Activity
Things to do in Katra (Vaishno Devi)
10 sights, walks and activities, 6 of them free.
- Things to do
- 10
- Free
- 6
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Dec
- Ideal stay
- 2 nights
Things to do in Katra
Helicopter Katra–Sanjichhat (one way)
₹2,320–₹2,900 per personAbout 8 minutes, then 2.5 km walk
Representative photo · Photo by Nishant Vyas on Pexels
Bhawan–Bhairon passenger ropeway
₹100–₹150 per personAbout 3 minutes each way
Representative photo · Photo by India Uttarakhand on Pexels
Pony or palki on the old track
₹1,500–₹1,900 per personOne way to Bhawan
Representative photo · Photo by Gulshan Panwar on Pexels
Vaishno Devi yatra on foot
Free8–12 hours return
The pilgrim path up the Trikuta hills to the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi, busy with chanting devotees day and night.
Photo: Maximafunction · CC0
Atka Aarti at the Bhawan
₹2,000–₹2,500 per person2 hours
Representative photo · Abhishek Chandra · Public domain
Bhimgarh Fort, Reasi
Free1.5 hours
A stone hilltop fort above Reasi town, with views over the town and the Chenab valley.
Chenab rail bridge viewpoint
Free2–3 hours
Photo: bhisham pratap padha from Jammu, India · CC BY-SA 2.0
Good to know
- In heavy rain the Board suspends fresh registrations (as in August 2025 after the Ardhkuwari landslide and again on 19 August 2026).
- Permits: Mandatory free Yatra registration (RFID card) via the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
- Free sights can still charge for parking, shoes or a camera.
Questions
What are the best things to do in Katra?
Helicopter Katra–Sanjichhat (one way); Bhawan–Bhairon passenger ropeway; Pony or palki on the old track; Vaishno Devi yatra on foot; Atka Aarti at the Bhawan; Baba Dhansar and Karua spring.
What can you do for free in Katra?
Vaishno Devi yatra on foot; Baba Dhansar and Karua spring; Siarh Baba waterfall; Bhimgarh Fort, Reasi; Dera Baba Banda Bahadur, Reasi; Chenab rail bridge viewpoint.
What is the best time to visit Katra?
Mar–May, Sep–Dec. Avoid Jul–Aug.
How many days do you need in Katra?
2 nights covers the main sights at an easy pace; from Delhi that fits a long weekend or a Friday-to-Sunday trip.