Jai Mata Di!
This itinerary is designed to guide you through a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable 3-day pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. It incorporates practical advice for a smooth journey from Katra to the Bhawan and back.
Day 1: Arrival, Rest & The Sacred Ascent
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival & Acclimatization
- 🕉️ Arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) Railway Station or by road.
- 🕉️ Take a local auto-rickshaw or cab to your pre-booked hotel.
- 🕉️ Check-in, have lunch, and take complete rest. This is crucial for conserving energy.
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Evening (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM): Preparations & Yatra Parchi
- 🕉️ Visit a Yatra Registration Counter to get your free, mandatory RFID Yatra Parchi. A valid Photo ID is required.
- 🕉️ Have an early and light dinner to fuel your body for the journey.
- 🕉️ Proceed to the Banganga Check Post to start your 13 km trek.
- 🕉️ Essential Tips: Pack light, pace yourself, and stay hydrated.
- 🕉️ Upon arrival, store your belongings in the free lockers.
- 🕉️ You may take a holy bath at the bathing ghats before Darshan.
- 🕉️ Join the queue for the holy Darshan of Mata Rani in the sacred cave.
- 🕉️ After Darshan, collect your belongings and have breakfast.
- 🕉️ Complete your pilgrimage by visiting the Bhairon Ghati.
- 🕉️ You can walk or take the passenger ropeway for a quick, scenic ride.
- 🕉️ Begin your journey back to Katra. Walk carefully.
- 🕉️ Reach your hotel by evening for a well-deserved rest.
- 🕉️ Wake up at your leisure and explore the main Katra market to buy Prasad, dry fruits, and souvenirs.
- 🕉️ Have lunch, check out, and proceed to the railway station or bus terminal.
Night (7:30 PM onwards): The Ascent Begins
Navigating the Path: Transport Options
Horse or Doli
› Route: Katra to Bhawan.
› Approx. Cost: Horse: ₹1,250 | Doli: ₹2,150.
› Booking: Use official prepaid counters at Banganga.Battery Car
› Route: Ardhkuwari to Bhawan.
› Approx. Cost: To Bhawan: ₹450 | Return: ₹300.
› Booking: Book online 60 days in advance; slots are very limited.Helicopter Service
› Route: Katra to Sanjichhat (2.5 km from Bhawan).
› Booking: Extremely high demand. Book online via the official website when slots open.
Day 2: Divine Darshan & The Return
Early Morning (4:00 AM - 5:00 AM): At the Holy Bhawan
Morning (5:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The Divine Darshan
Late Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Bhairon Nath Temple
Afternoon (1:00 PM onwards): The Descent
Day 3: Relaxation & Departure
Morning (9:00 AM onwards): Leisure & Shopping
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Departure
Trip Essentials & Planning
Must-Carry Items
› Warm clothes
› Torch & power bank
› Personal medicines
› Valid Photo ID
› Comfortable shoesBest Time to Visit
› Mar–Apr & Sep–Oct: Pleasant weather.
› May–Jun: Warm, peak crowds.
› Nov–Feb: Cold, fewer crowds.Optional Experiences
› Attend Morning/Evening Aarti (register online).
› Visit Charan Paduka & Ardhkuwari Cave.A Final Thought
As you take your final steps down from the Bhawan, you'll realize this was not just a journey through the mountains—it was a journey within. The chants, the tired feet, the glowing torches on the hillside... they become memories stitched with faith, courage, and surrender.
You came as a devotee.
You’ll return as someone renewed—lighter in spirit, heavier with blessings.So as you pack your Prasad and look back one last time at the Trikuta hills, carry with you not just the blessings of the Goddess—but the peace you found in her shadow.
Until Next Time…
When life gets heavy again…
When the world gets noisy…
When your heart seeks strength,
You’ll know the way.The path is always open. Mata is always waiting.
🕉️
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