KATRA TO 5 DEVI DARSHAN
Vaishno Devi Darshan with Shiv Khori from Delhi
Duration : (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Overview of Vaishno Devi Yatra with Shiv Khori
The Mata Vaishno Devi & Shivkhori Tour Package is one of the most popular pilgrimage tours in Jammu, offering a perfect blend of spirituality, natural beauty, and comfortable travel. This 4-day itinerary covers the sacred Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra and the divine Shivkhori Cave Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
You can catch Vande Bharat Exp (22477) from New Delhi, it reaches Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station at 11:20. Your journey begins in Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi Yatra. Pilgrims trek the holy 13 km route through the Trikuta Hills, passing sacred spots like Banganga, Charan Paduka, Ardhkuwari, and Sanjichhat. After seeking blessings at the Bhawan, the tour continues with a serene day trip to Shivkhori, known for its naturally formed Shiva Lingam and mystical cave formations.
This package includes 3 nights in Katra, ensuring comfort, convenience, and a smooth spiritual experience for families, senior citizens, and devotees.
Please call us directly on 01894314564 , we're happy to make your getaway to the hills even more memorable.
Itinerary for Vaishno Devi Darshan with Shiv Khori
Day 1: New Delhi → Katra (By Vande Bharat Express 22477)
03:00 PM – Departure from New Delhi
On reaching New Delhi Railway Station board the comfortable Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22477). This high-speed train offers modern amenities, spacious seating, and a smooth travel experience.
En Route:
Relax in your seat as the train passes through scenic plains and countryside views. Light refreshments are served onboard.
11:20 PM – Arrival at Katra Railway Station
Upon arrival at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, you will be greeted by our representative. You will then be assisted with luggage and transferred to your pre-booked hotel in Katra.
Check-in & Overnight Stay : Hotel in Katra
Day 2 : Holy Vaishno Devi Darshan (17 km Trek) – Return to Katra
Wake up early and enjoy a fresh breakfast at the hotel. After a short briefing about the trek, begin your spiritual journey to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
The Trek Route – Step-by-Step
1. Katra to Banganga (1 km)
Your journey starts from the Katra main gate (Darshan Deodi).
After walking about 1 km, you reach Banganga, the holy spot where the Goddess is believed to have created a water stream with her arrow so she could drink water. Devotees often take blessings here before continuing.
2. Banganga to Charan Paduka (Approx. 3 km)
After a gradual climb, you arrive at Charan Paduka, where Mata Rani left her footprints while running from Bhairon Nath. The climb is moderately steep, but the panoramic views make it rewarding.
3. Charan Paduka to Ardhkunwari (Approx. 9 km from Katra)
A significant halt in the yatra, Ardhkunwari is where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months inside the narrow cave called Garbha Joon. Many pilgrims try to pass through the cave as it is believed to wash away sins and fulfill wishes. There are refreshment shops, medical aid, and resting sheds along the way.
4. Ardhkunwari to Sanjichhat (Approx. 12 km from Katra)
The route becomes slightly steeper but offers the most beautiful valley views. Sanjichhat is the highest point of the trek with ample resting points and food stalls.
5. Sanjichhat to Bhawan (Approx. 16 km from Katra)
A pleasant downhill path leads towards Bhawan, the base complex of the holy shrine.
Here, you can use:
- Free Cloak Room
- Luggage Counter
- Wash & Change facilities
- Blanket counters (paid)
- Medical facilities
- Refreshment areas
At the Holy Cave – The Main Darshan
The original cave of Vaishno Devi is 30 metres long and only 1.5 metres high. Inside, you witness the sacred three Pindees, representing: Maha Kali (Strength), Maha Lakshmi (Wealth), Maha Saraswati (Wisdom)
Opposite the Pindees is a natural rock formation that continuously releases water, symbolizing the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
Legend
It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi took refuge in this cave while escaping from the demon Bhairon Nath, whom she eventually killed. The cave is considered a gateway to spiritual purification.
After Darshan – Visit Bhairon Temple (Optional)
If energy permits, pilgrims may continue to the Bhairon Temple (≈2.5 km above Bhawan). Visiting Bhairon is considered auspicious and completes the yatra for many devotees.
Return Trek to Katra
After completing darshans, begin your return journey back to Katra. Upon arrival, relax at your hotel.
Overnight Stay : Katra
Day 3 : Katra → Shiv Khori → Katra
After breakfast at your hotel in Katra, start your journey towards Shiv Khori Shrine (Reasi District). We will drive for about 85 kms and the estimated travel time is 2.5–3 hours. The route followed will be Katra → Domail → Reasi → Ransoo (Base point for Shiv Khori). Enjoy views of the Himalayan foothills, Chenab River, and scenic villages en route.
Ransoo is the last accessible point by vehicle. The Shiv Khori cave is located around 3 km from Ransoo. You can reach the sacred cave via a paved walkway, stairs, and short climbs.
Trek & Entry into the Shiv Khori Cave
The Shiv Khori cave is half a kilometre long, with a narrow and mystical entrance that requires visitors to crawl or bend to enter. Shiv Khori is believed to be the cave where Lord Shiva took refuge from the demon Bhasmasura. The word: Shiv Khori is made up of two words “Shiv” = Lord Shiva and “Khori” = Cave. The naturally manifested lingam makes Shiv Khori one of the most sacred Shiva shrines in North India.
Inside the cave, you will witness:
- Naturally formed 4-metre-long Shiva Lingam (Swayambhu)
- Divine carvings resembling 33 crore deities on the cave walls
- Naturally formed shapes of Nandi, Ganesh, Parvati, and Kartikeya
The atmosphere inside is highly spiritual and filled with echoes of “Om Namah Shivaya.” In the evening return back to Katra for night stay.
Day 4: Departure / Optional Patnitop Extension
On Day 4, you can board the Vande Bharat Express from Katra to New Delhi at 5:45 AM and return home comfortably. We can also arrange a drop at Jammu Tawi Railway Station as per your travel schedule.
OR
If you wish to extend your blessed journey, we can plan a memorable Patnitop trip, where you can enjoy fresh air, pine forests, mountain views, Nathatop sightseeing, and adventure activities.
Return with the divine blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi and Bhole Nath.
Note: We would like to thank you for choosing Devi Darshan Tours to visit Vaishno Devi & Shiv Khori Temples. If you wish to visit 5 Devi Temples in Himachal, simply tell us.
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