Ways to Maa Vaishno Devi Temple
How to reach Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine Cave Temple
To reach the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, travelers can choose from various transportation options. Once you reach Katra, there are multiple ways to reach Vaishno Devi Temple.
Helicopter Routes
Helicopter Options to Bhawan
1
By Helicopter — Katra → Sanjhi Chhat
For the people who are willing to come back to Katra on the same day.
Katra Helipad
Sanjhi Chhat Helipad
Bhawan
- You must obtain your RFID card cum Yatra Parchi from Katra Bus stand or Railway Station before starting your journey.
- The helicopter ride from Katra to Sanjichhat takes approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
- The Sanjichhat helipad is located at a distance of about 2.5 kilometers from the Bhawan (main shrine).
- From Sanjichhat, pilgrims can proceed to the Vaishno Devi Shrine either on foot or by using other available transportation options like ponies or palanquins.
- Fare per person from Katra to Sanjichhat is ₹2210 one side.
- Helicopter Service booking is required for pilgrims of age 2 years and above. Kids below 2 years will be sitting in lap.
- Bookings can be done only through the Shrine board official website .
- Hotels and Guest houses provide free pick and drop for their travelers to Katra helipad.
2
By Helicopter — Katra → Panchi Helipad
For the people who are willing to come back to Katra on the same day/Next Day.
Katra Helipad
Panchi Helipad
Bhawan
- You must obtain your RFID card cum Yatra Parchi at Helipad Shrine Board Counter.
- The helicopter ride from Katra Sarli Helipad to Panchi Helipad takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
- The Panchi helipad is located at a distance of about 900 meters from the Bhawan (main shrine).
- From Panchi helipad, pilgrims can proceed to the Vaishno Devi Shrine either on foot or by using other available transportation options like Battery cars.
- Fare per person from Katra to Panchi Helipad is ₹5100 for one side per person.
- Helicopter Service booking is required for pilgrims of age 2 years and above. Kids below 2 years will be sitting in lap.
- Bookings can be done only through the Shrine board official website .
- Pilgrims are given priority darshan, prasad at Bhawan and battery car to commute from Panchi Helipad to Bhawan and Back.
3
By Helicopter — Jammu Airport → Panchi Helipad
For the people who are willing to come back to Jammu on the same day.
Jammu Airport Helipad
Panchi Helipad
Bhawan
- You must obtain your RFID card cum Yatra Parchi at Jammu Airport Shrine Board Counter.
- The helicopter ride from Jammu Airport to Panchi Helipad takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
- The Sanjichhat helipad is located at a distance of about 2.5 kilometers from the Bhawan (main shrine).
- The Panchi helipad is located at a distance of about 900 meters from the Bhawan (main shrine).
- Fare per person from Jammu to Sanjichhat and back is ₹35000 for a complete trip on the same day return.
- Fare per person from Jammu to Sanjichhat and back is ₹50000 for a complete trip on next day return.
- Helicopter Service booking is required for pilgrims of age 2 years and above. Kids below 2 years will be sitting in lap.
- Bookings can be done only through the Shrine board official website .
- Pilgrims are given priority darshan at Bhawan and battery car to commute from Sanjhi Chhat Helipad to Bhawan and Back.
Surface Routes
By Surface Via Banganga
You must obtain your RFID card cum Yatra Parchi from Katra Bus stand or Railway Station before starting your journey.
You have to reach the Banganga Checkpost frisking point to start your journey. Multiple options open from Banganga for a pilgrim.
You have to reach the Banganga Checkpost frisking point to start your journey. Multiple options open from Banganga for a pilgrim.
3 Surface Sub-Routes
Old Route via Hathi Matha
Banganga
Ardhkuwari
Hathi Matha (old route)
Sanjhi Chhat
Bhawan
New Himkoti Route (Battery Car)
Banganga
Ardhkuwari
Himkoti (new route, Battery car route)
Bhawan
Important Notes
After crossing banganga checkpost, you can book ponies, palki and pithoo.
Offline counter is after 100 meters after crossing checkpost.
Tarakot Marg
Tarakot Marg (Battery car route for shrine board office bearers)
Tarakot Marg is the designated battery car route primarily for Shrine Board office bearers. It connects via Banganga and offers an alternate path bypassing the regular trekking route.
Route: Tarakot Marg
Banganga
Tarakot Marg (Battery car route for shrine board office bearers)
Ardhkuwari (optional)
Himkoti
Bhawan
- You must obtain your RFID card cum Yatra Parchi from Katra Bus stand or Railway Station before starting your journey.
- After crossing banganga checkpost, you can book ponies, palki and pithoo.
- Offline counter is after 100 meters after crossing checkpost.
Helpful Routes & Yatra Assistance
Find routes, trekking details, FAQs, and useful help for your journey.
💡 During peak season, checking these options in advance can save you a lot of waiting time.