Vaishno Devi Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. Located on the Trikuta Hill in Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine. The temple abodes Mata Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and most visited pilgrimage destinations in India. Every year millions of devotees from around the world undertake the Vaishno Devi Yatra. It is estimated that the shrine gets over one crore visitors every year.
Set at an altitude of 5200, it includes a trek of approximately 13 kilometers from the base camp at Katra. The path to the temple is well-paved with gentle slopes and even stairs. You even get rest stops and refreshment points while trekking. All the facilities provided by the shrine board and the breathtaking views make the arduous trek easy for pilgrims. The trek generally takes 5-6 hours. However, the actual duration varies depending on the pilgrims’ speed and endurance.
The arduous journey is no longer risky, but it does require a guidebook of things to know before visiting Vaishno Devi. If you are someone planning a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi then we have brought a travel guide for you. This guide covers how to reach, where to go, what to see, and essential travel tips to make your journey memorable.
Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the popular and sacred Hindu pilgrimages in India. The temple is perched at an altitude of 5200 feet on the mountains of Trikuta Hill in Katra in Jammu Kashmir and can be reached by the three modes of transportation—Air, Road, and Railway.
Devotees cannot undertake Vaishno Devi Yatra without having a Yatra Slip. Before beginning the pilgrimage, every pilgrim must register to obtain the mandatory Yatra Slip from a dedicated counter in Katra. The slip is valid only for 6 hours from the time of issue. Before the validity expires, you must start your trek and reach the first point, Ban Ganga. This slip also helps you navigate the checkpoints along the way. You can also complete the registration and get the digital slip online from the official website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Every year millions of devotees visit Vaishno Devi Temple, especially during the Navratri festival. Most pilgrims prefer climbing the mountain to seek Mata’s blessings. However, there are some other ways too to reach the Temple Bhawan. Let’s see the different choices you can make to reach the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Bhawan and Bhairav Nath Temple.
The most common way to reach the temple is to trek. However, when you planning your Vaishno Devi trip with family you must be well-planned to choose the trekking option. The trek spans over 13 km which can be arduous for many, especially children and the elderly. Bhairav Nath Temple is located up to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Although the distance between the Vaishno Devi Temple and Bhairav Nath Temple is only 1.5 km, the steep climbing makes the trek difficult. Ponies, palanquins, and cable cars are also available from Vaishno Devi Mandir to the Bhairav Nath Temple.
The trek stretches to 13km and is not easy for everyone. Elderly people and children may find the trek arduous. So, when planning your Vaishno Devi Trip with your family, you can opt for ponies, porters, and palanquins. Ponies carry adults while porters carry luggage and infants or toddlers. For old-aged pilgrims, palanquins are available. These services are managed by the municipal committee. This is the best option for those who want to trek but need convenience for their children and parents. The prices for each service differ from each other. However, one should always confirm the price before opting for any service.
Another way to reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir is by taking a helicopter ride. Not only is it convenient and saves time but also adds a spark of fun and excitement to the overall experience. Everyone including children and the elderly will enjoy the journey. You will take the ride from the Katra helipad located on Udhampur road just a distance of 2 km from the bus stand. The helicopter ride takes only 8 minutes from Katra to Sanjichhat Helipad point. It accommodates only 5-6 passengers at a time. Once you reach Sanjichhat, embark on a trek to reach Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. It only takes half an hour trek to reach the main Bhawan. If you are not comfortable trekking, you can take ponies to reach the temple. Remember, to avail of this service, one should book the ride at least 2 months in advance.
These are the common options you have to reach the main Bhawan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. But the trek and Vaishno Mata Darshan is considered completed only when you visit Bhairav Nath Temple located up at the Vaishno Devi Temple. You can trek from the Bhawan or avail of ponies, porters, and palanquin services. Now, you also get the option to use a ropeway for easy access to the Temple.
The ropeway project from Katra to the Main Bhawan of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is still in process. And soon to be completed. But the ropeway from Vaishno Devi Temple to Bhairav Nath Temple is fully operational. People of all ages can take cable cars to reach the Bhairav Temple. Both the temples are situated 1.5 km apart and with one hour trek one can reach Bhairav Temple from the Bhawan. But due to the steep climb, children and the elderly face difficulties.
With cable cars, one can reach the temple in just 5 minutes. The cable car accommodates 45 passengers at a time for Rs. 100 per person. Remember, the same ticket you get for Bhairav Nath Temple will be used for the return trip through a ropeway. So, keep the ticket safe. Not only this makes the travel convenient but the aerial view of the stunning valley makes the journey even more exciting and adventurous for you.
The holy pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi is the ideal vacation for families. People embark on this spiritual journey with family to connect with the almighty—Goddess Vaishno Devi and seek her blessings. Some opt for the Vaishno Devi Yatra by Helicopter and some opt for trekking. With a helicopter ride, you only visit the main temple and Bhairav Nath Temple. Whereas, during the trek, you will be visiting and exploring many shrines and temples to seek the almighty’s blessings.
This is the entry point to the Vaishno Devi trek and people before continuing their trek, take a holy dip in Banganga or Ban Ganga. It is a sacred river having two major ghats where people take a holy dip. The name is formed with two words Ban means Arrow and Ganga stands for the sacred river of India. This river is associated with the history of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is said that Mata was accompanied by a Langoor or monkey while going to her abode at Trikuta Hill when he felt thirsty. So, she shot an arrow into the land from where water emerged. Ever since then, the river has been flowing.
Some people also call the place Bal Ganga linking it with the story of Mata Vaishno Devi washing her hair in the river. Hence, the place is also called Bal Ganga as Bal means Hair. Well, whatever you call it, it is a religious site for Hindu devotees. You can stop here and relax. Visit the Bal Ganga Temple which is considered the “Pratham Darshan” the first darshan of the Vaishno Devi Yatra.
The next stop during your Vaishno Devi Trek will be Charan Paduka. The temple is located at an altitude of 3380 feet at a distance of 1.5 km from Ban Ganga. Here devotees can see the footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi which was imprinted on a rock. After the darshan of Mata’s pious fee, pilgrims proceed further for the trek.
Adhkuwari is halfway mark to the Vaishno Devi Temple track. This is one of the most important shrines to visit during the Vaishno Devi Yatra. Not only it is a resting space but also the Adi Kuwari Temple is located here. Adhkuwari cave is located at an altitude of 4600 feet and almost 6-7 km away from Ban Ganga.
Ardh-Kuwari name is given from the name Adi Kuwari, which means eternal virgin. According to the story of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Adhkuwari or Ardhkuwari was the place where Mata Vaishno as a small girl reached after halted at Ban Ganga and Charan Paduka. It is said that Vaishno Mata hid inside the cave and meditated for nine long months. The cave is very similar to the shape of a womb. Since Mata Vaishno observed spiritual discipline in a womb-like cave for exactly nine months, the cave is called Garbh Joon which means a womb.
The cave is 15 feet long and devotees have to crawl on their knees to reach to the other side of the cave. However, the long queue at the temple may not let you enter the cave. You will also have to buy the ticket online and offline to visit Adhkuwari Gufa (Cave).
From Adhkuwari, there are two ways to reach the Bhawan. One is the old track that goes through Sanjichhat and the new route goes through Himkoti. If you are tired of your trek then halting at Himkoti will be the most rejuvenating experience for you. It is a viewpoint situated in the new route just 2.5 km from Ardhkuwari and almost 4 km from the main temple.
Well, the Himkoti is not a religious place but a viewpoint. By standing here, you can have a mesmerizing view of the entire valley. People stop and relax here to see the views. A view that every tourist loves and cherishes forever. This is one of the best places to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Take some time from your trek and stop at Himkoti.
After passing by the popular shrines and temples in Vaishno Devi, you will finally reach the main Bhawan where Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave is situated. The temple is at a distance of approx. 6 km from Adhkuwari. Vaishno Devi Mata is known as the incarnation of the Goddess Durga. The temple is a revered Hindu shrine and one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. Every visitor undertakes a trek to reach the temple. Devotees won’t find statues, idols, or pictures of the goddess, but the three Pindis or rock forms of Maha Kali, Maha Laksmi, and Maha Saraswati. These Pindis represent Mata Vaishno Devi in three different forms.
The Pindis are naturally formed under a natural cave. Earlier, people used to crawl into the cave for Mata’s darshan but is now closed for safety purposes. The cave opens annually only in January and February when the rush is low. However, for easy access, a marble platform has been built.
It is believed that your trek to Vaishno Devi Mandir is incomplete without visiting Bhairav Nath Temple. It is located up to 1.5 km from the main Bhawan. According to mythology, Mata Vaishno Devi cut Bhairavnath’s head with a sword when he was chasing her to marry her. His head was landed up in the mountain far from where the Bhawan is now. A temple was constructed where Bhairav Nath was believed to breathed his last. Your Vaishno Devi Yatra will not be completed without visiting Bhairav Nath Mandir. So, make sure you visit Bhairav Nath Temple before returning to Adhkuwari. One can trek to the temple. But most people may face problems because of the steep climb. You get options like ponies, porters, and ropeway to reach Bhairav Nath Temple.
Vaishno Devi is one of the top pilgrimage destinations in India which remains crowded throughout the year. Every year the place receives over one crore pilgrims. When planning the Vaishno Devi Tour, you can pick any time of the year based on your interests and schedule. But, the time to visit Vaishno Devi Temple is between March to June. The temperature remains moderate during this time with a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature is 17 degrees Celsius.
Depending on the purpose of your visit and the itinerary of your Vaishno Devi tour package, the duration varies. However, the ideal duration for the trip is 2-3 days. Most people who are physically fit complete the trek within a day and return to their homes. People on a trip with their squad can visit and return within two days. However, if you are on the Vaishno trip with your family including children and the elderly, you should consider one extra day as the trip can be strenuous and exhausting.
You will find many budget restaurants and cafes in Katra where you can relish breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even during your trek to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, you find ample choices for restaurants and shops for meals and snacks. The entire path is well-paved with an array of shops and eateries. Some restaurants even provide a comfortable space to sit and relax while having a spectacular view of the valley and enjoying your food.
You will be surprised to see that in Adhkuwari and at Bhawan, famous restaurants or food chains like McDonald’s, Sagar Ratna, and other Bhojnalay are available. So, you don’t need to worry about the eatery options when visiting Vaishno Devi with your family.
To be honest, the Vaishno Devi Yatra is a strenuous journey. One should always be ready for the complexities to face on their way to the temple and back. You don’t know what comes your way, making the journey challenging for everyone in the group. Hence, it is crucial to plan your trip and be well-prepared. We hope our Vaishno Devi travel guide helps you plan your trip to Vaishno Devi-One of the top pilgrimage destinations in India. However, we would like to suggest that while undertaking the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, respect the local customs, regulations, traditions, and spiritual sentiments.
Vaishno Devi Yatra is a spiritual journey for devotees. By following the guidelines and travel tips we have shared above you will have a transformative experience and a safe journey.