Mata Vaishno Devi

The cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills, a trek of about 12 km each way from the base town of Katra, past Ardhkuwari. Ponies, palkis, battery cars and a helicopter to Sanjichhat cut the walk.

Plan this pilgrimage (3 days)Official booking site ↗

Best time to go

March to June and September to October. Navratri is crowded; winters are cold and the path can be icy.

Festivals (expect crowds)

Darshan & practical tips

Timings, dress codes and booking rules change — confirm on the official temple or trust site before you travel.

How to reach Katra

Suggested 3-day plan

  1. Day 1: Vaishno Devi → Nau Devi cave → Shiv Khori
  2. Day 2: Ardhkuwari Hill View Spot → Kol Kandoli Temple → Sudh Mahadev Temple
  3. Day 3: Shri Ranbireshwar Temple, Niranjani Akhara. → Shri Raghunath Temple → Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Temple

Make it my trip — add stays, trains and tripmates

Temples near Katra

Other places to see nearby

Frequently asked

What is the best time to visit Mata Vaishno Devi?

March to June and September to October. Navratri is crowded; winters are cold and the path can be icy.

How do I reach Katra?

By train: S M V D Katra (SVDK), 1 km; Udhampur (UHP), 28 km; Jammu Tawi (JAT), 40 km. By air: Jammu (IXJ), 43 km; Srinagar (SXR), 140 km. By road from Jammu (~38 km), Dalhousie (~137 km), Pahalgam (~149 km).

How many days do I need for Mata Vaishno Devi?

Plan 3 days to include darshan and the main places nearby; add a day around festivals and weekends.

More pilgrimages