Katra, a small town in the foothills of Trikuta, serves as the base camp to the Vaishnodevi Yatris. The shrine is approachable on foot along a 12 km path from Katra. Every year, nearly 5 million pilgrims visit Mata Vaishnodevi. The shrine has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment to millions of devotees. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the trail to the goddess' abode rarely goes back disappointed. The holy shrine contains the holiest of holy Pindis, manifesting the Mata in three forms - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. It is believed that the Yatra is not complete unless the pilgrim visits Bhairon ka Mandir as well (2.6 km from the main shrine).
Yatris on reaching Katra need to get a Parchi (registration slip) from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) counters near the Bus Stand. Counter No 1 for 1 to 9 persons & counter No 2 for 10 persons and above. Counters are open from 6 am to 11 pm.Pithus, palkiwalas and ponywalas registered with the authorities are available from Katra to Banganga. The rates from Katra to the shrine and back are fixed as per the weight of luggage and yatri. Yatris are advised to check the identities of hired pithu, palkiwala, ponywala and note their card numbers/names in case of any kind of eventuality.After darshan, one must not miss trying maalish (Body Massage) at Katra. The maalishwala will loosen your muscles using different massage methods and a variety of oils.