Frequently Asked Questions

Online bookings for almost all services are started two months in advance. For example, the bookings for services for the month of March will start on 1st January, 10 am.

Only 40 to 50% bookings are done online, and the rest are done offline at the counters. Offline bookings are done on the same day. No advance offline bookings are permitted.

There are no extra rules for NRIs. You should have a valid Indian passport, Aadhaar card, or permanent resident certificate (PR/OIC) of the nation where you are currently residing.

In the case of babies or kids below 5 years of age, no additional documents are required, however, a Passport will be required. You MUST carry a PASSPORT if you don't have any other documents.

In Katra, the offline counter is in Niharika Complex, near Bus Stand Katra. The current booking starts from 7:30 am.

For current bookings, you must carry any valid ID proof like Passport, Aadhar card, or Voter ID card. See details here for booking a Helicoptor

If you are in time crunch and want to get all facilities within your yatra, you can rush to the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra. The reception clerk will book your helicopter, rooms, and guide you accordingly.

Once you book Nau chandi path, everything is arranged by Shrine board like traveling to helipad, foods, accomodation at bhawan. Details can be found here Nav chandi

NO. Shrine Board has not authorized any person/people/agency to book tickets for any services.

If any person or agency is claiming such a position, report it to ceo@maavaishnodevi.net or give this information to the helpdesk number.

If you are a Grade 1 or 2 officer in Indian Government / State Government OR a Parliament staff OR from the Army, you can take a VIP Darshan pass from Niharika Complex, Katra counter.

Produce this VIP pass to Durga Bhawan counter at Bhawan and they will guide accordingly.

Offline bookings are done based on availability at the counter situated at Adhkuwari from morning 7:30 am. Generally, the battery car offline tickets are available, but it depends on the crowd. The waiting time for tickets for the slot depends on the battery car availability (battery gets discharged every 3 trips).

Similalry the offline bookings are done at Manokamna Bhawan for coming back to Adhkuwari.

In case the cancellation is done by Shrine Board, a full refund is done to your account/UPI/card in the next 15 days, and an email/SMS will be delivered.

If you want the payment back within 4-5 days, then write an email to refund@maavaishnodevi.net with Transaction Details. For more details read the cancellation rules

No, Battery Car is not mandatory. It is an optional eco-friendly transport service for pilgrims who prefer a comfortable ride between Ardhkuwari and Bhawan — especially senior citizens, those with medical conditions, and families with small children.

Battery Car can be booked online through the official Shrine Board website up to two months in advance. Offline booking is also available at the Battery Car shed counters at Ardhkuwari and Manokamna Bhawan, starting from 7:00 AM on the day of travel.

The fare is ₹450 per person from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan and ₹300 per person from Bhawan to Ardhkuwari (effective 1st June 2024). All fares are GST inclusive. Differently-abled pilgrims travel free of charge.

Yes, online bookings can be cancelled up to 2 days before the scheduled travel date. On cancellation, 70% of the amount is refunded to the original payment method within 15 working days. The remaining 30% is retained by the Shrine Board as processing charges.

The Battery Car service generally operates from approximately 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Offline booking counters open at 7:00 AM. Timings may vary on peak days, festivals, or due to weather conditions. Always check the Shrine Board announcements before travel.

Pithoo is a registered human porter who carries your luggage (and can assist semi-ambulatory pilgrims). A Pony/Horse/Mule carries one pilgrim on its back (with or without a child below 6 years). A Palki is a traditional palanquin (chair carried by bearers) — ideal for elderly or differently-abled pilgrims. All are registered with the local municipal committee.

The Pithoo charge from Ban Ganga to Bhawan via Himkoti is ₹650 per person (including GST). Routes range from ₹240 (Adhkuwari to Bhawan via Himkoti) up to ₹650. Always pay at the official Banganga counter and keep the receipt — hand it to the Pithoo upon reaching the destination.

₹1,250 for a single adult (GST excluded) for Ban Ganga to Bhawan via Sanjhi Chhat. If accompanied by a child below 6 years, the fare is ₹1,450. Payment is made at the official counter at Banganga. The receipt must be handed to the pony handler at the destination.

Palki fares depend on both the route and your weight. Ban Ganga to Bhawan via Himkoti costs ₹3,200 for pilgrims up to 100 kg and ₹4,000 for those over 100 kg (GST excluded). It is the most comfortable but also the most expensive option — ideal for elderly or differently-abled pilgrims.

No. All three services are offline only — no online or advance booking is available. Visit the official counter at Banganga after crossing the checkpost, pay the fixed rate, and take your receipt. Never pay extra directly to the service provider, and always verify their registration card.

The helicopter fare from Katra to Sanjhi Chhat is ₹2,210 per person (one way). Katra to Panchi Helipad (with Priority Darshan) is ₹5,100 per person. The premium Jammu Airport package starts at ₹35,000 per person for same-day return.

Helicopter tickets can be booked online through the official Shrine Board website at online.maavaishnodevi.org. Only the official website is authorized — no private agents or third-party platforms.

Sanjhi Chhat is the standard helipad offering basic helicopter access near Bhawan at a lower fare (₹2,210). Panchi Helipad is located closer to Bhawan and the ₹5,100 fare includes Priority Darshan. The Jammu package lands at either Panchi or Sanjhi and includes meals, stay, and Aarti.

Yes, online bookings can be cancelled through the online portal only. Cancellation must be made at least 2 days before the travel date. 70% of the amount is refunded within 15 working days. Round-trip tickets must be cancelled for the entire route — partial cancellation is not allowed.

Yes, several items are prohibited including lighters, flammable materials, power banks, firearms, sharp tools, liquids, aerosols, gels, martial arts items, and sporting goods. Passengers carrying prohibited items will not be allowed to board.