Daily Hindu Panchang
The base for the Vaishno Devi yatra
Katra is the base town for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in the Trikuta hills. The trek is about 12 km from Katra. Yatra registration is done online or at the counters.
| Place | Katra (Vaishno Devi), Jammu and Kashmir |
|---|---|
| Known as | Shakti shrine |
| Best time | March to June and September to November. Navratri is very busy. Winter can be snowy. |
| Time needed | 2 days |
| Nearest railway | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra |
| Nearest airport | Jammu |
Katra is the base town for the Vaishno Devi yatra, one of the most visited pilgrimages in India. The holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is on the Trikuta hill in Jammu and Kashmir, about 12 to 13 km from Katra on a walking path. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board manages the yatra.
Registration is compulsory, and it is free. Plan your registration, rooms and your trek or ride before you reach Katra.
The yatra starts at Banganga near Katra. The route goes up through Charan Paduka and Adhkuwari to Bhawan. Options are walking, ponies, palkis, electric buggies and the helicopter service from Katra to Sanjichhat, followed by a short walk. A ropeway runs from Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati.
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
For fit travellers or those taking the helicopter.
A comfortable plan with a rest day.
A temple and a city.
The hills of Jammu.
A longer trip with Srinagar.
The shrine houses the natural rock forms known as Pindis of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Darshan is through the cave opening or the newer tunnel.
Local tip: Do not carry leather, tobacco or electronics. Cloakrooms are available.
Banganga is the first stop on the trek, where pilgrims bathe. Charan Paduka is where the footprints of the Goddess are believed to be.
Local tip: Rest here to keep your pace even.
A halfway point with a cave known as Garbh Joon where the Goddess is said to have meditated for nine months.
Local tip: Registration for the cave is by a queue and can take hours.
A temple to Bhairon Nath about 1.5 km above the Bhawan, usually visited after the main darshan. Tradition says the yatra is complete only after this visit.
Local tip: Take the ropeway if you are tired.
Shiv Khori is a Shiva cave about 80 km from Katra. Jammu has the Raghunath Temple and the Bahu Fort.
Local tip: Plan a separate day for Shiv Khori.
| March to June | Pleasant to warm. Navratri brings crowds. |
|---|---|
| Monsoon | Landslides can stop the route. |
| October to February | Cool. Winter can be cold at Bhawan. |
| Navratri | Peak season. Book well ahead. |
The Shrine Board runs rooms at Katra and Bhawan, booked online. Hotels at Katra are plentiful.
Vegetarian meals are served at the Shrine Board outlets. Tea and snacks all along the route.
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Yes. It is free through the official Shrine Board website or counters.
About 12 to 13 km one way. Most people take 5 to 8 hours.
Ponies, palkis, electric buggies and a helicopter service. Book through the official channels.
March to June and October to February, avoiding peak Navratri if possible.
March to June and September to November. Navratri is very busy. Winter can be snowy.
Plan 2 days.
The nearest railway station is Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The nearest airport is Jammu. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
Chaitra and Sharad Navratri; Diwali.
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:55 AM to 12:14 PM, worked out for Katra (Vaishno Devi)'s own sunrise.
.