Quick Summary
IRCTC Tourism's "Mata Vaishnodevi Ex Delhi" package covers the Katra/Vaishno Devi yatra by train, starting from ₹6,990 per person (triple occupancy) for a 3 Nights / 4 Days trip.
About the IRCTC Vaishno Devi Package
IRCTC Tourism runs a "Mata Vaishnodevi Ex Delhi" package for pilgrims traveling from Delhi to Katra for the Vaishno Devi yatra. It bundles train travel, hotel accommodation in Katra, and yatra assistance into one price, so you don't have to book train tickets and hotels separately.
Package Overview
"Mata Vaishnodevi Ex Delhi (Weekday)"
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights / 4 Days |
| Departure Days | This "Weekday" batch runs Sunday to Thursday departures — confirm the current schedule when booking |
| Boarding City | Delhi |
Comfort Class (3AC)
| Occupancy | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Triple Occupancy (3 in a room) | ₹6,990 per person |
| Double Occupancy (2 in a room) | ₹8,100 |
| Single Occupancy (1 in a room) | ₹10,770 |
| Child (5-11 yrs) with bed | ₹6,320 |
| Child (5-11 yrs) without bed | ₹5,255 |
Superior Class (2AC)
| Occupancy | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Triple Occupancy | ₹8,220 |
| Double Occupancy | ₹9,330 |
| Single Occupancy | ₹11,995 |
Pricing tiers above match IRCTC Tourism's published figures for this package as of our last check — always confirm the live price on irctctourism.com before booking, since fares can be revised.
Other Variants
- Vande Bharat Express add-on: from ₹7,360 (Triple Occupancy) for a shorter 1 Night/2 Days format using the Vande Bharat Express
- Land-only package: a land-tour-only option (no train fare bundled) is also offered for travelers arranging their own transport to Katra
- 5 Nights/6 Days extended package: from ₹11,900, for travelers who want to combine the yatra with more time in the region
Exact current pricing and availability for these variants should be confirmed on irctctourism.com.
What's Typically Included
Standard Inclusions
- Train travel: Delhi to Katra/Jammu and back (3AC or 2AC, per the class booked)
- Hotel stay: 2 nights in Katra
- Daily breakfast and select meals
- Yatra registration assistance
- Local transfers in Katra
- Tour escort/guide support
- Basic travel insurance (as included by IRCTC Tourism, subject to the batch)
Exact inclusions/exclusions vary by batch — confirm the specific package page on irctctourism.com before booking.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Katra
- Board the train from Delhi in the evening
- Overnight train journey to Jammu/Katra
- Rest onboard
Day 2: Arrival & Ascent to the Bhawan
- Arrival in Katra, transfer to hotel for freshening up
- Yatra registration at the counter (or online in advance via the Shrine Board)
- Begin the trek from Katra base camp
- Distance: approximately 13 km from Katra to the Bhawan (main shrine)
- Options: on foot, pony, palki (palanquin), or helicopter (helicopter booked and paid separately, subject to availability)
- Darshan (temple visit) at the Bhawan
- Descend back to Katra or rest at accommodation near the Bhawan, per the itinerary
Day 3: Return Trek & Local Sightseeing
- Return trek/descent to Katra
- Rest and freshen up at the hotel
- Optional: visit to Bhairon Temple, a common add-on for pilgrims
- Free time in Katra for shopping/local sightseeing
- Overnight stay in Katra
Day 4: Return to Delhi
- Check out from the hotel and transfer to Katra/Jammu station
- Board the return train to Delhi
How to Book
Booking Steps
- Visit IRCTC Tourism's official website: www.irctctourism.com
- Go to "Domestic Tours"
- Search for "Mata Vaishnodevi" and select the package that matches your preferred class and dates
- Check the current departure schedule and live pricing (3AC vs 2AC)
- Fill in passenger details
- Review the cancellation policy shown for that batch before paying
- Pay to confirm your booking
Cancellation & Payment
- Cancellation charges typically apply based on how close to departure you cancel — the exact slab is shown at booking and should be reviewed before you pay.
- Booking amount: a partial payment to confirm your seat, with the balance due before departure — confirm the exact schedule for your batch.
- Payment modes: typically credit/debit card, net banking, and UPI.
Yatra Registration Reminder
- Shrine Board registration is mandatory for the Vaishno Devi yatra, separate from your IRCTC Tourism package booking.
- RFID-enabled Yatra Registration Slip is required to begin the trek from Katra — used for pilgrim tracking and safety.
- Registration can typically be done online in advance or at the counter in Katra on arrival.
- Carry a valid photo ID and keep the registration slip with you throughout the yatra.
Yatra Registration Details
- Where to register: online via the official Shrine Board site, or at counters in Katra.
- Managed by: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (maavaishnodevi.org).
- RFID tracking: the registration slip has an RFID chip used to track pilgrims along the route for safety.
- Validity: registration slips are typically valid only for a limited window from issuance — check the current validity period when you register.
Travel Tips for the Yatra
- Weather: winters in Katra/the hill route can get cold, sometimes close to freezing at higher points — carry warm layers if traveling between roughly November and February.
- Fitness: the trek is roughly 13 km one-way with a real elevation gain — pace yourself, especially if you're not used to trekking.
- Alternatives to walking: pony, palki, and battery car (for part of the route) are available for a fee; helicopter service is popular but subject to weather and availability, and should be booked in advance where possible.
- What to carry: comfortable walking shoes, a light backpack, water, and any personal medication.
- Best season: spring and autumn months are generally more comfortable than peak summer or winter for the trek.
- Crowds: yatra volumes spike around Navratri and other festival periods — expect longer queues for darshan.
Vande Bharat Express Option
IRCTC Tourism also offers a shorter package built around the Vande Bharat Express service on the Delhi-Katra route, for travelers who want a faster rail journey with a more compact itinerary.
- Starting price: ₹7,360 (Triple Occupancy)
- Format: 1 Night/2 Days, built around the Vande Bharat Express schedule
- Best for: travelers with limited time who still want a bundled, assisted yatra trip
Why Book the IRCTC Vaishno Devi Package?
- Bundled pricing: train travel, hotel and yatra assistance from IRCTC Tourism in one booking.
- Starting from ₹6,990 per person (triple occupancy, Comfort/3AC).
- Multiple class options: Comfort (3AC) and Superior (2AC), plus a Vande Bharat Express variant.
- Registration assistance for the mandatory Shrine Board yatra slip.
- Backed by IRCTC Tourism, a Government of India enterprise subsidiary.
- Multiple duration options: from a quick 1N/2D Vande Bharat trip up to 5N/6D.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trek from Katra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan?
It's approximately 13 km one-way from Katra base camp to the Bhawan (main shrine). You can walk, or use pony, palki, battery car (part-route), or helicopter, subject to availability and cost.
Is Shrine Board yatra registration separate from the IRCTC package booking?
Yes. Booking the IRCTC Tourism package doesn't automatically register you for the yatra — you (or the package's assistance service) still need to complete Shrine Board registration to get your RFID-enabled Yatra Registration Slip.
Where do I register for the yatra?
Registration is managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, available online at maavaishnodevi.org or at registration counters in Katra. The registration slip includes an RFID chip used for pilgrim tracking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation charges are typically based on how close to departure you cancel, and are shown at the time of booking — review them carefully before paying, and confirm the exact slab for your batch on irctctourism.com.
What's the difference between Comfort (3AC) and Superior (2AC) class?
Both cover the same itinerary and yatra assistance; Superior (2AC) offers a higher train travel class at a higher price point than Comfort (3AC). Choose based on your comfort preference and budget.
Is the trek suitable for elderly travelers or young children?
Many elderly pilgrims and families with children do complete the yatra, often using pony, palki, or helicopter to cover part or all of the distance. If mobility is a concern, plan for one of these options in advance rather than assuming you'll walk the full 13 km.
Related Guides
Ready to Book Your Yatra?
Check current departure dates and live pricing for the Mata Vaishnodevi Ex Delhi package on IRCTC Tourism's official site.
IRCTC Tourism