Yatra Help & FAQ Center

Yes, the RFID card is 150% mandatory for all pilgrims and must be carried visibly around the neck at all times. It is issued free of cost at the Katra Railway Station, Katra Bus Stand, and other designated counters. You cannot cross the security checkpoints at Banganga without it.

The temple is open 24/7 year-round. However, the best months are from March to July (pleasant weather) and September to November (autumn and festive Navratri seasons). Winter months (December to February) can be very cold, with occasional snowfall at the peak.

The 12 km walk from Katra to Bhawan usually takes between 4 to 6 hours for a healthy adult. If you continue up the steep 1.5 km track to the Bhairon temple, it adds another 45 to 60 minutes. Porters, horses, palkis, and helicopters are available to reduce travel time.

No, this website is strictly informational. We do not support online bookings, transactions, or reservation desks. All bookings (Helicopter tickets, Room accommodations, Battery cars, and Puja slots) must be completed exclusively on the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board portal (maavaishnodevi.org).

Online booking windows open exactly 60 days in advance at midnight on the official Shrine Board portal. Due to heavy demand, helicopter tickets, Atka Aarti slots, and room bookings across Katra and Bhawan sell out almost immediately. It is highly recommended to log in and book early.

Shrine Board rules permit cancellations up to 48 hours before the scheduled booking time. A deduction fee (usually 30%) is applied, and the remaining amount is refunded to the original payment source within 7-10 working days.

Yes, the Shrine Board provides free cloakrooms/locker facilities at Bhawan, Adhkuwari, and Katra. You must deposit your leather items, belts, mobile phones, cameras, and bags, which are strictly prohibited inside the Holy Cave. Keep your locker key safely attached to your wrist.

The battery-operated vehicles run between Adhkuwari and Bhawan (and vice-versa). Priority is given to elderly, disabled, and child pilgrims. Online tickets are limited; counter bookings are available at Adhkuwari subject to availability.

Yes, the Shrine Board runs multiple non-profit Bhojnalayas (eateries) serving pure vegetarian food at nominal rates, alongside private refreshment stalls. There are also fully staffed medical first-aid centers at Banganga, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat, and Bhawan operating 24/7.

While there is no formal uniform, pilgrims are expected to dress modestly and respectfully in traditional Indian attire (sarees, suits, kurtas). Western clothes like shorts, tank tops, or revealing outfits are strictly prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum.

You can carry your phone up to the Bhawan area, but you cannot bring it inside the Holy Cave or the temple queue lines. All phones, cameras, smartwatches, and leather goods must be deposited in the cloakroom lockers before entering the queue.

No, Katra is a holy town. Possession, consumption, or sale of alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food (including onions and garlic in most areas) is strictly banned by law in Katra, on the entire yatra track, and around the Bhawan.