check-In: Check into your hotel in Katra. Freshen up and rest after your journey. Afternoon: Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant or your hotel. Evening: Explore Katra: Spend the evening exploring Katra. Visit local markets or the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board office if you need to collect any yatra slips or permits. Overnight: Stay in Katra.
Morning: Relax and Acclimate: Spend the morning resting and acclimating to the local environment. This will help prepare you for the trek ahead. Afternoon: Sightseeing: Explore nearby attractions in Katra or visit the Banganga Temple, a holy spot on the way to Vaishno Devi. Evening: Early Dinner: Have an early dinner and get ready for the trek. Prepare your gear and ensure you have essentials like trekking shoes, warm clothing, and personal medications. Overnight: Stay in Katra.
Early Morning: Start Trek: Begin your trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine early in the morning. The trek is approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) and usually takes about 6-8 hours. Midday: Lunch: Stop at one of the refreshment points along the trek for a light meal or snacks. Afternoon: Arrive at Bhavan: Reach the Bhavan area near the shrine. Check into a government-run or private guesthouse if you prefer to stay overnight near the shrine. Evening: Darshan and Aarti: Visit the Vaishno Devi shrine for darshan (worship). Participate in the evening Aarti if available, which adds a spiritual touch to the experience. Overnight: Stay near the shrine at Bhavan or, if preferred, return to Katra for the night.
Early Morning: Final Darshan: If you stayed at Bhavan, complete any additional darshan or explore the shrine early in the morning. Have breakfast at a nearby eatery or guesthouse. Morning: Descend to Katra: Begin your descent back to Katra. The return trek usually takes around 4-6 hours. Afternoon: Lunch in Katra: Arrive in Katra and have lunch at a local restaurant or your hotel. Rest and relax after the trek. Evening: Relax in Katra: Spend the evening at leisure. You can visit local markets, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax at your hotel. Overnight: Stay in Katra.
Morning: Check-Out: Check out from your hotel and prepare for your departure. Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Departure: Depending on your travel schedule, you can either explore any last-minute sights in Katra or head directly to your next destination. Tips:
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons and festivals, to ensure availability and better rates. Early booking also helps in securing preferred accommodations and services.
Inform your travel provider or tour operator about any dietary restrictions or special needs well in advance. They can make necessary arrangements or provide recommendations for managing your requirements during the trip.
There are limited accommodation options at Bhavan, including government-run and private guesthouses. These are basic and often in high demand, so booking in advance is highly recommended if you prefer to stay near the shrine.
Dress modestly and comfortably for the trek. It’s advisable to wear trekking shoes and carry warm clothing, as temperatures can drop. Remove shoes before entering the shrine and follow any specific dress code or etiquette guidelines.