Blog · Pilgrimage
Adding Mata Vaishno Devi to a Kashmir trip
Many Kashmir travellers finish with darshan at Mata Vaishno Devi. It fits naturally at the end of the trip.
The route
After Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam, drive from Srinagar to Katra, about 268 km in our itinerary. The next day is for the yatra, and the last day is a short drive to Jammu (about 40 km, 1.5 hours) for your train or flight. Our Srinagar Gulmarg Sonmarg Pahalgam Katra tour (7 nights / 8 days) follows this plan.
The trek from Katra
The path from Katra to the Bhawan is about 12–13 km, paved and busy with pilgrims day and night. Ponies, palkis and battery cars on part of the route are available, and a helicopter service runs from Katra to Sanjichhat, closer to the Bhawan.
Registration
Pilgrims need a yatra registration card from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, available online or at Katra. Check the Shrine Board's official site for current rules and bookings.
Tips
- Walk at night or early morning in summer to avoid the heat.
- Mobile phones and bags are restricted inside the Bhawan; use the cloakrooms.
- Carry a light jacket: it is cooler at the top.
