Starting Yatra
Yatra Parchi / RFID Card
How to Get Yatra Parchi / RFID Card (Step-by-Step)
Visit the official Shrine Board website and book your Yatra slip online, or plan to get it from the authorized counter.
Carry a valid government ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, etc.) for each pilgrim.
Show your online slip (printout or mobile) and ID at the counter to collect your RFID card.
Start your Yatra from Banganga or Tarakote route. Your RFID card will be checked at entry points.
After completing the Yatra, return the RFID card at the designated exit point as instructed by the Shrine Board.
Important Points to Note
It is a MUST item to carry to start the Yatra from Katra for every pilgrim.
To get it, you have to carry any of the authorised identification card like AADHAR Card or Voter Card.
Please keep it safe during the journey as you will have to give it back at Ban Ganga checkpost at the end of journey.
Without it, no one can cross Ban Ganga Frisking Point.
This helps Shrine Board to count the number of Pilgrims on the way to Bhawan.
If you have booked the Yatra Parchi online, then you have to show the print out of the parchi at the counter and you can get RFID card instantly, without waiting in the long Queue.
For kids below 5 years, the RFID card is not applicable. However, guardians may take it.
Devotess can show the slip PDF on mobile at counters to get RFID Cards before 8 pm on the date of Yatra. So, In case you dont have printouts, you can still collect RFID till 8 pm.
The Service for distributing the RFID card runs 24 hrs at Katra Bus stand.
The Queue to get RFID Card, at Katra Bus Stand Counter is generally longer than Railway Station.
There are no longer queues at nights, and you can get the RFID Cards within minutes.
In peak seasons, multiple other kiosks are opened for distributing RFID Cards.
It is MUST to return RFID Cards after completion of Yatra at the checkpost exit counter at ban ganga or tarakot or Serli Helipad or Jammu airport, from where ever you take exit.
RFID Card Counters
Railway Station, Katra (Near Entry/Exit to Station). Time: 8 am to 10 pm.
Yatra Parchi Counter, Katra Bus Stand. Time: 24 hrs.
Katra Serli Helipad. Time: 7 am to 5 pm.
Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra: Time: 8 am to 8 pm.
Trikuta Bhawan, Jammu: 8 am to 8 pm.
Jammu Helipad, Jammu: 7 am to 5 pm.
All Shrine Board Accomodation Counters: 24 Hrs.
You will be redirected to the official Shrine Board website for booking.
Other Booking Options for Vaishno Devi Yatra
If your preferred service is not available, you can choose one of these official alternatives.
💡 During peak season, checking these options in advance can save you a lot of waiting time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is RFID card mandatory for Vaishno Devi Yatra?
Yes, RFID card is mandatory for all pilgrims. Without it, you will not be allowed to proceed for the Yatra.
Can I show my Yatra slip on mobile instead of a printout?
Yes, you can show the Yatra slip on your mobile phone while collecting the RFID card, along with a valid ID proof.
Do children also need an RFID card?
Generally, very small children may be exempt, but the accompanying guardian must have a valid RFID card. Rules may change during peak season.
What should I do if I lose my RFID card?
In case of loss, immediately contact the nearest Shrine Board help desk or counter for guidance and further instructions.
Can I start the Yatra without RFID card if I already have helicopter or ropeway booking?
No, even if you have helicopter or ropeway booking, carrying a valid RFID card is mandatory as per Shrine Board rules.
Availability of Other Services
Rooms
Available at Jammu, Katra, AdhKuwari, Sanjhi Chhat and Bhawan.
Dormitories
Available at Jammu, Katra, AdhKuwari, Sanjhi Chhat and Bhawan.
Palki
Available from Katra Ban Ganga, AdhKuwari, Sanjhi Chhat, Bhawan and Bhairon Temple
Pithoo
Available from Katra Ban Ganga, AdhKuwari, Sanjhi Chhat, Bhawan and Bhairon Temple
Pony
Available from Katra Ban Ganga, AdhKuwari, Sanjhi Chhat, Bhawan and Bhairon Temple
Battery Cars
Available From AdhKuwari to Bhawan and Bhawan to AdhKuwari.
Attka Aarti
Available at Bhawan daily morning 6:20 and Evening 6:20.
Ropeway
Available from/to Bhawan to/from Bhairon Mandir.
Helicoptor
Available from Jammu and Katra to/from Sanjhi Chhat Helipad and Panchi Helipad.
SSVP
Shardha Suman Vishesh Puja is available at Bhawan Only.
Garbhjun Aarti
Garbhjun Aarti at Adhkuwari Only. After Aarti, priority darshan in cave at AdhKuwari
Hawan at Yagyashala
Hawan with Family or virtually is executed at Bhawan Only.