Quick, Sacred & Beautiful: The Perfect Katra Weekend
Starting from
₹4,999
Duration2 Days / 1 Night
PaceFast Paced
Destinations3 Stops, 3 Places
Travel StyleReligious Trip
About this experience
A 2-day, 1-night fixed departure from Jammu to Katra for the Vaishno Devi yatra - with RFID slip assistance, an overnight stay at Katra, and a Bhairavnath temple visit. Built for weekend pilgrims who want the darshan done without burning leave.
Day by day
Day 1 — Jammu to Katra, Vaishno Devi Yatra and Overnight Route: Jammu → Katra (approx. 45 km, 1.5 hours) → Banganga → Adhkuwari → Sanjichhat → Bhawan → Katra
Depart Jammu by 6:00 AM - the fixed departure assembles at Jammu Tawi railway station or the airport, depending on the group's arrival pattern. Drive to Katra (1.5 hours), complete RFID yatra slip formalities at the Katra registration counter, and begin the yatra by 8:30 AM. The 13 km climb to Bhawan passes Banganga, Charan Paduka, Adhkuwari and Sanjichhat. Walking time is 5–7 hours depending on pace. Ponies, palkis and porters are available at Banganga and Adhkuwari at Shrine Board fixed rates. Helicopter service operates Katra–Sanjichhat if you want to skip most of the climb. Evening darshan at Bhawan. Return to Katra on foot (faster descent, 4-5 hours) or by helicopter if pre-booked. Overnight in Katra. This is a compressed itinerary - you will be walking a lot.
Places & Experiences:
Banganga (first check-post)
Charan Paduka
Adhkuwari and Garbh Joon cave
Sanjichhat (helipad)
Bhawan - Vaishno Devi darshan
Pony, palki and porter services (SASB fixed rates)
Travel Flow: Early morning departure from Jammu → Katra registration → yatra begins → Bhawan darshan by evening → descent to Katra → overnight
Overnight: Katra (3-star hotel, twin/triple sharing)
Meals: Dinner
Important: RFID yatra slip is mandatory. Book online at the SASB website (maavaishnodevi.org) before arrival - this fixed departure assumes you have already registered. Mobile phones, cameras and leather items are not allowed inside the Bhawan shrine; use the free cloakrooms. Darshan wait times during Navratri can stretch to 6-8 hours - this itinerary works best outside peak festival periods.
Day 2 — Bhairavnath Temple, Return to Jammu Route: Katra → Bhairavnath Temple (from Bhawan, 2.5 km uphill) → Katra → Jammu
If you descended to Katra on Day 1 without visiting Bhairavnath, this morning requires a return climb. The practical option is to visit Bhairavnath on Day 1 after Vaishno Devi darshan - it is 2.5 km uphill from Bhawan - before descending to Katra. If you skipped it, Day 2 can include a quick ascent by ropeway (Bhawan to Bhairavnath, operational since 2022, ~3 minutes) but this requires being at Bhawan, which means climbing up again. For most weekend pilgrims, the sensible plan is to complete both darshan and Bhairavnath on Day 1, and use Day 2 morning for a relaxed breakfast in Katra before driving back to Jammu. Drop at Jammu Tawi railway station or Jammu Airport by early afternoon.
Places & Experiences:
Bhairavnath Temple (on Day 1, after Vaishno Devi darshan)
Katra main bazaar (prasad and souvenirs)
Travel Flow: Morning at leisure in Katra (if Bhairavnath already done) → drive to Jammu → drop at railway station or airport
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Important: Bhairavnath is traditionally visited after Vaishno Devi darshan to complete the yatra. Plan it on Day 1 - attempting it on Day 2 means climbing back to Bhawan, which most weekend pilgrims do not have time for. Ropeway service is weather-dependent and frequently suspended in monsoon and winter.
What's included
- Accommodation: 1 night Katra (3-star hotel) - on twin/triple sharing basis
- Meals: Dinner on Day 1, breakfast on Day 2
- Transfers: Shared AC vehicle for Jammu–Katra–Jammu transfers
- RFID yatra slip assistance (registration not included - must be done by traveler in advance)
- Driver-cum-coordinator for the trip
- All toll taxes, parking, driver allowance and fuel
- 24/7 on-ground coordinator in Katra
Not included
- Airfare / train tickets to/from Jammu
- RFID yatra slip registration - must be obtained by traveler before arrival
- Lunches on both days
- All applicable taxes (GST, etc.)
- Helicopter tickets (Katra–Sanjichhat, ~₹1,700–₹2,500 per person one way)
- Bhairavnath ropeway tickets (~₹100–₹150 per person)
- Pony, palki or porter charges (SASB fixed rates: pony ~₹1,200–₹2,500, palki ~₹3,000–₹6,000 depending on route and weight)
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, shopping)
- Travel insurance
- Medical expenses
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pickup & drop details
Katra to Katra
What to bring
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Light cottons for the climb, warm layer for Bhawan. Raincoat or poncho (mandatory in monsoon). Modest clothing - shoulders and knees covered. Avoid leather items (belts, wallets).
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Do not wear new shoes. Sandals or slip-ons for hotel.
Travel Essentials: Water bottle, energy bars/dry fruits, sunscreen, hat, power bank, basic medicines (pain relief, blister patches, ORS), small backpack.
Documents: Photo ID (Aadhaar/passport), RFID yatra slip printout, hotel voucher, passport-size photos (2 copies).
Optional: Walking stick (available in Katra for ₹50–₹100), knee cap, headlamp for early morning climb.
Best Time to Travel:
The yatra is open year-round. The most comfortable months are March-April (spring, Navratri) and September-October (autumn, Navratri) - but these are also the busiest. May-June is hot in Katra (up to 40°C) but the climb is shaded in parts. July-August is monsoon - the route is slippery and helicopter/ropeway services are frequently suspended. December-January is cold, with temperatures near freezing at Bhawan; snow is possible. This weekend package works best outside Navratri and peak summer weekends.
Suitable For:
Weekend pilgrims who are physically able to walk 13 km uphill (or willing to hire a pony/palki/helicopter). Not suitable for senior citizens unless they use helicopter or palki support - the compressed timeframe leaves no room for a slow pace. Not suitable for travelers who want a relaxed pace; this is a short, focused pilgrimage.
Travel Pace:
Challenging. The Vaishno Devi climb is 13 km with a 1,300 m elevation gain - comparable to a full-day hill trek. The compressed 2-day format means you will be walking hard on Day 1 and recovering on Day 2. This is a pilgrimage, not a leisure trip.
Accommodation:
Katra: 3-star hotels within 1–2 km of the yatra base (Hotel Rama Residency, Hotel KC Residency, or equivalent). Twin/triple sharing basis. Upgrades to 4-star properties available on request.
Transport:
Shared AC vehicle (Tempo Traveller or SUV) for Jammu–Katra–Jammu transfers. The vehicle does not go up the yatra route - you walk, hire a pony/palki, or take the helicopter. Local union rules may apply at the Katra base for the last stretch.
Meals:
Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2 included. Lunches are not included - budget ₹200-₹400 per person. Katra is a pure vegetarian, alcohol-free town. There are Shrine Board-run bhojanalayas (community kitchens) offering free or subsidised vegetarian meals at Banganga, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan.
Important Notes:
RFID yatra slip is mandatory. Book online at the SASB website (maavaishnodevi.org) before arrival. Without it, you will be turned back at Banganga.
Mobile phones, cameras and leather items are not allowed inside the Bhawan shrine. Free cloakrooms available.
Katra is pure vegetarian and alcohol-free. No meat, eggs or alcohol sold anywhere in Katra.
Carry light. Ponies and porters charge by weight. A small backpack with water, snacks, raincoat and a change of clothes is enough.
ATMs are available in Katra and at Banganga, but not beyond Adhkuwari. Carry cash for pony/palki, prasad and donations.
Mobile connectivity: Jio and Airtel work in Katra. Patchy on the yatra route.
Avoid Navratri for this weekend format - darshan waits of 6–8 hours will break the itinerary.
Seasonal Considerations:
Spring (March-May): Navratri in March–April. Pleasant in Katra (20-30°C), cool at Bhawan (10-15°C). Busiest period - avoid for this compressed format.
Summer (June-August): Hot in Katra (35-40°C). Monsoon in July-August - slippery paths, helicopter cancellations. Moderate crowds outside Navratri.
Autumn (September-November): Navratri in September-October. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures. Second-busiest period.
Winter (December-February): Cold in Katra (5-15°C), near-freezing at Bhawan. Snow possible. Fewer crowds. Carry heavy woollens.
Customization:
Extend to 3 days / 2 nights to add Shiv Khori or Patnitop
Add helicopter both ways (Katra–Sanjichhat–Katra) to skip the climb - reduces Day 1 to a half-day yatra
Upgrade Katra hotel to 4-star
Add a Jammu city tour (Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort) before departure
Arrange private palki with dedicated bearers for senior citizens
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancellation, Amendment & Refund Policy
1. Booking Confirmation & Advance Payment
A booking shall be considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance payment. The company reserves the right to release unconfirmed bookings without prior notice. All payments made towards booking confirmation are subject to the cancellation terms mentioned below.
2. Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or official communication channels. Cancellation charges will be calculated based on the total package cost and the date on which the written cancellation request is received by the company.
Cancellation Charges
| Cancellation Period | Retention Charges |
| More than 60 days prior to arrival | 25% of total package cost |
| Between 30–60 days prior to arrival | 50% of total package cost |
| Between 15–29 days prior to arrival | 75% of total package cost |
| Within 14 days prior to arrival / No Show | 100% retention |
3. Non-Refundable Components
The following components shall be strictly non-refundable once confirmed:
- Flight/train tickets (if applicable)
- Visa fees
- Permit charges
- Peak season hotel bookings
- Houseboat bookings during high season
- Adventure/activity tickets
- Any special event or festive season supplement
- Service fees, processing fees, and convenience charges
The company reserves the right to deduct supplier-imposed cancellation charges in addition to the above retention charges wherever applicable.
4. Amendment / Rescheduling Policy
Any amendment, modification, postponement, or rescheduling request must be submitted in writing and shall be subject to availability and supplier approval. The company does not guarantee acceptance of amendment requests after booking confirmation. Any fare difference, seasonal surcharge, hotel rate revision, transport cost escalation, or supplier-imposed amendment fee shall be payable additionally by the client/agent. Amendments requested within 30 days of arrival may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking at the sole discretion of the company.
5. No Show Policy
Failure of the guest/client to arrive, utilize booked services, or join the tour on the scheduled date without prior written intimation shall be treated as a “No Show”.
In such cases:
- 100% of the total booking amount shall be forfeited
- No refund, amendment, or credit note shall be applicable
- Unused services, early departures, or missed sightseeing tours shall not qualify for any refund.
6. Force Majeure / Unforeseen Circumstances
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, alteration, loss, or additional expense arising due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Floods, snowfall, landslides, road blockages
- Political unrest, strikes, curfews
- Flight cancellations or operational disruptions
- Pandemic-related restrictions
- Government orders or travel advisories
Under such circumstances:
- Refunds, if any, shall strictly depend upon recoveries received from hotels, transporters, and other suppliers.
- Administrative, processing, and operational charges shall remain non-refundable.
- The company reserves the absolute right to alter itineraries in the interest of guest safety and operational feasibility.
7. Refund Policy
Eligible refunds, if any, shall be processed within 30–45 working days from the date of cancellation confirmation. Refund timelines are subject to receipt of funds from respective suppliers/vendors. Refunds shall be processed only through the original payment mode unless otherwise agreed in writing. Bank charges, payment gateway fees, foreign exchange fluctuations, and transaction charges shall be deducted from the refundable amount.
8. Pricing & Supplier Protection Clause
All package rates are dynamic and subject to availability at the time of confirmation. In case of sudden supplier tariff revisions, fuel hikes, government taxes, or hotel policy changes, the company reserves the right to revise package pricing prior to final confirmation. Confirmed bookings shall remain protected unless impacted by force majeure or supplier default.
9. Jurisdiction
Any dispute arising in relation to bookings, payments, or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir only.
10. Hotel Damage & Liability Clause
Any loss, damage, breakage, theft, or misuse of hotel/houseboat property caused by guests shall be the sole responsibility of the guest and/or the booking agent. Charges imposed by the hotel/houseboat management for damages, excessive cleaning, missing items, or misconduct must be settled directly by the guest or agent before check-out. Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for disputes arising between guests and hotel management regarding damages or conduct. The company reserves the right to recover any unpaid damage charges from the booking agent in case the guest departs without settlement.
11. Guest Conduct Policy
Guests are expected to maintain respectful and lawful behavior throughout the tour. Any misconduct including but not limited to:
- Abuse towards staff/drivers/hotel employees
- Illegal activities
- Consumption of prohibited substances
- Damage to public or private property
- Disturbance to other guests
May result in immediate termination of services without any refund. Any fines, penalties, legal consequences, or damages arising due to guest behavior shall be borne entirely by the guest and/or (b2b) booking agent. The company reserves the right to deny services to intoxicated, abusive, or disruptive guests if deemed necessary for operational safety.
12. Payment Default Clause
All payments must be cleared within the agreed timeline prior to guest arrival unless otherwise approved in writing. Failure to clear pending dues may result in:
- Release of hotel bookings
- Suspension of services
- Denial of check-in/check-out assistance
- Cancellation of transport arrangements without further liability on the company.
In case of delayed payments:
- The company reserves the right to levy interest/late payment charges.
- Any supplier penalties arising due to delayed payment shall be recoverable from the booking agent/client.
- Vouchers and confirmations issued prior to full payment shall remain provisional until payment realization.
13. Peak Season / Blackout Cancellation Policy
The following periods shall be treated as Peak Season / Blackout Dates:
- Christmas & New Year
- Eid Holidays
- Long weekends
- National holidays
- Heavy snowfall periods
- Festival dates
- Any dates specifically notified by the company
During these periods:
- Hotel bookings, transport services, and houseboats may carry stricter cancellation terms imposed by suppliers.
- Certain bookings may become completely non-refundable immediately after confirmation.
- Advance payments during blackout periods may be non-transferable and non-adjustable.
- The company reserves the right to apply special cancellation policies for peak dates irrespective of the standard cancellation policy mentioned above.
14. Kashmir Weather / Snowfall Disclaimer
Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination and operations may be affected due to:
- Snowfall
- Landslides
- Road closures
- Avalanches
- Traffic restrictions
- Flight disruptions
- Government-imposed movement restrictions
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be responsible for:
- Non-availability of sightseeing
- Gondola closure
- Missed flights/trains
- Route diversions
- Hotel changes caused by weather conditions
- Delay or cancellation of activities due to snowfall or road blockage
Additional expenses arising due to:
- Extra hotel nights
- Alternative transport
- Route changes
- Vehicle chain charges during snow
- Flight rescheduling
Shall be borne directly by the guest/client. No refund shall be applicable for unused services caused due to weather conditions or government restrictions beyond operational control.
15. Supplier Substitution Clause
In case any confirmed hotel, houseboat, or transport provider becomes unavailable due to operational reasons, overbooking, weather conditions, maintenance, or force majeure, the company reserves the right to provide a similar category alternative without prior liability. Every effort shall be made to maintain service standards and comfort levels.
16. B2B Confidentiality Clause
All contracted rates, quotations, and pricing shared with agents/partners are strictly confidential and intended solely for B2B business use. Redistribution of net rates directly to suppliers, competitors, or unauthorized third parties is strictly prohibited. The company reserves the right to terminate business relationships in case of rate misuse or breach of confidentiality.
Need modifications?
Related Journeys
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about your upcoming journey. If you can't find what you're looking for, our experts are just a click away.
"Yes - this is a fixed departure package, meaning the tour runs on scheduled dates rather than on-demand. Departures typically run on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings from Jammu to align with the weekend. Contact us for the current departure calendar. If you need a different date, we can convert this to a custom package at a revised rate."
"Yes. RFID yatra slip registration is mandatory and must be completed before arrival - this is not included in the package. Book online at the SASB website (maavaishnodevi.org) at least 2–3 days in advance, especially on weekends. Carry a printout or screenshot. Without a valid slip, you will be turned back at Banganga. We assist with the process but do not register on your behalf."
"The compressed format makes it harder for seniors than a 3-day version. The 13 km climb is challenging, and Day 1 packs the entire yatra. Seniors should use helicopter (Katra–Sanjichhat) or palki support. Even then, the descent and return to Katra on the same day is tiring. If you're travelling with seniors, we recommend extending to 3 days / 2 nights - contact us for a custom quote."
"Bhairavnath is 2.5 km uphill from Bhawan. Traditionally, pilgrims visit it after Vaishno Devi darshan to complete the yatra. On this compressed format, you should do it on Day 1 before descending to Katra - attempting it on Day 2 means climbing back up to Bhawan, which most weekend pilgrims don't have time for. Ropeway service (Bhawan to Bhairavnath, ~3 minutes) is weather-dependent and frequently suspended."
"Yes, Katra is a pure vegetarian, alcohol-free town. No meat, eggs or alcohol are sold anywhere. The entire yatra route is vegetarian. Shrine Board bhojanalayas at Banganga, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan offer free or subsidised vegetarian meals. Katra hotels serve North Indian and Kashmiri vegetarian food. Jain food is available on request."
"The SASB suspends the yatra during heavy rain, snowfall, or landslide risk - suspensions can last 6 hours to 3 days. If suspended, pilgrims are held at camps until the route reopens. No refund is applicable for unused services. If suspension extends beyond your return date, we assist with hotel rebooking but additional costs are borne by the guest. Build a buffer day if you have a fixed return flight."
"Cancellation charges are calculated on the total package cost: more than 60 days before arrival - 25% retention; 30-60 days - 50%; 15-29 days - 75%; within 14 days or no-show - 100% retention. Peak-season hotel bookings (Navratri, long weekends) and activity tickets are non-refundable once confirmed. Eligible refunds are processed within 30-45 working days, subject to supplier recoveries, and are made via the original payment mode."