Today's live darshan
Source: the temple's official YouTube channel “Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board” — the Shrine Board's official website maavaishnodevi.org links this channel. All rights to the videos belong to them. Live darshan of all temples
Helicopter booking — Katra to Sanjichhat
- Book only on the Shrine Board's website online.maavaishnodevi.org or the Shrine Board's official app. The Shrine Board has not appointed any agents.
- Fare: ₹2,320 one way and about ₹4,640–4,700 return. As per reports of September 2026, from November 1, 2026 it may become ₹2,700 one way and ₹5,400 return — check the fare on the website before paying.
- Booking usually opens 60 days before travel at 10 AM, and tickets for festival days sell out fast.
- Enter names exactly as on the government ID, and carry the same original ID.
- Each passenger may carry only one small bag of about 5 kg; no trolley bags.
- Reach the helipad about an hour before the flight. Arriving late counts as a no-show.
- From Sanjichhat to Bhawan you go about 2.5 km on foot or by pony. The RFID yatra card is required even with a helicopter ticket.
- Beware of fake websites: many look-alike websites and WhatsApp numbers sell ‘VIP darshan’ or tickets in this temple's name. Book only through the official website or app given below, and never pay an agent in advance.
How to get the yatra card (RFID)
- At the Yatri Registration Counter (YRC) near the Katra bus stand or the second counter on the Udhampur road; registration is free and your photo is taken there.
- You must cross the Banganga checkpost within 6 hours of getting the card, otherwise it is cancelled and you have to register again.
- Wear the card around your neck for the whole yatra — it is checked at every checkpost.
Yatra routes and facilities
| Route / facility | Distance / details |
|---|---|
| Old route (Banganga–Ardhkuwari) | About 13 km from Katra to Bhawan |
| New route via Himkoti | About 13.5 km, a slightly easier climb |
| Tarakote Marg | About 12 km |
| Battery car | Between Ardhkuwari and Bhawan; book on the Shrine Board website |
| Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati ropeway | Only a few minutes from Bhawan to the Bhairon temple; tickets on the Shrine Board website and at the counter |
| Pony, palki, pithu | At rates fixed by the Shrine Board; always take a receipt |
Work is going on for the Tarakote ropeway from Katra to Bhawan; it has not started yet.
How to reach
- Rail: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station has direct trains from Delhi and many cities across India.
- Air: Jammu airport, about 50 km from Katra.
- Road: buses and taxis from Jammu to Katra are available at all hours.
When to go
The weather is best from March to June and from September to October. Both Navratris, summer holidays and New Year are the most crowded. In December–January it is very cold and less crowded, and it may snow up the hill.
Information checked: October 26, 2026. Official website: www.maavaishnodevi.org. Temple timings, fees and rules keep changing — always check the official website before you travel or pay.