🗓️ Suggested Itinerary for Katra Vaishno Devi Yatra
Day 1: Arrival in Katra
- Reach Katra (by train, bus, or car). The nearest big station is Jammu Tawi, about 50 km away.
- Check into your hotel and rest.
- In the evening, collect your Yatra Parchi (registration slip) from the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board office or online.
- Light dinner and early sleep—you’ll need energy for the trek.
Day 2: Trek from Katra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan
- Start early morning (between 5–6 am) to avoid crowds.
- Distance: ~13 km trek (takes 5–7 hours depending on pace).
- Options: Walk, take a pony, palki (carried seat), or battery-operated vehicle (part route only).
- Midway stops:
- Banganga (1.5 km): First check post.
- Charan Paduka (5 km): Sacred footprint mark.
- Ardhkuwari (6 km): Famous cave temple, good rest stop.
- Reach the Bhawan (main temple), have darshan, and spend some peaceful time.
- Overnight stay at Bhawan (there are dorms and simple rooms managed by the Shrine Board).
Day 3: Bhairon Baba Temple + Return to Katra
- Early morning, visit Bhairon Baba Temple (2.5 km uphill from Bhawan).
- Belief: The yatra is incomplete without this darshan.
- Return trek down to Katra (takes 4–6 hours).
- Check back into your hotel, freshen up, and relax.
Day 4 (Optional): Local Sightseeing Around Katra / Jammu
- If you have an extra day, explore nearby spots:
- Patnitop: Hill station with pine forests (~80 km).
- Shiv Khori Cave: Dedicated to Lord Shiva (~70 km).
- Raghunath Temple in Jammu.
- Evening train/flight back.
✦ Quick Travel Tips
- Carry light woolens even in summer—nights can get chilly.
- Good walking shoes are a must.
- Book stays and parchi online in peak season (Navratras).
- Keep snacks, dry fruits, and a water bottle handy during the trek.
👉 With this itinerary, you can do the yatra comfortably in 2 days if you’re short on time, or stretch it to 3–4 days for a relaxed trip.
💰 Budget Breakdown for Vaishno Devi Yatra (Per Person)
1. Transport
- Train (Delhi → Jammu Tawi): ₹500–1,200 (sleeper/3AC).
- Taxi/Bus (Jammu → Katra, 50 km): ₹100–400.
- Local transport in Katra: ₹200–500.
- Pony/Palki/Battery Car (optional):
- Pony: ₹800–1,200 one way.
- Palki: ₹3,000–4,500 one way.
- Battery Car (Ardhkuwari–Bhawan): ₹300–400.
👉 Budget traveler: ₹1,500–2,000
👉 Mid-range with pony/palki: ₹3,500–5,000
2. Stay
- Budget hotel in Katra: ₹800–1,200 per night.
- Shrine Board dorms at Bhawan: ₹100–250 per bed.
- Mid-range hotel in Katra: ₹2,000–3,000 per night.
👉 Budget: ₹2,000–2,500 for 3 nights
👉 Mid-range: ₹6,000–8,000 for 3 nights
3. Food
- Langar (free community meals): Available along the route.
- Local dhabas/veg thalis: ₹150–250 per meal.
- Mid-range restaurants: ₹400–600 per meal.
👉 Budget: ₹1,000–1,500 for 3–4 days
👉 Mid-range: ₹2,500–3,500
4. Miscellaneous
- Yatra Parchi: Free (registration slip).
- Prasad & small shopping: ₹500–1,000.
- Extra snacks/water: ₹200–400.
📊 Approximate Total (Per Person)
| Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | ₹1,500–2,000 | ₹3,500–5,000 |
| Stay | ₹2,000–2,500 | ₹6,000–8,000 |
| Food | ₹1,000–1,500 | ₹2,500–3,500 |
| Misc. | ₹500–1,000 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Total | ₹5,000–7,000 | ₹13,000–18,000 |
👉 So, if you’re traveling light, you can do the Katra Vaishno Devi Yatra in just ₹6k per person.
👉 If you want comfort (better hotels, pony rides, nice restaurants), plan for ₹15k or so.
Would you like me to also add a “Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi” section to complete this guide? That way, readers know when the trip is most comfortable.