Vaishno Devi Trip Cost in 2025: Hotels, Trekking, and Travel Guide
The holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, nestled in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. Every year, millions of devotees embark on the Vaishno Devi trip to seek blessings from Mata Vaishno Devi. While the spiritual journey is priceless, knowing the overall expenses in advance can help you plan a comfortable and stress-free pilgrimage.
Travel to Vaishno Devi
The starting point of the journey is Katra, a small town located around 50 km from Jammu. From here, pilgrims begin their trek to the Bhawan (the holy cave).
- Flight to Jammu: A round-trip air ticket from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Jammu usually costs ₹4,000 – ₹8,000.
- Train to Jammu/Katra: Train tickets are economical, ranging from ₹400 (sleeper) to ₹2,500 (AC classes). The Shri Shakti Express directly connects Delhi to Katra.
- Road travel: Regular buses and taxis are available from Jammu to Katra, costing ₹100 – ₹1,000 depending on the service chosen.
Accommodation Costs: Hotels in Vaishno Devi
Katra offers a wide range of accommodations suitable for different budgets:
- Budget Hotels & Dharamshalas: ₹500 – ₹1,000 per night
- Mid-range Hotels in Vaishno Devi (Katra): ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
- Luxury Hotels & Resorts: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000+ per night
Many hotels provide yatri packages, which may include meals and transfers to the base camp. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the Navratri season.
Trekking & Transport to the Shrine
The trek from Katra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan is about 13 km. Pilgrims can choose between different options:
- On Foot: Free of cost, though ponchos and sticks may cost ₹50 – ₹100.
- Ponies/Dolis: ₹800 – ₹3,500 depending on distance.
- Helicopter Service: ₹1,800 – ₹3,500 per person (one-way), which reduces travel time to 8 minutes.
- Battery-Operated Vehicles: ₹400 – ₹800 for those who prefer not to walk the entire route.
Food & Meal Expenses
Langars (community kitchens) along the route provide free meals and refreshments to devotees. If you choose to eat at dhabas or hotels in Katra:
- Simple Meals / Thalis: ₹100 – ₹200 per person
- Restaurants in Katra: ₹300 – ₹600 per person
- Buffet in Hotels: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per person
Places to Visit Near Vaishno Devi
While the main attraction is the holy shrine, there are several places to visit near Vaishno Devi for those extending their trip:
- Bhairon Temple (2 km uphill from Bhawan): A must-visit as the pilgrimage is considered incomplete without it.
- Ardhkuwari Cave (6 km from Katra): A sacred cave where Mata meditated for nine months.
- Shiv Khori: Famous for its naturally formed Shiva Lingam, located about 70 km from Katra.
- Patnitop: A hill station just 80 km away, known for its pine forests and adventure sports.
Total Vaishno Devi Trip Cost
Here’s a rough estimate for a 2–3 day trip:
- Budget Trip: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 per person (train, budget stay, local meals)
- Mid-range Trip: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per person (flight/train + mid-range hotels + paid darshan facilities)
- Comfort/Luxury Trip: ₹20,000+ per person (flight, helicopter transfers, luxury hotels, guided services)
If you want to have a comfortable trip, you can always take out a travel loan, which can help you stretch your budget.
Travel Loan Option
If you are planning a group family trip or want to combine Vaishno Devi with nearby tourist spots like Patnitop and Shiv Khori, you may consider a personal travel loan to cover the trip cost with easy EMIs.
FAQs on Vaishno Devi Trip
Q1. What is the total cost of a Vaishno Devi trip?
A budget trip costs ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 per person, while luxury trips can go up to ₹20,000+, depending on hotel and travel preferences.
Q2. How can I reach Vaishno Devi from Delhi?
You can take a direct train to Katra, flights to Jammu, or road transport. From Katra, the trek to the shrine begins.
Q3. Are helicopter services available for Vaishno Devi?
Yes, helicopter services operate between Katra and Sanjichhat, costing around ₹1,800 – ₹3,500 per person.
Q4. Which are the best places to visit near Vaishno Devi?
Bhairon Temple, Ardhkuwari Cave, Shiv Khori, and Patnitop are popular spots to explore.
Q5. What are the best hotels in Vaishno Devi (Katra)?
There are budget dharamshalas, mid-range hotels like The White Hotel, and luxury stays offering yatri packages.