Vaishno Devi with Shiv Khori 3N/4D: Katra, Bhawan and Jammu

Highlights

• Hotel in Katra close to the start of the trek
• RFID yatra registration handled on arrival
• Darshan at the holy cave and the Bhairon temple
• Helicopter, pony or palki planned for elderly parents
• Shiv Khori cave temple on day 3
• Raghunath temple, Jammu, before you fly home

Three nights is the pace we suggest for most families. You arrive and register on day one, do the yatra on day two with a full night’s sleep behind you, and still have a day to rest or visit Shiv Khori before travelling home. If registration is held up by a rush, there’s a spare day to absorb it.

Day-wise itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Jammu, drive to Katra, register for the yatra

Pickup at Jammu airport or railway station, or at Katra station if you came on the Vande Bharat. The drive from Jammu takes about 75 minutes. After checking in, we take you to the registration counter for your RFID yatra cards. The rest of the evening is free for an early dinner and an early night, because the trek starts before dawn.

Day 2: Trek to the Bhawan, darshan, Bhairon temple

Drop at Banganga around 4 or 5 am. Walk via Adhkuwari and the Himkoti track, or take the helicopter to Sanjichhat if you’ve booked it. After darshan at the holy cave, go up to the Bhairon temple on foot or by ropeway, then come back down to Katra. Most families are back by late afternoon or evening.

Day 3: Rest morning, Shiv Khori cave temple

A slow morning to recover from the trek. Then a drive of roughly 80 km to Ransoo, the base for Shiv Khori, a cave shrine to Lord Shiva with a natural lingam. From Ransoo it’s about 3 km on foot each way, and ponies are available. Back to Katra for the night. If your legs need a proper rest, skip Shiv Khori and take a gentle half-day in Katra instead.

Day 4: Jammu temples, departure

Check out and drive to Jammu. If your flight or train allows, stop at the Raghunath temple, built by the Dogra rulers in the 19th century. Then drop at the airport or railway station.

Helicopter, pony or on foot?

Tell us who is travelling and we’ll suggest a mix. A common plan for a family with grandparents: the grandparents take the helicopter to Sanjichhat and a palki to the Bhawan, the rest of the family walks, and everyone meets for darshan. Helicopter seats are released on the Shrine Board’s site and go fast, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.

What's included and what isn't

Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra Packages.