Katra : Katra (50 kms from Jammu) is visited for Vaishnodevi temple and the town is base camp for visiting the famous Ma Vaishnodevi Shrine (5,300 ft asl), which is 13 Km uphill walk from Katra. Those who are unable or not wanting to take pains to climb on foot can opt for a horseback or a Palanquin (Palki).  

Upwards Climb to Vaishnodevi can be a long 4 hour walk or one can take a helicopter ride from where the temple is at a distance of 2 kms. Guests taking helicopter option get priority Darshan at the temple. Guests walking uphill or going back on foot   

Guests not taking helicopter, make it a point to visit Adhkwari Temple (at around Half way point) and Bhairon Baba temple. Without covering these temples alongwith Vaishnodevi temple the yatra is considered incomplete. Those walking uphill and back down visiting Adhkwwari and Bhairon Baba temple, it can take anything from 10 to 14 hours before they can return to the hotels (Including waiting time at the Vaishnodevi Temple).

Seasonality - Navaratri (Sept-Oct) and Chaitra Navaratri (Feb-March) are two periods (Nine days each) that are considered holiest. Holiday vacation periods like Deewali, Christmas and Summer (Mid-April to June end) are the peak times and wait periods after procuring queue number can be several hours. 

Note: 

• All guests have to procure a Yatra Parchi (Entrance ticket) to Vaishnodevi. During peak season its advisable to have the hotel procure Yatra Parchi in advance to avoid queuing up at the Yatra Parchi counter. 

• In very peak periods (Some days in Navaratri and Summer), Yatra Parchi (Entrance ticket) to Vaishnodevi is stopped to control number of devotees crowding the shrine. Avoid very peak dates or make sure you stay for 2 nights instead of 1.

• The entire route from Katra town to Vaishnodevi temple is full of eateries, toilets, rest areas and medical facility is available enroute.

• Just before half-way mark (Adhkwari temple), battery operated rickshaws are available for guests to take a short cut to the Vaishnodevi temple.

• Temple Darshan is open 24 hours a day except during when Aarti / Pooja is conducted. 

• Those who wish to stay at Vaishnodevi Temple (Bhawan area), could reserve accommodation on the Shrine Board website - www.maavaishnodevi.org 

Typical Stay - 1 night if you arrive early enough on Day 1 at Katra to be able to complete Darshan during the day OR 2 nights if arrival at Katra is later in the day on Day 1. 

Access - Jammu gets trains and flights from all over India via Delhi. Katra is about 50 kms (1.5 hours) from Jammu.

Please email to jnk@nivalink.co.in with dates of travel for a firm quote (hotel cost and transportation) with an indicative itinerary covering Katra / Vaishnodevi and other destinations that can be visited alongwith.