Best Time To Visit Vaishno Dev, what is the best time to visit vaishno devi : The Goddess grants the wishes of her followers. A sacred cave sits high at 5200 feet above the sea, and the Vaishno Devi begins at Katra’s base camp. Vaishno Devi trek 13.5 km, facing challenges but finding joy in chanting ‘Jai Mata Di’ and singing songs for the Goddess. People of all ages, cultures, and languages join in devotion.
Over time, facilities for tourists have improved. If trekking isn’t your preference, you can opt for a helicopter or pony ride. Along the way, there are shops and restaurants to take a break before continuing your journey. Let’s start your journey with us and learn more about best time to visit Vaishno Devi.
Kashmir is a genuinely breathtakingly beautiful area. Its calm and peaceful atmosphere leaves guests in a state of shock. This utopia offers a memorable experience with its snow-covered mountains, glistening lakes, and gorgeous orchards and vast grasslands.
Travellers from all over the world are enthralled with Kashmir’s breathtakingly beautiful tourism destinations. It’s now up to you to explore and learn more about this fascinating “Paradise on Earth.” The amazing Mata Vaishno Devi excursion is one of the numerous destinations you should discover in and around Kashmir.
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best time to visit Vaishno Devi temple
Summer is the best season to visit Vaishno Devi. This definitely happens during the months of May, June and July. There is peace and tranquility here during the day, but the temperature drops significantly in the evening. It is a pleasant time to go for darshan (puja) during this period. It is advisable to carry light woolen clothes as the summer season is cool, and due to the high altitude you may feel cold in the evening. These months see comparatively less crowd, making it a more pleasant experience.
The best time to visit Kashmir on Vaishno Devi tour package is the months of October and November as festivals take place during this time. Navratri and Dussehra, which celebrate the power and majesty of Goddess Durga/Chandi, attract large numbers of pilgrims. The atmosphere is filled with enthusiastic chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’ as people eagerly gather to catch a glimpse of the Goddess. Additionally, this period provides an opportunity to appreciate and soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The monsoon season presents the perfect opportunity to discover the interesting attractions of the area. Due to moderate to heavy rainfall in the region, the entire area becomes adorned with lush greenery, and spectacular waterfalls cascade down, making this time one of the best times to visit Vaishno Devi Temple.
However, it is important to note that planning a trip to Vaishno Devi during these months can be risky due to the possibility of sudden landslides. Nonetheless, this time of year is considered off-season, making it beneficial for budget travelers who can find affordable accommodation options.
How to travel to Vaishno Devi in 2024
To visit Maa Vaishno Devi temple, one has to first reach Katra, which is located about 50 km from Jammu. Jammu itself is well connected to major cities of India, making it convenient for travelers. In such a situation, you will not have any problem in reaching here.
- Through Flight
If you are planning to travel by air, the nearest airport to Katra is Jammu Airport, also known as Jammu Civil Enclave. This airport is located about 50 km from Katra. It offers regular flights to major cities in India such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. On arrival, you can easily find cabs and taxis to Katra and vice versa.
- Through Train
There are many trains available to Jammu/Katra from almost every major city of India. The nearest railway stations to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra are Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station (1.5 km) and Udhampur Railway Station (if your train goes there). Alternatively, if your train does not go to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station or Udhampur Railway Station, then choosing Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the best option. The distance between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station and Katra is 1.5 km, on the other distance from Jammu Tawi Railway Station to Katra is approximately 51 km. Tourists can easily find transportation options to and from these railway stations to Katra.
- Through The Bus
Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation and private companies operate buses from Jammu to Katra at regular intervals. Private deluxe buses with air conditioning and taxis are also available to Jammu from all parts of India at very affordable rates.
Best Places to visit near Vaishno Devi Temple
- Adhkumari Temple
Adh Kuwari is known as the halfway point of the main temple of Vaishno Devi, which is located about 6 kilometers away. It is called Adh Kumari because it is believed to symbolize the eternal virgin, and is considered one of the most important temples on the way to the Holy Cave.
- Bhairo Nath Temple
Located at a distance of just 2 km from Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Bhairon Nath Temple is a holy place dedicated to Baba Bhairavnath. According to the legend, Bhairavnath was about to attack Goddess Vaishno Devi, when the goddess swiftly destroyed him and took the form of Kali and beheaded him. However, filled with remorse, Bhairavnath sought forgiveness, and the merciful goddess not only forgave him, but also declared that the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi would be incomplete without seeking Bhairavnath’s blessings.
- Charan paduka
Situated at an altitude of 3380 feet, Charan Paduka is located about 1.5 km from Banganga. This religious site holds incredible significance as it is believed to be the place where the sacred footprints of the goddess are imprinted on a rock. Tourists come here to pay respect to these holy icons before continuing their pilgrimage.
Best time to visit Vaishno Devi less crowded
A visit to Shri Vaishno Devi Tirtha during winter, especially in December and January offers a serene and picturesque pilgrimage experience. During December and January, the temperature around the temple can drop to -5 °C, creating a beautiful snowy landscape.
If you are willing to experience snowfall, plan your visit during the last week of December or New Year’s Eve. Although snowfall is not guaranteed, you may be lucky enough to witness light snowfall at Shri Vaishno Devi Darbar, which will add a magical touch to your visit.
The snow covered surroundings of the holy shrine and the path leading to it present an awe-inspiring sight, which greatly adds to the spiritual and aesthetic appeal of the pilgrimage. The winter months, with their cool snowfall, offer a contrasting but equally enriching experience compared to other seasons.
Remember, this time of year is ideal for those who prefer quiet and less crowded travel. Although the views of the winter wonderland are breathtaking, it is important to be well prepared for the cold. It is a special occasion to visit Mata Vaishno Devi during these months. Snowfall is forecast in both Katra and Bhawan. Be prepared for the cold weather of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Best month to visit Vaishno Devi
The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is open to pilgrims throughout the year. May, June and July are the months when the highest number of pilgrims reach the holy temple of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Due to overcrowding, devotees have to wait for 15-20 hours in the lines of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Therefore, we suggest you to avoid these three months from May to July to reach the holy temple of Mata Vaishno Devi which is extremely crowded. Around 15000 to 30000 pilgrims visit the holy temple of Mata Vaishno Devi every day throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which month does it snow in Vaishno Devi?
Snowfall starts in the month of December and lasts till February. If you are visiting Mata Vaishno Devi during the winter season, especially in January and February, we recommend you to bring heavy woolen clothes with you.
When is the ideal time to visit Katra?
You should choose a time with pleasant weather and least rush hour. And in our opinion March, April, September and October months have pleasant weather with least crowd.
If you are medically fit and want to experience snowfall then you can also consider visiting Mata Vaishno Devi during the winter season from December to February.
You will find the crowd to be least in these three months but you will have to pack your bag carefully while bringing woolen clothes.
What is the recommended duration for a visit to Vaishno Devi?
It usually takes 4-5 hours to walk from Banganga to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan and back without stopping and 2 hours to climb down.
You should have 6-7 hours for trekking including a 2-hour break at Ardhkumari. And 3 hours during the trek, including a few minutes break in between.
The total time also depends on the speed and breaks you take during your journey. We started from Banganga and took 01 hr 45 mins to reach Ardhkumari and halted for night and next day started from Ardhkumari and took 1 hr 30 mins to reach Mata ke Bhawan.