Vaishno Devi yatra: a first-timer's guide

The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine sits at about 5,200 ft in the Trikuta hills. Here is what a first visit involves.

The climb

• About 12 km from Katra to the Bhawan
• Options: on foot, pony, palki (palanquin), battery car on part of the route, or helicopter from Katra to Sanjichhat
• Registration (RFID card) is required and is free - carry a valid photo ID

Where to stay

Katra has hotels for every budget. Stay the night before, start the climb early morning or late evening to avoid the midday sun.

Combine it with

• Shiv Khori cave shrine, about two hours from Katra
• Patnitop, Nathatop and Sanasar for cool pine-forest hill air
• Amritsar and the Golden Temple, a common add-on

See the Vaishno Devi and Patnitop 4-day package or the Vaishno Devi with Shiv Khori itinerary.