Planning a trip to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno devi is a dream of millions of devotees across the world. Located in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu, this sacred destination is not just a spiritual journey but also an experience filled with breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, & a sense of inner peace. If you’re wondering how to reach Vaishno Devi– From Katra, Delhi, Mumbai and more, we take you through every possible travel option. We will be talking about the nearest airport and railway station to the various trekking routes, helicopter rides, and the best time to visit so that your yatra becomes more comfortable, safe and memorable.
- How to Reach Vaishno Devi
- Two Main Routes To Vaishno Devi Bhawan
- Vaishno Devi Yatra Transport Charges, Timings and Booking Information
- Yatra Registration for Vaishno Devi
- Room Reservation at Vaishno Devi
- History of Mata Vaishno Devi
- Vaishno Devi Aarti — Timings, Ticket Price & Booking
- Ardhkuwari Darshan, Aarti & Timings
- Bhairon Baba Gondola timing and cost
- Other Attractions in Katra Apart from Vaishno Devi
- Famous Eating Outlets in Katra
- Best Time To visit Vaishno Devi
- Travel Tips:
- FAQs
How to Reach Vaishno Devi
Reaching Vaishno Devi is a smooth & well connected journey, thanks to multiple transport options by air, rail & road.
By Air – Nearest Airport to Vaishno Devi
The closest airport to Vaishno Devi is Jammu airport (Satwari airport), located about 50 km from Katra.
The Flight Connectivity – Jammu is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
How to Reach KatraFrom Airport — You can hire a taxi or bus from the airport up to Katra. It is about a 1.5–2 hour drive.
Tips — Book in advance specially festive season like Navratri as prices are high at this time.
By Train – Mata Vaishno Devi Nearest Railway Station
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) is the closest railway station directly linked with the main cities of India.
- The trains include the Vande Bharat Express, Shri Shakti Express and Uttar Sampark Kranti Express among others.
- If you’re coming from the cities without a direct Katra train, you can travel to Jammu Tawi Station & then continue the Jammu Tawi to Katra route by taxi or bus (distance around 50-55 km).
By Road :– Vaishno Devi Mandir Road
Katra is connected by road via National Highway 44 ( NH44).
- You can opt for a self-driving car, taxi or the numerous government/private buses from Jammu, Delhi and other nearby cities.
- It might take 12-14 hours to reach from Delhi by Road.
- Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, to be built soon, will also reduce travel time further.
Two Main Routes To Vaishno Devi Bhawan
| Route | Distance | Crowd Level | Palki/Ponies avabilities |
| New Route(Tarakote Marg) | ~7 Km | Low | Not Available |
| Old Route(Ban Ganga Marg) | ~6.5 Km | High | Available |
Vaishno Devi Yatra Transport Charges, Timings and Booking Information
| Mode of Transport | Route | Fare (Approx.) | Details |
| Palki | Katra To Bhawan | ₹5,500 – ₹7,000 | Fare varies on weight & season |
| Poni | Katra To Bhawan | ₹3,500 – ₹4,000 | One way per person |
| Battery Car | Adhkuwari To Bhawan | ₹400 – ₹500 | Booking available via official website onlyonline & offline. |
| Helicopter | Katra To Sanjichhat | ₹2,080 (one-way), ₹4,160 (round trip) | Booking via official website only |
Yatra Registration for Vaishno Devi
Yatra registration is must for all pilgrims before starting from Katra. You can do it:
- Online at maavaishnodevi.org – Enter details, select date & Print Yatra Slip.
- Katra Bus Stand counters — Show valid Photo ID Proof.
Tip: Carry a printed slip, registered early during the peak season and remmber — Helicopter passengers too need to get registered.
Room Reservation at Vaishno Devi
Devotees can book accommodation from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or private hotels in Katra. The Shrine Board provides neat and economical pilgrim accommodation at Katra, Bhawan and now also at Adhkuwari.
- Online Booking: Visit maavaishnodevi.org, Select Location,Date, Room Type.
- Check In Counter: Book Directly from Niharika Complex in Katra, subject to availability.
- Private Hotels: Near the Vaishno Devi starting point, comfortable stays provided by many hotels and guesthouses.
Tip: Book your rooms in advance during peak seasons like Navaratri to avoid last-minute hassles.
History of Mata Vaishno Devi
Located in Jammu, the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is amongst the most well-known pilgrimages of India. Perched on the Trikuta Hills in Katra, it is visited by millions of devotees every year to receive blessings from Mata Rani.
Mata was considered as an incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi and there is a popular belief that anyone who worships Mata with full faith will always be rewarded. She was born to protect Dharma and take devotees towards the path of righteousness. According to the story, when a demon called Bhairon Nath disturbed her meditation, she walked on the mountains. This is where she entered the cave and manifested her true self at what’s known today as the Vaishno Devi Bhawan, killing Bhairon Nath.
It is also believed that even the Pandavas from Mahabharata also paid a visit to this holy cave. For ages the walkway to Vaishno Devi from Katra in itself a temple, has been a testimony of faith and reverence, rendering it the most sacrosanct pilgrimage in Hindu culture.
Vaishno Devi Aarti — Timings, Ticket Price & Booking
Vaishno Devi Temple Aarti is the special prayer ceremony performing twiceduring a day; before sunrise and after sunset to pray over Mata Rani. This is a temple where only several hundred devotees can stand at any given time, making it an absolute serene and divine experience.
Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti: 6:00-7:00 AM (time varies with the season)
- Evening Aarti: Approximately 6:00 PM (depends on the season)
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Aarti Ticket Price:
- Aarti Pass : 1000/- Per Person (Including priority darshan)
- Under 5 years children are normally not charged.
How to Book Aarti Ticket:
Online:
- Visit Maavaishnodevi official website of maavaishnodevi.org
- Log in / create an account\
- Select Aarti Darshan
- Select date, time and make Payment.
- Download and print out your booking slip here.
Offline:
Same day pass will be available at Niharika Complex, Katra (Subject to availability).
Ardhkuwari Darshan, Aarti & Timings
It is the place situated at the midpoint of Vaishno Devi track and it is believed that Mata Vaishno devi ji meditated here for 9 months before Killing Bhairavnath.
Darshan Timings: 5 AM To 9 PM Daily
Morning Aarti: Around 5:30 AM
Evening Aarti: Around 7:00 PM
Ideal Time To Visit: Early in the morning, to prevent standing in long queues
Note: Caves can be entered via Tokens during peak season. Collect your token in advance to save time.
Bhairon Baba Gondola timing and cost
Being the last point of Vaishno Devi Bhawan, after which many pilgrims move further to Bhairon Baba temple that lies 2 km up. For the convenience of the pilgrims, a Bhairon Baba ropeway (gondola service) has been set up and made operational.
Hours of Operation: The Gondola runs daily from 8 AM – 6 PM (hours may change during peak season or due to inclement weather).
Ticket Cost: Approximately ₹100 per person (One Way) A majority of airlines allow children 5 years and under to travel for free.
Other Attractions in Katra Apart from Vaishno Devi
After completing your Yatra, the following are a few religious spots as well as scenic places near Katra that you should visit:
Nau Deviyan
A site including 9 temples of nine forms of Goddess Durga, locations designed specifically for those who are looking forward to getting more blessings.
Baba Jito Temple
This temple is dedicated to Baba Jito who was a local saint and surrounded by a natural aura.
Shiv Khori
A revered cave shrine of Lord Shiva, 70 km from Katra having natural lingam.
Devi Pindi
A calm pilgrimage that is supposed to be another form of Goddess Durga.
These locations not just add to the spiritual ambiance but also provide a rich cultural experience of Jammu.
Famous Eating Outlets in Katra
The food served is vegetarian and it is a bit of an energy booster for your Vaishno Devi Yatra. Don’t miss:
- Maroanjan Dhaba – Rajma chawal & parathas,
- Kanahiya Lal Kalari Shops – Hot kalari kulchas
- Nathu’s Sweets – Gulab jamun & peda. 5 min
- Sagar Ratna – South & North Indian meals.
- Madhuban – Wholesome vegetarian thalis.
Great to munch as a snack before or after darshan
Best Time To visit Vaishno Devi
| Peak Season | March-April & September-October | Best for Yatra, Festive time (Navratri, Diwali). |
| Off Peak Season | November-February | Fewer Crowds. |
| Avoid | July-August | Heavy rainfall & slippery paths. |
Travel Tips:
✅ Do’s:
- After entering you must register for the Yatra (required for all yatris).
- Wear Comfortable clothes and shoes (trekking shoes)
- Always carry a Yatra Slip and ID proof along with you.
- Keep hydrating yourself and take some light snacks for the trek.
- Obey the temple regulations to execute a smoother darshan.
❌ Don’ts:
- Do not carry any plastic bags nor litter the route
- You need to abstain from alcohol, smoking, or non-vegetarian food during the yatra.
- Do not attempt to go through the queues or restricted areas.
- Don’t bring suitcases, leave them in the cloakroom.
- Do not harass or harm animals along the way.
When you keep these tips in mind, your pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi will be safe, respectful and unforgettable.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to climb from Katra to Vaishno Devi?
A: Normally it takes 5–6 hours. While ponies or palkis reduce time to reach (the cave), battery cars or helicopters considerably shorten the journey.
Q: What is the distance between Katra and Vaishno Devi by foot?
A: Approximately 13–14 km, depending upon whether you take the New Tarakote Route or Old Ban Ganga Route.
Q: How to visit Vaishno Devi from Delhi or Mumbai?
A: Delhi around 650 km take the Vande Bharat Express (around 8 hours) or Flight to Jammu Airport & then hire a Taxi, or drive via NH44.
From Mumbai fly or take connecting trains Via Delhi or Jammu. Then proceed to Katra.
