Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Rules: Start Within 10 Hours of RFID Card, Return Within 24 Hours

Vaishno Devi Yatra Rules Tightened: Begin Within 10 Hours of RFID Card, Return Within 24 Hours

To manage the surge of New Year pilgrims, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has updated the yatra guidelines, aiming to prevent overcrowding and ensure smoother crowd management along the 13 km route from Katra to Bhawan.

New Time Guidelines for Pilgrims

• Devotees must start their yatra within 10 hours of receiving the RFID travel card.

• After completing darshan, they must return to Katra within 24 hours.

• Previously, there were no restrictions on starting the yatra or the duration of stay at Bhawan, which often led to congestion.

Yatra Duration & Travel Options

• On foot: 6–8 hours uphill; similar duration downhill.

• Round trip: 12–24 hours.

• By helicopter: 4–6 hours; fares range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000.

• Darshan waiting time: 2–6 hours, longer during peak seasons.

Reaching Vaishno Devi Dham

• By Train: Jammu Tawi (50 km from Katra).

• By Air: Jammu Airport (70 km) or Srinagar Airport (200 km).

• By Road: Buses and private vehicles from Jammu or Pathankot.

• From Katra, pilgrims can continue by foot, horse, pitthu, battery car, or helicopter.

Mandatory Registration

• Pilgrims must complete online registration through the Shrine Board’s official website.

• A registration centre at Katra railway station is open until midnight to assist devotees.

Purpose and Benefits

• Ensures safer yatra and smoother crowd movement.

• Facilitates quicker emergency response for pilgrims, especially women, children, and the elderly.

• Reduces risks associated with long stays in cold weather and helps manage waiting times.