Best Time to Visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple - Complete Pilgrimage Guide

• By : Gaurav Batra
• In : Travel Tips
• Last Updated: 2025-08-19

Planning a spiritual journey to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi? One of the most common questions devotees ask before embarking on the yatra is – “What is the best time to visit Vaishno Devi"?

Since Vaishno Devi is located in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu & Kashmir at an altitude of 5,200 feet, the weather and crowd vary significantly throughout the year. Choosing the right season, month, and time ensures a comfortable yatra, smoother darshan, and a memorable spiritual experience.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:

• Best time, month, and season to visit Vaishno Devi

• Weather conditions throughout the year

• Crowd levels during peak and off-seasons

• Travel tips for summer, winter, and monsoon yatras

• How to reach Vaishno Devi (by road, train, helicopter)

• FAQs on darshan timings and family visits

• Recommended Vaishno Devi tour packages

Best Time to Go Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

The best time to visit Vaishno Devi Temple is generally March to October, when the weather is pleasant, making the trek from Katra to the Bhawan comfortable. However, each season offers a unique experience:

• Spring (March – April): Ideal for pleasant weather and moderate crowds.

• Summer (May – June): Warm days, cool evenings, high footfall due to school vacations.

• Monsoon (July – September): Green landscapes, fewer crowds, but occasional rainfall.

• Autumn (October – November): Excellent weather, spiritual vibes during Navratri festival.

• Winter (December – February): Snow-covered routes, magical atmosphere, but cold and challenging trek.

• If you prefer comfortable trekking and good weather, plan between March to October.
• If you want less crowd and divine peace, winter months like December – February are also a great choice.

Vaishno Devi Weather by Season

1. Summer (March to June)

• Temperature: 15°C to 35°C

• Best For: Families, senior citizens, first-time visitors

• Why Visit: Clear weather, vibrant atmosphere, high availability of accommodation

• Note: Trek can feel warm in May–June, so start early morning or late evening.

2. Monsoon (July to September)

• Temperature: 18°C to 30°C

• Best For: Nature lovers, off-season travelers

• Why Visit: Lush greenery, less crowd, peaceful darshan

• Note: Occasional landslides and slippery paths – wear good trekking shoes.

3. Autumn (October to November)

• Temperature: 12°C to 28°C

• Best For: Navratri celebrations, cultural travelers

• Why Visit: Holy shrine is beautifully decorated, spiritual energy at its peak

• Note: Expect higher footfall during Navratri.

4. Winter (December to February)

• Temperature: -2°C to 15°C

• Best For: Adventure seekers, devotees seeking solitude

• Why Visit: Snow-covered hills, fewer pilgrims, peaceful darshan

• Note: Pack heavy woolens, trek can be tough but magical.

Darshan Timings & Yatra Information

• Vaishno Devi Temple Timings: Open 24 hours a day

• Best Time for Darshan Without Rush: Early morning or late night during weekdays

• Special Occasions: Navratri (March–April & September–October) attracts lakhs of devotees

• Aarti Timings: Morning and evening aartis are the most divine experiences

How to Reach Vaishno Devi

The journey begins from Katra, which is well-connected to Jammu and other major cities. From Katra, devotees trek 12 km uphill to reach the holy shrine.

• By Train: Direct trains available to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station from Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities.

• By Road: Regular buses and taxis from Jammu (50 km away).

• By Air: Jammu Airport (IXJ) is the nearest, 50 km from Katra.

• By Helicopter: Helicopter services from Katra to Sanjichhat are available. Booking can be done online, and it reduces the trek to just 2.5 km.

Vaishno Devi Trekking Information

• Trek Distance: 12 km from Katra to Bhawan

• Time Required: 5–7 hours on foot, 3–4 hours with ponies or palkis

• Facilities: Refreshment stalls, medical aid, and rest points throughout the route

• Tips:

  • Start early morning to avoid heat in summers

  • Carry light snacks, water, and wear comfortable shoes

  • In winters, ensure proper woolens and jackets

Accommodation Near Vaishno Devi

Whether you are looking for budget stays or deluxe hotels, Katra offers multiple accommodation options:

• Budget Hotels: Affordable lodges near Katra Bus Stand

• Mid-range Hotels: Comfortable hotels with basic amenities

• Luxury Stays: Premium hotels with scenic mountain views

• Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Guest Houses: Well-maintained and economical

Note: It’s advisable to book in advance during Navratri and peak seasons.

Travel Tips for Vaishno Devi Yatra

• Carry valid ID proof (mandatory for yatra registration).

• Download the official Yatra Parchi for hassle-free entry.

• Avoid heavy luggage during trekking.

• Elderly devotees can opt for battery cars, ponies, palkis, or helicopters.

• Respect shrine rules: photography is not allowed inside the Bhawan.

Month-Wise Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi

Month	Weather	Crowd Level	Recommendation
January	Cold, snowy	Low	Good for peace seekers
February	Cold, clear	Low	Spiritual & less crowd
March	Pleasant	Moderate	Best for darshan
April	Pleasant	High	Ideal for families
May	Warm	High	Summer vacation rush
June	Warm	High	Trek during early hours
July	Rainy	Moderate	Scenic but wet
August	Rainy	Low	Off-season, less crowd
September	Pleasant	Moderate	Start of autumn
October	Pleasant	Very High	Navratri season
November	Cool	Moderate	Comfortable trekking
December	Cold, snowy	Low	Magical snow views

Book Your Vaishno Devi Tour Package with TourTravelWorld

Planning a hassle-free trip to Mata Vaishno Devi? Instead of worrying about travel, hotels, and bookings, choose a customized Vaishno Devi Tour Package with TourTravelWorld.

Benefits of booking with TourTravelWorld:

• Affordable yatra packages with train/flight inclusions

• Accommodation options in Katra & nearby areas

• Assistance with helicopter booking and darshan

• 24x7 customer support for a stress-free pilgrimage

Make your yatra memorable with comfort and devotion – book your Vaishno Devi Tour package today with TourTravelWorld.

Final Thoughts

When Should You Visit Mata Vaishno Devi?

• For comfortable weather and family trips → March to June

• For peaceful darshan without heavy crowd → July to September

• For festival vibes and Navratri celebrations → October

• For snow lovers and solitude seekers → December to February

No matter which month you choose, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is a divine experience that fills devotees with peace, devotion, and energy.

FAQs

Q1: Which month is best to visit Vaishno Devi?

Ans: The best months are March–June and September–November, offering pleasant weather and comfortable trekking conditions.

Q2: Can we visit Vaishno Devi in winter?

Ans: Yes, December–February is great for devotees seeking peace. However, carry woolens as temperatures drop below 0°C.

Q3: What is the best time for darshan at Vaishno Devi?

Ans: Early morning and late night on weekdays are the best times to avoid heavy crowds.

Q4: Is monsoon a good time to visit Vaishno Devi?

Ans: Yes, July–September has fewer crowds and lush greenery, but trekking paths can be slippery.

Q5: How many days are required for Vaishno Devi yatra?

Ans: Generally, 2–3 days are sufficient, including travel, trekking, and darshan.