To reach Vaishno Devi from Delhi, drive about 600 km to Katra (10-11 hours) via the Jammu highway; Katra is the base town for the shrine. From Katra, the darshan involves a ~12 km trek (or pony, palki, battery car or helicopter) up to the Bhawan at ~5,200 ft. Many pilgrims combine the trip with Amritsar. Book a Delhi to Katra cab or explore flexible outstation cabs.
How to Reach Katra
| Mode | Detail |
|---|---|
| By Road | ~600 km, 10-11 hours via NH-44 |
| By Train | Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) station |
| By Air | Fly to Jammu, then ~50 km road to Katra |
| Trek | ~12 km Katra to Bhawan |
Cab Fare from Delhi to Katra
| Vehicle | Rate / km | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Swift Dzire) | Rs 11/km | Couples / small family |
| Ertiga | Rs 15/km | Family of 4-5 |
| Innova Crysta | Rs 18/km | Comfort over long drive |
| Tempo Traveller (12) | Rs 20/km | Group pilgrimage |
Cabs are billed per km with an outstation minimum of 250-300 km per day. For the long Delhi-Katra run, an Innova or Ertiga balances comfort and cost; large groups save with a Tempo Traveller (charged the same one-way or round-trip). A round trip is common as pilgrims return the same route.
At the Shrine
- Yatra registration: Free RFID/yatra slip is mandatory before starting the trek.
- Trek options: Walk, pony, palki, battery car (part way) or helicopter (Katra to Sanjichhat).
- Bhairavnath Temple: Traditionally visited after the main darshan, ~2.5 km further up.
- Best time: March-October; winters are cold with occasional snow near the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Vaishno Devi from Delhi?
About 600 km to Katra by road, a 10-11 hour drive, followed by a ~12 km trek to the Bhawan.
Can I take a cab all the way to the temple?
Vehicles go up to Katra only. From there the yatra is on foot, pony, palki or helicopter. Book your road transport as an outstation cab.
How much does a Delhi to Katra cab cost?
From Rs 11/km for a sedan; the total depends on vehicle and whether you take a one-way or round trip.
