Vaishno Devi Darshan Timings & Aarti Schedule 2026
Cave hours, Atka aarti morning & evening, yatra closure windows during cleaning, and what changes during Navratri.
Is Vaishno Devi Cave Open 24 Hours?
The Holy Cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is open round the clock through the year, with two short closure windows for the morning and evening Atka Aarti. Unlike most South Indian temples, there is no fixed “darshan timing” — you can walk into the queue corridor any hour of any day. Approximate wait time depends on footfall (45 min on weekdays, 3–5 hours on weekends and during Navratri).
Daily Darshan & Aarti Schedule (Indicative)
| Activity | Approximate Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cave opens for darshan (after morning aarti) | 06:30 AM | RFID gates open at Banganga simultaneously |
| Peak morning darshan | 07:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Long queue on weekends and Navratri |
| Afternoon darshan | 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Comparatively shorter queues |
| Cave closes for evening aarti | ~ 6:30 PM | Time shifts with sunset |
| Evening Atka Aarti | ~ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Priests perform aarti inside the sanctum |
| Cave reopens | ~ 8:00 PM onwards | Night darshan continues till morning aarti |
| Morning Atka Aarti | ~ 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM | Time shifts with sunrise |
Atka means “halted” — during aarti the entire darshan queue is paused. A limited number of devotees (with separate Aarti Slip) are seated inside the cave to participate in the puja.
Aarti Slip — How to Book
The Aarti Slip is issued free by the SMVDSB at the Aarti Booking Counter near Gate 1, Bhawan, the previous evening (for morning aarti) and the same morning (for evening aarti). Only around 100–150 devotees are accommodated per aarti. Identity proof is mandatory. The slip is also available online for select dates via the SMVDSB official portal — see our Aarti & Seva page for details.
Best Time of Day to Visit the Cave
- For shortest queue: Late night 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM (winter has fewer pilgrims at this hour).
- For peace and weather: 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM, just after morning aarti — golden light on Trikuta peak, cool air, and you are first in queue for breakfast at the Bhawan langar.
- For aarti participation: Plan to reach Bhawan by 4:00 PM and collect the evening aarti slip immediately.
Yatra Timings — Banganga Gate (Yatra Check Post)
The Banganga Yatra Check Post controls who is allowed to begin the trek. Yatra Parchi (RFID slip) must be carried. Standard rules:
| Gate / Function | Time |
|---|---|
| Banganga RFID gate — yatris go up | 24 hours |
| Last entry time (most days) | 22:00 IST — confirm at counter |
| Tarakote Marg gate (newer route) | 05:00 – 18:00 IST |
| Helicopter — Katra to Sanjichhat | 07:00 – 18:00 IST (weather permitting) |
| Battery vehicle — Tarakote to Bhawan | 06:00 – 21:00 IST |
| Ropeway — Bhawan to Bhairon Baba | 07:30 – 18:30 IST |
Special Timings on Festival Days
- Chaitra Navratri (Mar-Apr) & Sharad Navratri (Sep-Oct): Cave runs near-continuously; only token closure during aarti. Aarti slips are pre-allocated and require booking online weeks in advance.
- New Year’s Eve (31 Dec): Cave open all night; expect 6–8 hour queues.
- Maha Shivaratri: Special abhishekam at the Bhairon Baba temple. Cave timings unchanged.
- Diwali & Annakut: Cave decorated with diyas; aarti extended by 30 min.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have darshan at night?
Yes. The cave is open through the night except during morning aarti (around 5–6:30 AM). Night darshan is the easiest way to avoid queues, especially in summer.
How long is the queue inside the cave?
From entering the New Cave gate at the Bhawan to walking out after Pindi darshan typically takes 6 to 15 minutes on weekdays — the corridor itself is short. Total time including the outer queue can range from 30 minutes (off-season) to 5 hours (Navratri weekends).
Is there a VIP darshan or paid quick darshan?
No paid VIP darshan exists at Vaishno Devi. The Shrine Board operates a strict free-and-equal darshan policy. Aarti participation is also free; only the number of seats is limited.
Are mobile phones allowed inside the cave?
No. Mobile phones, cameras, leather items and prasad bags must be deposited at the cloak room near Gate 3 before entering the cave. Lockers are free.
Next: Read about all the pujas and sevas you can perform, or jump straight to how the 13 km trek works.