Day 1: Jammu Arrival & Katra Transfer

The day is utilized for a smooth transition from the arrival place of the pilgrim to the base camp for undertaking the Yatra.

Normally, the pilgrims begin their tour from Jammu, the nearest major transportation hub, either from Jammu Tawi Railway Station or Airport, famously known as the “City of Temples.”

On arrival, the pilgrims are received by the tour representative of our company, they have selected on their own driver and driven straight to Katra Railway Station. Katra is 45 to 60 kms away from Jammu, approximately 2 hours journey by road. The drive sets the tone for the tour as the Shivalik mountains start to appear.

After freshening up at a pre-booked hotel in Katra, the remaining day is generally spent in relaxation. Taking rest is necessary for acclimatization and preparation of the body for the strenuous journey that lies ahead. The devotees can take dinner, pack their tracking bags and have a tour of the local market of Katra. They can shop for devotional items, souvenirs, and dry fruits from local shops. Stay relaxed overnight.

Day 2: Maa Vaishno Devi Temple Visit

This is the most important day of the tour, as it comprises the whole difficult and spiritual hub to the Holy Cave. The devotees begin early at the Darshani Deodhi/Ban Ganga Point, which marks the official starting gate for the trip from Katra. The distance to Bhawan is approximately 12 to 14 kms.

The most traditional and spiritually rewarding approach, often accompanied by chants of “Jai Mata Di”, to walk the paved path across the Trikuta hills. The walk may last anywhere between 4 to 8 hours, depending on fitness and pace.

Pony or Palki are offered at a fixed charge and ensure a more comfortable option for the aged, physically incapacitated or those who do not wish to walk.

Battery cars are available from the second half of the route from Ardhkuwari, and a helicopter service is also available from Katra to Sanjichhat, approximately 2.5 kms from the Bhawan, giving the fastest route to the top.

Important Mid Points:

Ardhkuwari – At a mid-distance, it has the cave Garbha Joon, where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for 9 months.

Darshan at the Bhawan – After reaching the Bhawan, devotees take a holy bath and join the queue for Darshan inside the Holy Cave. Inside, they seek blessings from the three Holy pindis representing the Goddess.

Bhairavnath Temple Visit – After the primary Darshan, one must take a walk uphill to the Bhairavnath Temple, which is 1.5 kms away. It is famously believed that the Yatra is accomplished only after paying obeisance to Bhairon Nath, to whom the Goddess granted salvation.

After having dual Darshan, a long descent to Katra begins, capping off a physically demanding but spiritually rewarding day. The devotees return to their accommodation in Katra for some well-deserved rest.

Day 3: Departure

The pilgrimage journey reaches its climax on this day, the penultimate day. A leisurely morning allows pilgrims to recover from their strenuous walk. Take breakfast at the hotel. After checking out of the hotel, devotees are escorted from Katra to their original site of Jammu. The journey closes when the pilgrims board their aircraft or train.