About the shrine
Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. The holy cave, known as the Bhawan, sits at about 1,585 metres on the Trikuta hill, above the town of Katra in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Millions of pilgrims make the climb every year, many of them families from Punjab, Delhi and the diaspora.
Popular belief holds that the pilgrimage is complete only after visiting the Bhairon temple, above the Bhawan, on the way back. A cable car links the Bhawan and Bhairon, which saves a steep extra climb.
Getting there from the UK
Delhi is the usual gateway.
| Stage | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK to Delhi | Non-stop from Heathrow, or one stop from the regions | Or via Amritsar for a Punjab visit |
| Delhi to Jammu | Short domestic flight | Then about an hour or two by road to Katra |
| Delhi to Katra | Train to Katra station | Comfortable and popular with families |
| Katra to the Bhawan | Walk, pony, palanquin or helicopter part of the way | Plan for a full day |
Planning a yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi?
Tell us where your family is and when you want to go. We check every airline and we’ll beat any quote*.
The climb
The path from Katra to the Bhawan is about 12 km, paved and well lit, with shelters, food stalls and medical points along the way. Many pilgrims walk through the night, and the route is busy at all hours. For those who cannot walk, ponies and palanquins are available, and porters can carry children or bags.
The Shrine Board runs helicopter services from Katra for part of the journey, which shortens the climb considerably. Seats are limited and depend on the weather, so book well ahead if you need one and keep a back-up plan.
Our tip: Travel light on the climb. Leave large bags at your hotel in Katra and carry only water, warm layers and your documents.
Registration and darshan
Pilgrims need to register with the Shrine Board before starting the yatra, and the system is checked on the route. Registration can be done online in advance or at counters in Katra. Check the official Shrine Board guidance close to your travel date, as arrangements change, particularly at busy times.
Queues for darshan can be long during Navratri and holidays. Weekdays outside the festival periods are usually calmer.
When to go
The shrine is open all year. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Navratri, in spring and autumn, is the busiest and most auspicious time, with very large crowds. Winter is cold and can bring snow on the higher sections, while the monsoon makes the path wet and slippery.
In 2027, the autumn Navratri runs from 30 September to 9 October. If you want to be there for it, book flights and accommodation early.
Advice for older pilgrims
The climb is long and steep in places. See your doctor before you travel, take it slowly, and consider a pony, palanquin or helicopter for some or all of the way. Book wheelchair assistance at the airports, and choose a hotel in Katra close to the start of the path.
Our page on assisted travel for elderly passengers explains the help we arrange, and our team can talk your parents through the plan in Punjabi or Hindi.
Combining with Amritsar and Punjab
Many families combine Vaishno Devi with a visit to relatives in Punjab and a stop at the Golden Temple. Flying into Amritsar and out of Delhi, or the other way round, avoids backtracking. See flights to Amritsar and our Birmingham to Amritsar non-stop.
Before you travel
British passport holders need an Indian visa or OCI card and the free e-Arrival card. Check the Foreign Office travel advice for Jammu and Kashmir before you book, as it can differ from the rest of India and affects whether your travel insurance is valid.
Our travel insurance guide explains why that matters.
Where to stay
Katra, at the foot of the hill, has hotels for every budget, and the Shrine Board runs accommodation at Katra and along the route. A night in Katra before the climb lets you rest after the journey from Delhi and start early, when the path is cooler and quieter.
If you are travelling with elderly parents, choose a hotel close to the start of the path or the helipad, so the day begins with as little walking as possible.
What to carry on the climb
Comfortable walking shoes, a warm layer for the night and early morning, a light rain jacket and a refillable water bottle are the essentials. Food and drinks are sold all the way up, so there is no need to carry much.
Security checks are strict, and some items, including large bags, are not allowed in the cave area. Keep documents, medicines and a little cash in a small bag you carry yourself, and use the cloak rooms near the Bhawan for anything else.
How long to allow
Plan at least two nights in Katra: one to arrive and rest, and one after the climb, which takes most of a day and night for many pilgrims. Add a spare day if you are relying on the helicopter, in case of weather.
Questions people ask
Can children do the Vaishno Devi climb?
Yes, many families bring children. Porters and ponies can help, and the path has rest points, food and medical posts along the way.
Do I need a visa for Vaishno Devi?
Yes, on a British passport. You need an Indian visa or OCI card, plus the free e-Arrival card before landing in India.
How long does the climb take?
Most fit walkers take several hours each way, with stops. A pony, palanquin or helicopter shortens it considerably.
How far is the Vaishno Devi climb?
About 12 km from Katra to the Bhawan, on a paved path. Allow most of a day for the round trip with darshan.
Which airport is nearest to Vaishno Devi?
Jammu airport, a short flight from Delhi, then a drive to Katra. You can also take the train to Katra.
Is there a helicopter to Vaishno Devi?
Yes. The Shrine Board runs helicopter services from Katra for part of the way. Book ahead and expect weather delays.
Do I need to register for the yatra?
Yes, with the Shrine Board, online in advance or at counters in Katra.
When is Vaishno Devi busiest?
During Navratri and holidays. In 2027 the autumn Navratri runs from 30 September to 9 October.
Can elderly parents do the Vaishno Devi yatra?
Many do, using ponies, palanquins or the helicopter. See a doctor first and plan rest stops.
Should I check travel advice for Jammu and Kashmir?
Yes. Check the Foreign Office advice before booking, as it can affect your travel insurance.
