Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra - How to Reach, What to Eat and Guide to Trekking from Katra

From Amritsar to Katra: A Rain-Drenched, Pony-Powered Pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi

Fresh from the shimmering Golden Temple in Amritsar — stomachs full of langar and souls washed clean — we packed up for Katra, the gateway to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Cue the dramatic Bollywood monsoon soundtrack: it started raining. But unlike a typical Indian family road trip, we had already stalked the weather app for a week, so we were prepared with raincoats, umbrellas, and enough hot chai to power a startup.

By noon, we crossed Pathankot and entered Jammu. Heavy rain + growling tummies = a pitstop at a roadside dhaba. 

Pro tip: nothing beats piping-hot parathas with chai while staring at misty hills. Instagram stories practically post themselves.

The Highway to Holiness: Katra via New Expressway

Thanks to the 2014 highway upgrade (and probably a blessing from Mata herself), the ride from Jammu to Katra was smoother than a cold coffee at Starbucks. We reached Katra around 7 PM, just as the rain tried its best to star in our travel reel again.

Getting off the bus, I stretched my arms dramatically to “smell the fresh mountain air,” only to block everyone behind me. Lesson learned: never stage a Bollywood moment at a bus stop.

Katra Check-In Drama

Rain still pouring, we checked into our hotel. I tried to sleep instead of eating, but my wife’s flying pillow reminded me that “Mata forgives, but wives don’t.” Dinner was demolished in record time. I slept like a baby — the best sleep since Netflix decided to stop asking, “Are you still watching?”

The Holy Trek Begins – With a Side of Chaos

Morning arrived bright and sunny. I confidently announced we’d start our 14 km trek to the shrine at 7 AM sharp. Reality: we left at 8. (Indian Standard Time is undefeated.) Before trekking, you need a Yatra slip — now available online for free, saving you a queue at Katra bus stand. Carry ID proof because, well, it’s 2025 and digital verification is everywhere.

Darshani Darwaza

Darshani Darwaza: The Official “Let’s Do This” Point

We started walking carrying our 18 months old son, but then it started getting difficult as we crossed Darshani Darwaza (the starting point of the journey) as the trek became bit steeper. Then we hired a pithu (men who carry children or your luggage), but that didn't work as my son wasn't ready to go with him. "Why not a pony?" my wife said, and I said yes with a doubt if my son will sit on it or not? My wife did a trial and she sat on pony with my son and he looked happy. With a relief, we hired ponies till Aadhkawari. Aadhkawari is the mid point to The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is believed that mata stayed in the Garbh Joon at Aadhkawari for 9 months while Bhairon was chasing her after she challenged him.

My Pony

Coming back to our story, my son really enjoyed the ride and within 45 minutes, we reached Aadhkawari which is 6 kms from Katra. We got off our ponies and stayed there for a while and had some snacks. The queue to enter Garbh Joon was so long that we had to wait until the night in order to get inside. It is believed that even the most fat person can pass through Garbh Joon which is a very small cave. As w didn't want to wait in the queue, we skipped it and continued the journey.

Old Trek vs. New Trek: The Remix

We took the new trek — less steep, more scenic, and now featuring eco-friendly E-autos you can pre-book online (hello, 2025 upgrades). Walking was easier and stroller-friendly-ish. Light drizzle, stunning valley views, and enough photo ops to make your WhatsApp family group jealous.

Arrival at the Bhawan: Holy Chill Meets Spiritual Thrill

After 3 hours of trekking, we reached The Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi which is located 12 kms from Katra. We had a bath as it is custom to have a bath before paying visit in the temple. Though it was so hot, the water in which we had bath was Himalayan Chiled that I could not even spend 10 seconds in it. Water flows directly from the hills and I wondered how people manage it during winters.

The Bhawan

Inside the Bhawan, Mata resides in pindi form alongside Mata Mahakali and Mata Mahasaraswati. Chanting filled the air, and for a moment, even my Fitbit forgot we’d been trekking for hours. Vaishnodevi Mata is form of Mahalakshmi. She is depicted as very beautiful and dressed in red. Her eight arms hold trident, bow, arrow, lotus, mace and sword and a hand in abhaya gesture. She rides on a tiger. Pindi Darsha of Tridevi right to left Mata Mahakali, Mata Vaishnodevi (Mahalakshmi), Mata Mahasarswati.

As we reached inside the temple premises, we bowed our heads and prayed for our well being. It was a divine feeling, a heavenly experience that I recommend for everyone.

The Bhairon Mandir Challenge: The Final Boss Level

No Vaishno Devi trip is complete without visiting Bhairon Mandir, 2 km ahead. This trek is the steepest — think Stairmaster but with divine blessings. It started raining again, so we hired ponies to avoid slipping into spiritual enlightenment prematurely. Now the entire route is well-lit, so night trekking is also safe, but travel in group.

We reached Bhairon Mandir in time for aarti. 

Pro tip: expect crowds but also incredible vibes. Just double-check your kid’s shoes — losing one here is like losing your AirPod at a concert. 

Returning to Katra Like Tired Champions

Downhill + drizzle = cautious but speedy trekking. We alternated carrying our son, hired ponies when needed, and powered through. Back in Katra, we rewarded ourselves with juice and chips — the real prasad for exhausted pilgrims.

Morning brought more rain, but our trek was complete. We chilled at the hotel, packed up, and planned a pitstop at Chandigarh’s Rock Garden, because why not end a divine journey with recycled art installations?

Travel Tips for Mata Vaishno Devi

• Book Yatra slips & helicopter tickets online well in advance.
• Eco-autos and ponies are now digitally bookable on official apps.
• Stay hydrated and pack snacks — think protein bars, not just chips.
• Dress in layers — mornings are sunny, evenings can be chilly and rainy.
• Sustainable travel: Carry your own water bottles and avoid plastic. Mata approves.
• Content creators: Drone footage is restricted, but reels at Darshani Darwaza = viral potential.
• Cash & UPI: Most stalls accept UPI but carry small cash for ponies/pithus
• Footwear: Non-slip trekking shoes.
• Rain Gear: Lightweight poncho or umbrella
• Kids & Elderly: Book ponies/palkis/eco-autos early.
• Start Early: 5–6 AM for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
• Eco-Friendly: Cloth bags, refill bottles, bring back your trash.

How to Reach Mata Vaishno Devi

1. By Air: Fly to Jammu Airport (50 km from Katra). Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
2. By Train: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station connects to most major cities.
3. By Road: Smooth NH44, luxury buses, and shared cabs from Jammu.
4. Helicopter Service: Book on official Shrine Board website — advance booking mandatory.

What to Eat in Katra & During the Yatra

• In Katra: Rajma Chawal, Kaladi Kulcha (local cheese dish), Aloo Poori, fresh fruit juices, lassi.
• On the Trek: Maggi, prasad shops with halwa & mathri, protein bars, trail mix.

Where to Stay in Katra

Budget hotels, mid-range stays, and dharamshalas are available — book online in advance during Navratri and holiday seasons.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Go

A trip to Mata Vaishno Devi is more than a pilgrimage — it’s a test of stamina, patience, and your ability to negotiate with ponies, pithus, and your spouse simultaneously. With new infrastructure, eco-friendly options, and better online services now, the journey is smoother than ever.

Whether you’re a believer, a trekker, or just chasing mountain views and good dhaba food, this sacred journey is worth every step (and sore calf muscle).

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