Shrine Board accommodation
Ashirwad Bhawan (Shrine Board), Katra
Shrine Board dormitory accommodation (per bed) in the bus stand area of Katra.
The Bhawan in the mist
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi · Katra · Jammu & Kashmir
Begin Your Journey to Mata Vaishno Devi
Plan your pilgrimage with detailed information about the shrine, Yatra route, travel, accommodation and places to visit around Katra.
For the live Yatra status and official notices, check the official Shrine Board website.
Pilgrim tools
- Yatra registrationRFID Yatra card — how, where and when
- How to reachAir, train and road to Katra
- Yatra routeKatra to Bhawan, stage by stage
- Where to stayHotels, dharamshalas, Shrine Board stay
- HelicopterKatra–Sanjichhat service explained
- WeatherKatra & Bhawan forecast
- Travel servicesTaxis, agencies and packages
- Nearby placesPatnitop, Shiv Khori, Jammu
Pindi Darshan
Darshan of the Holy Pindis
The heart of the Yatra is darshan of the three Holy Pindis in the cave on Trikuta: natural rock forms revered as Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. There are no idols. The Goddess is worshipped in these three Pindis.
- Three forms, one rockEach Pindi differs in colour and texture
- Open round the clockPauses only during morning and evening aarti
- Live aarti & darshanStreamed by the Shrine Board on its official website and app
About Mata Vaishno Devi · The Holy Cave · History & tradition
Yatra at a glance
Key facts for first-time pilgrims. Figures are as published by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Base camp
Katra, Reasi district, J&K
Destination
The Holy Cave at the Bhawan
Trek distance
About 12–13 km one way, depending on track
Bhawan altitude
5,200 ft above sea level
Registration
Free RFID Yatra card, mandatory for every pilgrim
Darshan
Open round the clock, throughout the year (except during aarti and official suspensions)
Getting to Katra
Katra is the base town for the Yatra. Most pilgrims arrive by train directly at Katra, or via Jammu by air, rail or road.
Where to stay
From Shrine Board dormitories to private hotels near the station and bus stand.
Shrine Board accommodation
Kalika Dham (Shrine Board), Jammu
Shrine Board accommodation near Jammu railway station with AC rooms and AC dormitories.
Shrine Board accommodation
Niharika Complex (Shrine Board), Katra
Shrine Board accommodation with double and four-bedded AC rooms near the main bus stand, plus the Enquiry & Reservation counter.
Shrine Board accommodation
Saraswati Dham (Shrine Board), Jammu
Shrine Board dormitory accommodation near Jammu railway station.
Explore beyond Katra
Hill stations, cave shrines, lakes and the temples and palaces of Jammu.
Shiv Khori
A revered cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Reasi district, reached by a walk of a few kilometres from the base at Ransoo — a popular day trip from Katra.
Patnitop
A forested hill resort at about 2,024 m on the old Jammu–Srinagar highway, with meadows, walks and winter snow.
Bahu Fort
Jammu's oldest fort, on a rock face above the Tawi river, home to the temple of Bave Wali Mata and terraced gardens.
Raghunath Temple
A celebrated temple complex in the heart of Jammu dedicated to Lord Rama, built between 1835 and 1860.
Nathatop
Open grassy slopes beyond Patnitop with wide Himalayan views, known for paragliding in season and snow in winter.
Sanasar
A cup-shaped meadow ringed by tall conifers, 17 km from Patnitop, with a small lake, a golf course and paragliding.
Guides for pilgrims
Yatra Guide
Vaishno Devi in Winter: What to Expect
Crisp air, clear views, possible snow and thinner crowds outside the holidays — plus how to stay warm and safe on a winter Yatra.
Festivals
Navratri at Vaishno Devi: Planning Guide
The Chaitra and Sharad Navratras are among the busiest and most festive times on Trikuta. How to plan for the crowds, registration limits and…
Pilgrim Tips
Vaishno Devi in the Monsoon: Safety Guide
The hills are at their greenest in the monsoon, but heavy rain brings real risks. How to plan a monsoon Yatra safely, based on the Shrine Board's…
Common questions
What is Pindi darshan?
Darshan of the three Holy Pindis — natural rock forms in the Holy Cave revered as Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. There are no idols in the cave. See Pindi Darshan.
Is Yatra registration compulsory?
Yes. Every pilgrim must register with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and carry an RFID Yatra Access Card. Registration is free. Pilgrims without a valid card are not allowed beyond the Banganga check post. See Yatra registration.
How far is the Vaishno Devi Bhawan from Katra?
About 12–13 km one way, depending on the track. The Shrine Board gives 13 km to the Bhawan on its reference route and 14.5 km to Bhairon Ghati.
Is there a helicopter to Vaishno Devi?
Yes. Helicopters fly between Katra and Sanjichhat, about 2.5 km from the Bhawan. Book only on the Shrine Board's official portal and beware of fake booking websites. See Helicopter information.
Is MataVaishnodevi.com the official Shrine Board website?
No. MataVaishnodevi.com is an independent travel and information portal, not affiliated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The official website is maavaishnodevi.org (opens in a new tab).
What is the nearest railway station to Vaishno Devi?
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK), in Katra itself, with direct trains from New Delhi (including the Vande Bharat Express) and many other cities.
An independent guide
MataVaishnodevi.com is an independent travel and information portal. It is not affiliated with or operated by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Yatra registration, helicopter, battery car, ropeway and Shrine Board accommodation are booked only through the official website.