Having a fare idea about Katra Weather can go a long way in having a successful Darshan without any major or minor sickness and inconveniences. The following information would prove useful. One thing the devotees must note that though from Katra to Bhawan is a merely a trek of 13 km but Katra`s altitude is nearly 2500 ft above sea level while that of Mata`s sanctum sanctorum is located at near about 5200 ft. above sea level. This difference in altitude levels adds up to a significant temperature difference.
Summer Months: In summer months you can expect moderate temperature. The temperature in the summer month usually ranges between 30°C to 40°C. However, April is an unpredictable month in the sense that if it rains it can turn quite cold. Light cotton cloth is excellent. May to July is the summer months.
Monsoon Months: The monsoon season witnesses quite a heavy rainfall but otherwise the weather is pleasant. Cotton clothing would be with very light woolens would be perfect. Starting from end July to September weather is pleasant when it is not raining.
Winter Months: Please be very careful if you are traveling to Katra and further to Vaishno Devi during winters. In winters temperature can get down to sub-zero temperatures (even -5°C is not very uncommon. From October to March all the pilgrims must carry heavy woolens withy them.
Important useful Fact while in Katra
Location: Katra is located 32.98° N 74.95° E
Altitude: 2500 feet above sea level | District: Udhampur
Pin Code: 182301 | STD Code: 01991
Nearest Railway Station: Katra
Nearest Airport: Jammu
Avg temp: During summer: Max- 40; Min- 20 | During Winter: Max: 15; Min:03
Languages Spoken: Hindi, Punjabi and Dogri
Best Time to Visit: Any time
About Yatra
Temperature: Please check the temperature severities before undertaking or planning a Yatra as it is generally very cold from December to February.
Clothing: During Summer (April to September) usually cotton clothing would do but it is better to take light woolens for night. Sometimes after raining it becomes cold. For the remaining months (October- march) heavy woolens are a necessity.
Footwear: If you want to trek your way to the Darshan then please use footwear of good quality. Canvas shoes or PU sole footwear is best. Women should avoid wearing heels.
Pace of Walking: Maintain a steady pace if you are trekking. While descending from the Darshan, do not try to go down fast. Many people do that and end up having blisters on the foot due to the constant thumping.
Helicopter Service: Take Helicopter ride if you are traveling with children and elders. There is a drawback in traveling by helicopter if you take also the return flight. You are given a fixed time slot which is around 2 hrs. Within this stipulated time frame you have to finish your darshan and reach Sanjhi Chat in time to catch the return flight. What happens is that it is almost 2 hours by the time you walk your way and stand in queue for Darshan. So there’s no time left to visit Bhairo Nath temple.
Essential items to Carry: Besides medicines, torches, raincoats and walking sticks are a good idea to carry. You never know when you need them. They can all be bought or hired from a large number of shops at Katra or on the way to Bhawan.
Travel Light: Please trave light. Backpacks or stroller type light luggage bags are best if you want to walk. All necessary food and travel-related items are available en-route as well as at Holy Bhawan. Yatries need not carry items like Prashad, Blankets, foodstuffs etc. So except for personal clothing and important items like medicines etc do not carry any extra baggage.
Rules regarding Mobile phones and electronic gadgets: Carrying mobile phones or things like digital or video cameras along with other electronic items are strictly prohibited beyond the first check post.
Special Passes for Defence Personnel: Special pass available for defense personnel and their dependents. Armed with this pass you can stand in a special queue for darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi.
Items not allowed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum: No leather items like purse, handbags or belts are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum. You need to deposit them in a locker. Except for money and handkerchief nothing is allowed inside for final darshan.
No Liquor: Katra is a dry city. To prevent the sanctity of the place do not carry any liquor with you. This seems obvious but not adhering to this can be a source of trouble. Even Cigarettes and Gutkha pan masalas are also not allowed.
Shopping at Katra: It is better to avoid buying anything from Katra except for the Prashad and other small souvenirs. There’s a state handicraft emporium very close to Bus stand. Here you can check out stuff like shawls and other woolen items.
Aarti Timings: Aarti takes place twice a day. Devotees are not allowed inside during Aarti. Otherwise, darshan is open round the clock. It is done once in the morning at sunrise and in the evening at sunset. The timings of Aarti are 6 am to 8 am in the morning and 6 pm to 8 pm in the evening.
Prefer Tracks over stairs: To prevent overstraining on the climb it is always advisable to take the paved tracks over the stairs. · Original Holy Cave: Please take note that the Original Holy Cave is open only during winters.
Security & other considerations: As you are aware that the state of J&K is facing terrorism activities. In addition to that, landslide also takes place sometimes. So be careful and follow the official instructions made through loudspeakers. You are supposed to maintain solemnity and dignity of the place and keep off from indulging in any activity that can raise panic or suspicion.
Medical Facilities: Unlike Kailash Mansarovar yatra you do not need any medical certificate to undertake the Yatra. However, those with heart ailments, breathing, low Hemoglobin levels or other similar ailments are suggested to carry on with the Yatra only after due medical checkup and consent of the Doctor. Heart, asthmatic and orthopedic problems can get aggravated after a strenuous climb.
Railway reservation Counter: A computerized Railway Reservation Counter operates from the Niharika complex near the main bus stand at Katra.
Mobile Connectivity: BSNL works best here.
Post office/ Speed post courier: Post offices are available at Katra, Adkuwari and also at Bhawan. In Katra, you can get a Speed Post courier facility.
Cloakroom: Cloakroom service to keep luggage is provided by Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board as well as private hotels/lodges etc. Be careful to check the credentials of private hotels and lodges before leaving your luggage. It is always wise to not leave your cash, jewelry or any other valuable at Cloakrooms. Cloakroom facility is available for free at the following places.
Cloak Room Facilities
At all Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Shrine Board operated guest houses/ lodging places Katra
1) Cloakroom opposite to the main queue complex (gate No.1). Here you can deposit shoes, belts, combs etc which are not allowed in the Holy cave.
2) A cloakroom is also functional at Sridhar Bhawan. *Main Bhawan
*Cloakrooms at Main Bhawan functions round the clock.
Advice for Children and the Elderly:
If you are traveling with elderly people or children, it would be better then to not come back on the same day. For example, if you set out for the darshan in the afternoon and then it is better to rest at Ardhkuari for the day. In case you do not find accommodation take rest for at least 3 hours. For advance booking of accommodation at Adhkunwari, you can visit the website of Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Intake of water: Water should be taken at regular intervals to avoid dehydration. In order to provide clean drinking water to the devotees, there are around 125 water points and 50 water coolers installed on the way.
Vomiting & Hill sickness: As the route to Katra from Jammu passes through some hilly terrains. It causes a tendency to vomit. So never travel on an empty stomach and carry medicines for vomiting. Oranges and Nimbu pani can come handy.
Obtaining Group Numbers: Once you reach Bhawan your primary task is to rush to the group counter and obtain the group number. This is very crucial and must precede any other task.
