Delhi to Vaishno Devi, at a glance
Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered pilgrimages in India — a cave shrine of the Mother Goddess high in the Trikuta hills, reached by a 13 km trek from the base town of Katra. Katra sits ~620 km from Delhi, an overnight or long-day drive up the well-built NH-44. The yatra itself — on foot, by pony, palki or helicopter — is the heart of the trip, with Ardhkuwari and the Bhairavnath temple along the way. With a car and driver waiting at Katra, your pace and timing are entirely your own.
Delhi to Vaishno Devi taxi fare
All-inclusive — toll, state tax, fuel & driver allowance already in. Round trip is 1.85× the one-way.
| Car | Model | Seats | One-way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Dzire, Etios | 4 | ₹9,300 | ₹16,950 |
| SUV | Ertiga, XUV | 6-7 | ₹10,650 | ₹19,350 |
| Premium SUV | Innova Crysta | 7 | ₹12,900 | ₹23,450 |
| Tempo Traveller | Force 12–17 | 12-17 | ₹19,050 | ₹34,600 |
What to see on the Vaishno Devi yatra
A cave shrine in the Trikuta hills, reached by a 13 km climb from Katra — the journey is the pilgrimage.

The Bhawan
The holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at ~5,200 ft — the destination of the yatra and its spiritual heart.

Trikuta Hills
The three-peaked range the yatra winds through — forested, breezy and lined with pilgrims day and night.

Bhairavnath Temple
A hilltop temple ~2.5 km beyond the shrine; the yatra is said to be complete only after visiting it.

Sanjichhat
The ridge stop with the helipad and battery-car point — a resting place with sweeping valley views.

Katra
The bustling base town where the yatra begins — hotels, the yatra-registration counter and bazaars.

Yatra gateway
The Banganga check-post where the trek starts, lit and busy around the clock.
Things to do in Vaishno Devi
Walk the paved, well-lit trail from Katra to the Bhawan — the classic way to make the pilgrimage.
Prefer not to walk the whole way? Ponies, palkis and a battery-car service ease the climb.
A quick flight from Katra to Sanjichhat cuts most of the trek — book well ahead.
Complete the yatra with the climb to the Bhairavnath temple above the shrine.
Pause at the ridge for cool air and long views over the Trikuta valleys.
Prasad, dry fruit and Kashmiri handicrafts in the lively base-town market.
How to reach Vaishno Devi from Delhi
Pick your mode — see the options and book, all in one place.
| Car (EZPZ) | Seats | One-way | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 4 | ₹9,300 | Book |
| SUV | 6-7 | ₹10,650 | Book |
| Premium SUV | 7 | ₹12,900 | Book |
| Tempo Traveller | 12-17 | ₹19,050 | Book |
All-inclusive · ~620 km, ~12 hrs via NH-44 (to Katra) · doorstep pickup, driver waits at every stop.
| Train | Delhi → Vaishno Devi | Fare | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat22439 · to Katra | ~06:00 → 14:00 | ₹1,200–2,300 | IRCTC |
| SVDK Expressto Katra (SVDK) | various | ₹350–1,700 | IRCTC |
| Rajdhani / Superfastto Jammu / Katra | overnight | ₹500–2,000 | IRCTC |
Trains run right to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) station, at the base of the yatra. Confirm live seats on IRCTC.
A Vaishno Devi plan
An overnight drive to Katra, the yatra, and a rest before the drive home.
Overnight drive to Katra
Leave Delhi in the evening up NH-44; reach Katra by morning, fresh for the yatra.
Register & begin the yatra
Collect the yatra parchi (RFID slip), then start the 13 km climb — on foot, pony or battery car.
Darshan & Bhairavnath
Darshan at the cave shrine, then the short climb to Bhairavnath to complete the pilgrimage.
Rest, then home
Descend and rest at Katra, then the drive back to Delhi (or add Patnitop on the way).
The trek can take 4–8 hours each way; a helicopter to Sanjichhat or an overnight at the Bhawan makes it far easier.
Best time to visit
Pleasant for the trek, with the fullest facilities — Navratri (Mar/Oct) is peak and hugely crowded.
Crisp and quiet; the higher stretches can be icy and cold — warm clothing is essential.
Green but slippery on the trail, with the odd landslide on the highway — travel with care.
The two Navratri festivals bring enormous crowds — book early and expect long queues.
Easy add-ons near Katra
A serene meadow-and-pine hill station on the Jammu–Srinagar road — a lovely cool-off.
A revered natural cave shrine of Shiva, an atmospheric add-on from Katra.
The “City of Temples” — Raghunath Temple and Bahu Fort on the way in or out.
Historic gurudwaras and shrines dot the route through Jammu region.
One fare. Everything in.
The number we quote is the number you pay — no toll or tax sprung on you at the end.
- Highway toll & state tax — included
- Fuel & driver allowance — included
- No surge, ever — even weekends
- Pay after the trip — cash, UPI or card
Delhi → Vaishno Devi, the EZPZ way
All-inclusive, no surge, no end-of-trip surprises on toll or tax.
Only going one way? Pay for one way — no forced return, no dead-km.
Experienced, courteous chauffeurs who know this route inside out.
Sightseeing or stops on the way — the same car stays with you throughout.
Cars for every group
Dzire, Etios
4 · 2 bags
from ₹9,300
Ertiga, XUV
6-7 · 3-4 bags
from ₹10,650
Innova Crysta
7 · 4 bags
from ₹12,900
Force 12–17
12-17 · plenty
from ₹19,050
Vaishno Devi travel tips
A free RFID yatra slip is mandatory to start the trek — collect it at the Katra counter or online.
Katra–Sanjichhat helicopter seats sell out fast, especially in season — reserve well ahead.
The 13 km is paved but long — good walking shoes and a light bag make it far easier.
It gets cold and breezy higher up, even in summer; nights at the Bhawan are chilly.
The Navratri festivals bring huge crowds and long queues — plan around them if you can.
Leather items are not allowed in the shrine — leave belts and wallets in the lockers provided.
Delhi to Vaishno Devi taxi FAQ
A one-way sedan starts at about ₹9,300 (around 620 km). SUVs and Tempo Travellers cost more. All-inclusive — toll, state tax, fuel and driver allowance already in.
About 12 hours over ~620 km up NH-44 — usually a comfortable overnight drive.
No — the shrine is a 13 km trek from Katra (on foot, pony, palki or helicopter). Your car and driver wait at Katra for you.
Yes — the same car and driver can add Patnitop, Shiv Khori or Jammu’s temples. Tell us your plan for a package quote.
Yes — you pay only for the Delhi→Katra distance, with no return fare and no dead-km.