Planning a Katra Trip After Navratri: A Registration-to-Room Checklist From the Shrine Board's Own Site

Navratri crowds are thinning (we ran the numbers in our footfall piece), which makes a quieter visit to Katra a realistic weekend plan. Here is the checklist, taken from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's own website.

Step by step

1. Register. The board says a pilgrim has to register for the yatra and collect an RFID-based Yatra Access Card. Registration is online at online.maavaishnodevi.org.
2. Choose how to go up. Katra to Bhawan can be done by helicopter or battery car; tickets are booked through the “Book Tickets” link on the same portal. Ponies and pithus are other options on the route.
3. Book a room. Rooms and dormitories are offered at Jammu, Katra, Bhawan, Adhkuwari and Sanjhichhat, free and rented listed separately, reserved through the portal.
4. Check the weather. The site links to the IMD's yatra weather page.

Don't get caught out

• The board's page notes that the online quota for December 2026 was released on 1 October at 10:00 AM, so December dates may already be filling.
• The page does not list fares, room rates or where to collect the RFID card; check those on the portal before you travel.
• Helpline: toll-free 1800 180 7212, phone 99060 19494.

Earlier this month we reported that the RFID card was mandatory on day one of Navratri; rules can change, so confirm on the official site.

Source: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.