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Hello Travellers,

Located in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, among the majestic peaks of the Trikuta Range, is Vaishno Devi, a revered pilgrimage site that welcomes millions of devotees each year. The pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi is a spiritual adventure that profoundly affects the emotions of individuals who travel there, in addition to being a physical trek. Come along with me as I share the story of my amazing trip to Vaishno Devi, where the calm of the Himalayas meets faith. So here I am sharing my experience of the trip.

Route to Vaishnodevi

• Consider taking the train route instead of other modes of transport to enjoy the scenic views of Kashmir along the way.
• Make sure to book your train tickets to Katra in advance, as it is a popular destination for the Vaishno Devi Yatra.
• Start your trek. Registration and the RFID card vaishno devi are mandatory, and the registrations can be done both offline and online.
• Register yourself for the yatra online through the Vaishno Devi app or offline at the railway station or bus stand in Katra. You must take the printout of the yatra slip because they don’t allow the e-yatra slip.

Note: Registrations and RFID cards are free; however, you may be required to pay a fee if you fail to return your card.

Two Ways to Start the Vaishno Devi Yatra

There are two routes to start your yatra:

• Tarakote Marg
• Darshani Darwaza

It is recommended to choose Tarakote Marg for a less crowded and cleaner experience. Registering at the Katra bus stand for Darshani Darwaza involves long lines. Many are unaware of Tarakote Marg, leading to its lesser-known status. Darshani Darwaza, frequented by ponies, tends to be dirty, with unclean washrooms. In contrast, Tarakote Marg is a newer route with no ponies, minimal queues, and quick RFID card processing.

The Best Food and Accommodation in Vaishnodevi

Food :

• Try the McDonald’s food at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Don’t miss the “langar,” a free meal where you’ll need to wash your plates after enjoying the food.
• In Bhawan, you get a lot of options: Sagar Ratna, Dominos, and Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board canteens

Stay :

• There are few hotels available, but there’s a Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board dormitory offered on a first-come, first-served basis, which is more economical. The dormitory opens at 9 p.m., and they charge Rs. 100 for a blanket, refundable upon return in the morning. If you only need to take a bath, free washrooms are available. Bring a waterproof bag and spare clothes, as there are no separate facilities, and you’ll shower wearing clothes. There’s one large washroom for women and another for men. Note that there’s no geyser; the water comes directly from the mountains.
• Hotel Madan Palace is near the Katra bus stand, and the rooms are very clean. They charge $1200 for AC rooms per night and Rs. 1,000 for non-AC rooms.

Places to visit in Vaishno Devi

• Bhawan: The Sanctum Sanctorum, a holy cave and the ultimate goal of pilgrimages is housed in the Holy Bhawan. The Goddess, known as Holy Pindies, made herself known inside the Holy Cave by taking on the forms of Mata Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Kali. At the end of the Tarakote Marg, you arrive at the Bhawan. There are good bathing alternatives available where you can be refreshed and worship before continuing on your trek. Choose the Himkoti Marg over the traditional route, as it prohibits ponies, reducing the risk of accidents. However, be prepared for longer waits and crowds. After completing your darshan at the Bhawan, it’s time to head to Bhairav Ghati.
• Bhairav Ghati, if you are visiting Bhairav Ghati. The journey is said to be incomplete without visiting this sacred place. The route to Bhairav Ghati is challenging due to its steep incline, considered the toughest part of the yatra. From Bhawan to Bhairav Ghati, you can walk or take a cable car for 100 rupees (round trip), but be prepared for a long queue. The cable car operates from 9am to 6pm Bhairav Ghati has a smaller crowd, allowing you to finish darshan in 10 minutes, whereas at Bhawan, it takes an hour or two. On your return to Katra from Bhairav Mandir, choose the opposite route to see Sanjhichhat, Hathi Matha, Ardhkuwari, Charan Paduka, and Ban Ganga, which were missed on the way to Bhawan via Tarakote Marg.
• Ardhkuwari: You can explore the Garb Joon Gufa in Ardhkuwari, where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for 9 months. It’s believed to be a one-time visit in a lifetime, symbolizing a mother’s womb. When you reach Ardhkuwari, you can get accommodation options, blankets, and outlets. However, the darshan queue for Garb Joon Gufa can be quite long, sometimes taking up to two days to get a number. As I had visited Ardhkuwari in my younger years, I chose not to revisit it this time.
• Charanpaduka: There you can see the footsteps of Mata Vaishno Devi, and then comes the ban ganga while trekking down.
• Ban Ganga: There are beautiful bathing ghats where you can also take a bath or dip your feet and hands and feel relaxed after a long and tiring journey. The water is very clean and cold.
• Shivkodhi and Nau Devi Ki Gufa: You can book a car for Rs. 4,000 and visit these places and more nearby. Also, you can take buses with fixed timings for Rs. 250.
• Katramarket, where you can get beautiful Kashmiri shawls and attire.

The Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi:

• Peak Season: Although pilgrims can visit Vaishno Devi year-round, March to October is the ideal time to make the pilgrimage.
• Off-Season: Because of the extremely low temperatures that occur between November and February throughout the winter, we only advise physically fit individuals to go at that time.

Necessary Things to Pack:

• You must carry medicines because if somebody gets ill midway, you need to be prepared, as there are very few chemist shops.
• Pack light for summer, but bring a warm shawl for cooler evenings, especially if visiting in October, when temperatures may drop during trekking.

Travel Tips:

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes and always have a walking stick with you for assistance. Wear layers of clothing because the weather might change quickly.
• During the rainy season, don’t forget your rain gear.
• Bring along plenty of water and energy drinks. Refilling at water stations can be done along the way.

Upon returning to Katra, you have the option to head home or explore nearby attractions. The Katra railway station is particularly beautiful at night. 

Happy Exploring !!!