Vaishno devi this time

ranjan154

Hi All,

Just returned from jammu, vaishno-devi,Patni top,Natha top trip. Will write about the other places later but thought to write about vaishno devi trip first.

This was my fourth trip to Mata Vaishno Devi, I would say it was not a good experience this time. Firstly the new money system where one can give Rs 200, 500 and 1000 to get express darshan and then there was auto strike.

Unimaginable rush during this time, so please avoid during this time of the season. The toilet were in very bad shape and people were almost shoving each other, we nearly escaped a stampede.

But at the last we had a comfortable darshan, although you only get a few seconds in the shrine..

Earlier Army was managing the arrangement which was far better than the present.. I hope things improve before I plan my next trip..

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Rakesh Ranjan
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/travinfoindia/

travellingdoc

hi i have planned a trip for darshan on the 14-16 of june, we will start the trek on 15 morning and come back by night and stay over at katra is it possible to comeback by night or later in the night if we start at around 1 pm on the 15 of june.
please reply ill be really greatful. thanx.we will b cuming form delhi

spicetrekker

This is sad, I have been there only once in 2004 and thought the entire show was very well managed - alas this place has also fallen to mismanagement

ranjan154

@travellingdoc: Since the rush is too much, you should avoid Ardhkuari, because you wont be then able to return back.

Use the new track just below Ardhkuauri, as its easy compared to old one.

Start at around 1 PM and aim for darshan early morning. you wont be able to come back in night that's for sure. After the darshan if you feel like you can go to Bhairav Nath which is still 1.75 KM up and steep climbing.. But we were exhausted as my wife had my son who was cling-ed with her.

Last advice start speaking "Jai Mata Ki" from now, all problems will be solved

mani

Hi
we were at Vaishno Devi in dec07 end.

Depending onyour speed it will take you atleast 6-7 hrs to get to bhawan take the new track as suggested by ranjan. Ardh Kuwanri is too crowded we gave it a miss.

We started at about 1 pm and reached bhawan by 8-9 pm. Got darshan at about 10:30 PM. had diner, got blankets and slept in the comman rooms. Got up early had some tea & biscuits and walked down we reached katra at 11:30 am. We had decided to stay back as the temperature was expected to go below freezing. and also since we knew that as city folks we would not be able to walk back the same night.

We were 3 adults and an 7 year old in our group. And yes Jai mata di started about 2 kilometers into the walk.

enjoy your trip.

Mani

travellingdoc

thanks so much ill take the new route.

travellingdoc

thanks a lot ranjan we would stick to what uve told us.i was great help.

travellingdoc

i think we will drop idea to come back the same day.

travellingdoc

we dont have a booking at the bhawan staying places do i need to get it done before.

Indizen

Check out the website of "Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board" for details of accomodation

SONAT

Hi,
We had gone for darshan on 03 June,recently.You may not get the booking at any place managed by the Shrine Board,starting from Jammu to Katra due to huge rush of pilgrims.If you have elderly people or children in the group,please do not try to come back on the same day.I suggest strating in the afternoon and reach Ardhkuari and preferably take rest there if you can find accommodation(you will be very lucky !).Take at least three hours rest at Ardhkuari if elderly or children are with you.Second important point I suggest is that carry minimum load packed in backpacks or stroller type light luggage bags.Drink sufficient water.AVOID taking stairs while going UP even if you are fit and young as it does not save any big time(we made this mistake).While descending,please try to go easy as the tendency is to go down fast.This causes foot blisters due to the constant thumping.Footware of good quality is very very important.I recommend Sandals or any footware with PU soles.We found no need for wollens at this time.the temperature at night does not dip below 20 degrees-hardly justifying heavy woolens.People with low Hemoglobin levels or asthma/other respiratory complaints should be careful.On the whole we felt that due to the summer vacations the rush is unmanagable and situation is totally chaotic in Katra.The darshan is for just a second or two-for all the efforts that the pilgrims are taking.Do not carry anything on your person except money and handkerchief for final darshan.The secuity people do not allow any kind of belts,mobile phones,camera,handycam and even nail polish or bindi on females !
Please deposit your belongings including the walking stick at the free locker service.Staying at Bhawan after darshan should be avoided due to the rush and concurrent problems. Wishing you a very safe darshan !

travellingdoc

thanks for such valuable info .

travellingdoc

hi ranjan we did avoid taking the old route and made it at the top in around 4 n half hrs,started at 2:30pm from katra and reached the to a litle before 7:00pm, the darshans were closed for almost 2 hrs for the arti, we were able to have darshans at around 10:45pm then after dinner we proceeded our herculean descent at 11:15pm(15jun) and to our surprise we reached katra by 3:30am we were dead tired u were right but we made it our cousins had 2 kids with them who were put on the pitthoo. but rest of us were on foot throughout. to make times more testing for us the mother godess made it rain throughout it was drizzling for most of the time. we had a good sleep till 10am in morning(16 jun) then again slept at 9 at night the while on the train. mata gave us the strength and problems solved

SONAT

Hi,
Jai Mata di and congrats for the trip.Bhairon baba temple is a must visit-I found stronger vibrations there.May Mataji bless you with a darshan of Bhairon baba next time !

ranjan154

Jai mata ki, good to hear that you and your family members enjoyed the trip..