Quick Answer
Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi trek, is best reached by a direct train to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) station from major cities, or by flying into Jammu Airport and transferring the remaining ~50 km by road. Either way, every pilgrim also needs a free Yatra Registration (RFID) card before starting the trek — more on that below.
Step 1: Reach the Base Camp (Katra)
Option A — Direct to Katra
By train (recommended): Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (SVDK) is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Popular trains include the New Delhi–Katra Vande Bharat Express, Shri Shakti Express, and Jammu Mail.
By road: Katra sits directly on National Highway 44 (NH44). Regular luxury AC sleeper buses run from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, operated by state transports (JKSRTC, HRTC) and private operators.
Option B — Via Jammu
If a direct train or bus isn't available, travel to Jammu (about 50 km from Katra) and transfer from there.
- By flight: Fly into Jammu Airport (IXJ), then take a pre-paid AC taxi or local bus to Katra.
- By train: If Katra trains are sold out, book to Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT) instead. From there:
- Local train: several daily DMU/passenger trains run Jammu Tawi–Katra.
- Bus: regular JKSRTC and private tourist buses run from the Jammu bus stand and railway station.
- Taxi: shared or private prepaid cabs take roughly 1.5–2 hours via the highway.
Step 2: Get Your Mandatory Yatra Registration (RFID Card)
Every pilgrim needs this before starting the trek — you can't clear the first checkpoint at Banganga without it, and it's completely free.
- Register online first (optional but recommended): go to the official SMVDSB portal, sign up with your mobile number and Aadhaar card, select "Yatra Parchi", add every traveller's details, and download the booking slip.
- Collect the physical card: the online printout alone isn't your pass — present it at any Yatra Registration Counter (YRC) to get your physical RFID card. Counters run 24/7 at Katra Railway Station, Katra Bus Stand, Niharika Complex, Jammu Airport, and Vaishnavi Dham (Jammu).
- No online registration? No problem — queue at the Katra Bus Stand or Railway Station counter and get your RFID card on the spot.
For the full breakdown of the helicopter, battery car, ropeway, palki, pony, and pithoo options once you're in Katra — including how and where to book each — see our FAQ page.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Once you know how you're getting to Katra, the fastest way to see your full day-wise plan and price — hotel, local transport, helicopter, meals, and any nearby excursions — is our 2-minute wizard.