Katra
One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, the Vaishno Devi shrine sits at 5,200 feet in the Trikuta Mountains, accessible by a 14-kilometre trek from Katra. The trail winds through forested mountain terrain past the holy sites of Banganga, Charan Paduka, and Ardh Kwari before reaching the sacred cave shrine where the three natural rock formations of Mata Rani are worshipped. Millions of pilgrims make this journey each year, and the atmosphere on the trail — particularly at night with the line of lamp-bearing devotees stretching up the mountain — is deeply moving.
Register for your yatra slip at the Katra base camp before beginning — it is mandatory. Night trekking is allowed and many pilgrims prefer it to avoid the day's heat. Carry warm layers regardless of season.