Vaishno Devi weekend
3 days, 2 nights: Katra (Vaishno Devi) (2N). Best time to go: All year (avoid peak Navratri if you dislike crowds).
Day 1: Arrive in Katra (Vaishno Devi)
Katra (Vaishno Devi)
- Bhairon temple by ropeway · 2 h. Pilgrims traditionally visit Bhairon after the Bhawan; the ropeway cuts the steep climb to a few minutes.
Local tip: Pilgrims traditionally visit Bhairon after the Bhawan; the ropeway cuts the steep climb to a few minutes.
Day 2: Vaishno Devi yatra to the Bhawan
Katra (Vaishno Devi)
- Vaishno Devi yatra to the Bhawan · Full day. About 13 km uphill from Banganga on a paved, lit path open round the clock. An RFID yatra card (register online with the Shrine Board, or at Katra) is mandatory. Ponies, palkis and battery cars cover parts of the route.
Local tip: About 13 km uphill from Banganga on a paved, lit path open round the clock. An RFID yatra card (register online with the Shrine Board, or at Katra) is mandatory. Ponies, palkis and battery cars cover parts of the route.
Day 3: Depart from Katra (Vaishno Devi)
Katra (Vaishno Devi)
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Katra (Vaishno Devi) (2 nights): Hotels on the Banganga and station roads. Lifts, hot water and early breakfasts for yatra days.