Vaishno Devi: Jai mata di 🙏

Finally, after ages I got the divine opportunity to visit mata vaishno devi shrine. The last time I visited was in 2007 when things were very different from what I observed this time.

I am anxious to share with you all my experience & few tips which might help you if you plan to visit in the future.
Jai mata di 🙏

Travel 🚞 :
The best way to reach there is via train to Katra directly so that you can start the yatra same day if you wish to. The direct train to Katra is "jammu mail" and it's a overnight journey which gives you ample amount of rest.

Once you reach "jammu tawi" station, the views are absolutely mesmerizing and breath taking. Since we visited in August, it was leak of monsoon, the clouds were dancing around the mountains which was a treat for the eyes.

Stay 🏘️ :
Well, you can find a lot of local hotels nearby which will provide basic amenities within a budgeted price. However if you want a lil luxurious stay, you can always opt for 5-star hotels which are nearby Katra station itself.

We though booked an Airbnb which costed around ₹1700 a night and the best part was it was 5-7 min walk from banganga and nearby market as well.

Yatra 🚶‍♂️🚶🐎:
The most important thing is to make sure you have "yatra parchi" which you can get from there physically or online from thier website.
ww.maavaishnodevi.org/
https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/

Although we booked the yatra parchi 2 days prior and thank God we did coz they were apparently not issuing it on 15th august.

After covid, everything has a new way to it and keeping the guidelines in mind, we got RTPCR test done 72 hrs before the yatra but sadly, it was not checked at any checkpoint. This brings me to the most disappointed part which is the management.
For years, this place is enduring a massive footfall but still we noticed people were waiting for 4-5 hours for a locker as you cannot take electronic items, leather stuff and other things inside the bhawan. So make sure to carry very light and keep an open mind if 1 person from the group remains deprived of the darshan taking care of the shoes & other items....

Please be aware that at all times, it will be heavily crowded and on footers will really have a tough time as pony, trolleys and palki will keep on pushing and taking a lot of space during the way.

Time ⌛:
No matter how much of a trekker you are or fit you are, you are not completing the 32km trek in less than 10 hours.
13km till bhawan & then 3 km more till bhairo mandir.
As they say "bhairo mandir nahi gye to yatra Safal nhi hoti".

We went during monsoon so intermittent rains were also slowing us down so we completed in 14 hrs. We started around 12:20pm in the afternoon and returned to our hotel around 02:45am at midnight. If you think you cannot return the same day, you may book rooms at bhawan as there are options or can simply spend the night gazing the stars in the open as it'll be too crowded around you.

Attire 🎽:
It's a long and difficult journey so you wouldn't want it to be uncomfortable and itchy. As much as the skin friendly clothing is necessary, sturdy shoes are also important. Do not wear chappals or sandals as your feet will start crying after a while. Also, the path is covered in horse shit so shoes are highly recommended.
It's gonna be very smelly throughout, just a FYI.

Raincoats were available at 50rs (don't expect a very good quality but it serves the purpose) at the start of the journey before entering the gate. Since it was monsoon, we got ourselves one and it surely helped as we reached higher altitude.

Souvenirs 🎁 :
While coming down, you will see a lot of shops selling Prasad, walnuts and other local items. Either you can purchase from there or can hop on the local market the next day. You can buy walnuts, round garlics (specifically for joint pain) or some religious souvenirs for family & friends.

Now that you have basic information, I will share some of the photos that I was able to click.

🙏 Jai mata di 🙏