Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir is approximately 700 km from Delhi. Day 1: Delhi to Katra by overnight cab (12–13 hours via NH44 through Pathankot). Day 2: Trek from Katra to Vaishno Devi cave (12 km one way, 4–5 hours) and back — helicopter service also available. Day 3: Rest in Katra, return to Delhi. Alternatively, take the train Delhi to Katra (Vande Bharat available) and use EZPZ Taxi only for the Delhi to Katra or Jammu section. EZPZ Taxi covers Delhi to Katra — call +91-9871121217.
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Vaishno Devi — the most visited pilgrimage site in India after Tirupati — is located in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu & Kashmir, approximately 700 km from Delhi. Here's how to plan the full trip by taxi:
Route: Delhi to Katra (Vaishno Devi Base)
Delhi → Jammu (585 km, 9–10 hrs via NH-44) → Katra (50 km from Jammu, 1 hr)
Most travellers either:
- Drive straight Delhi → Katra in one go (depart 3–4 AM, arrive by 4–5 PM)
- Break journey with a night in Jammu (585 km, arrive by 7–8 PM, continue next morning)
| Vehicle | Delhi → Katra Fare | ~USD |
|---|---|---|
| 🚙 Sedan | ₹8,900 | ~\$94 |
| 🚕 SUV (Ertiga) | ₹11,100 | ~\$117 |
| ⭐ Innova Crysta | ₹13,100 | ~\$138 |
The Shrine Trek from Katra
From Katra to the Vaishno Devi shrine is a 14 km trek each way (total 28 km).
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Katra → Ardhkuwari | 6 km | 2 hrs |
| Ardhkuwari → Bhawan (shrine) | 8 km | 3 hrs |
| Katra → Bhawan | 14 km | 5 hrs |
Helicopter service: Katra → Sanjichhat (3 km from shrine) available — approx ₹2,500–3,500 return (book at heliyatra.in).
Pony/Palki: Available from Katra for those unable to trek.
Yatra Registration — Mandatory
RFID registration is compulsory at Katra before starting the trek. Register online at yas.gov.in in advance — avoids queues at Katra. Free registration, but slot limits apply in peak season.
Best Time
- March–May and September–November: Best weather for trekking, manageable crowds
- December–January: Cold but spiritually powerful, fewer crowds
- Navratri (April and October): Enormous crowds — millions of pilgrims, wait times of 6–12 hours at the shrine
Book Delhi to Katra taxi: ezpztaxi.com | +91-9871121217
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