The que at the base camp of Katra begins to move even before the sun is up. The ponies are moving, porters are shouting their prices, and somewhere down the line there is a group singing “Jai Mata Di” so loudly that the sound reverberates through the valleys. The Vaishno Devi Yatra Guide I had read a dozen guides before I came here, but nothing about this journey being done on foot.
The Route, As It Really Is
The journey between Katra and the Bhawan is around 13 kilometers long, and the newer route through Ardhkuwari makes for a slightly longer butT less strenuous ascent if your knees are happier with the more scenic route. This is an easy walk for most pilgrims who can do it in anywhere from five to eight hours, quicker by pony or in the electric vehicle services that partially operate the route.
From Katra to Ardhkuwari: 6 kilometers, starts the serious climb
Ardhkuwari to Sanjichhat: 4.5 kilometers, moderate ascent
Sanjichhat to Bhawan: 2.5 kilometers, most difficult part of the walk
Helicopter shortcut: from Katra to Sanjichhat, reduces journey to 2.5 kilometers walk
Darshan Timings
The temple is open for darshan most of the time with some time slots allotted for cleaning ceremony, generally from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM. Except for this, there is no break at all in the line and “continuously” on the days of Navratri means eight hours rather than eighty minutes.
Why People Come to This Place
Vaishno Devi’s mythological story is all about the appearance of the goddess in the form of three rock formations known as “Pindies,” which are situated in the cave temple. It symbolizes Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. But what fascinated me was not so much the religion but seeing an eighty year old lady being taken on a palanquin and refusing to miss any step of the journey despite her inability to walk. People here do not take short-cuts out of necessity. They ride in helicopters because their knees deserve to.
Practical Notes From the Trail
- Get your Yatra Parchi (Permit) online or in Katra, and yes, it is totally free.
- Carry a light baggage only; rest can be kept in lockers in Katra for a minimal amount.
- Woolens are a must have from October to March, despite the fact that Katra itself is quite warm.
- Stalls selling food (langar and paid dhabas) are spread along the complete way. You won’t starve.
When to Go – Vaishno Devi Yatra Guide
The best time to visit is March-April and September-November, as you get clear weather without the crowd rush of the season. The Navratri period (Chaitra and Sharad) is most visited, while the monsoon season poses the danger of landslides in some regions.
“The mountain doesn’t care what you brought. It only asks that you keep walking.” — something a porter told me at kilometre nine, only half joking.
Whether your purpose in Katra is to undertake the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, or to do anything else, always take more time than indicated on the map.
“Whatever you have brought will not help the mountain. All it wants from you is to keep going forward.” This was told to me by a porter at kilometre nine, in jest.
Planning to visit KhatuShyam Mandir ? Go Throguh this article : Khatu Shyam Guide
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