Vaishno Devi yatra: RFID card, trek, helicopter and best time
Plan Vaishno Devi: trains and flights to Katra, the RFID yatra card, the 13 km trek, battery car, helicopter and ropeway, crowds, weather and costs.
By the Agrima Holidays Team · Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
About the yatra
The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi sits in a cave on the Trikuta hills above Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, at about 1,560 m. Millions of pilgrims climb to the Bhawan every year. The path is paved, lit and open day and night.
Getting to Katra
- By train: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station has direct trains from Delhi, including the Vande Bharat, in about eight hours
- By air: fly to Jammu, then drive about 50 km, roughly one and a half hours
- By road: Katra is about 650 km from Delhi on the national highway
The RFID yatra card
Every pilgrim needs an RFID card, issued free by the Shrine Board. Register online at maavaishnodevi.org before you travel, then collect the card at the registration counters in Katra or at the station. Carry the card throughout. The card must be used within a set time of issue, so collect it shortly before you start the climb.
Ways to climb
- On foot: about 13 km from Banganga to the Bhawan, five to seven hours up
- By pony or palki: hired at fixed rates at Banganga
- Battery car: from Adhkuwari to the Bhawan, booked in advance online
- Helicopter: Katra to Sanjichhat, then about 2.5 km on foot. Book on the Shrine Board website
- Ropeway: between the Bhawan and Bhairon temple
Book helicopter seats early for weekends, Navratri and summer holidays.
When to go
- March to June: pleasant, busy in school holidays
- July to August: monsoon, slippery paths, occasional landslides
- September to October: clear and pleasant, with Navratri crowds
- December to February: cold, possible snow at the top, quietest months
Navratri in spring and autumn brings the largest crowds of the year.
Combine with Kashmir
Many pilgrims add Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam to a Vaishno Devi trip. The road through Banihal or the train from Katra to Srinagar makes the link easy. Our Vaishno Devi with Kashmir Valley package covers both.
Practical tips
- Leather items, tobacco and alcohol are not allowed
- Mobile phones and bags go into lockers before the darshan queue
- Carry a light jacket even in summer for the night walk
- Wear comfortable shoes
Share your dates and we send train, hotel and helicopter options within 24 hours on working days.
