Sameer
Anvi Staff answered 4 months ago
Reaching Vaishno Devi Temple involves multiple steps and options. Here’s a comprehensive guide for first-time visitors:
1. Reaching Katra (Base Camp)
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (Satwari Airport)
Distance from Katra: Approximately 50 km
Transportation Options from Airport: Prepaid taxis, private cabs, and buses are available at the airport to reach Katra.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Katra Railway Station (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station)
Major Trains: Multiple trains connect Katra with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and others.
Transportation Options from Railway Station: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are available to take you to the main town or your hotel.
By Road:
Bus Services: Regular bus services (both government and private) connect Katra with Jammu and other nearby cities.
Taxi Services: Private taxis can be hired from Jammu, which is well connected by road to various parts of North India.
Self-Driving: You can drive to Katra from nearby cities. The roads are well-maintained and scenic.
2. Yatra Registration
Yatra Parchi: Obtain a Yatra Registration Slip (Yatra Parchi) which is mandatory for the pilgrimage. This can be done online on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s official website or at the Yatra Registration Counter in Katra.
3. The Trek to Vaishno Devi Temple
Distance:
Total Distance: 13 km from Katra to Bhawan (main temple complex)
Trekking Route:
Starting Point: Banganga Check Post
Major Stops: Banganga, Charan Paduka, Adhkuwari, Himkoti, Sanjichhat, Bhawan
Mode of Trek:
On Foot: Most pilgrims choose to walk the distance. The trek is well-paved and well-lit, with resting places, food stalls, and medical aid stations along the way.
Palanquins (Palkis): For those who cannot walk, palanquins carried by porters are available.
Ponies/Horses: Ponies can be hired for the trek.
Battery-operated Vehicles: Available for the elderly and differently-abled from Adhkuwari to Bhawan.
4. Helicopter Service
Service Providers: Helicopter services are available from Katra to Sanjichhat.
Booking: Tickets can be booked online on the Shrine Board’s official website or through authorized travel agents.
Flight Duration: Approximately 8 minutes
Distance from Sanjichhat to Bhawan: 2.5 km, which can be covered on foot or using ponies/palanquins.
5. At the Temple Complex (Bhawan)
Darshan Timings: The temple is open 24/7 throughout the year.
Facilities: Cloakrooms, bhojanalayas (eating places), medical aid centers, and accommodation options.
Prasad: Obtain prasad (holy offering) from designated counters.
6. Accommodation
Options in Katra: Hotels, guesthouses, and Dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) catering to various budgets.
Options at Bhawan: Shrine Board’s guesthouses and dormitories.
7. Important Tips for First-time Visitors
Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for trekking.
Essentials: Carry water bottles, light snacks, medicines, and a walking stick if needed.
Weather: Check the weather forecast and carry appropriate gear, such as raincoats or warm clothing.
Safety: Stay hydrated and take breaks during the trek to avoid exhaustion.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and follow the temple’s rules and regulations.
For a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage, plan your trip well in advance, especially during peak seasons or festivals.
Subhash Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching the Vaishno Devi Temple, located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, involves a few key steps. Firstly, you need to travel to Katra, the base town for the pilgrimage. Katra is well-connected by road and rail. You can take a train to the Katra Railway Station from major cities like Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur. Alternatively, if you’re flying, the nearest airport is in Jammu, about 50 kilometers from Katra. From Jammu, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Katra.
Once in Katra, the pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi Temple requires a trek of approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) up the Trikuta Mountains. The trek is well-maintained with a paved path and is accessible to most visitors, though it involves a significant climb. For those preferring not to walk, ponies and palkis (palanquins) are available for hire. The journey can take between 6 to 8 hours depending on your pace and stops. It’s recommended to start early in the day to complete the trek comfortably and to be prepared for weather changes and varying terrain.