॥ नियम ॥
Vaishno Devi Yatra Rules, Dress Code & Banned Items
What to wear, what to carry, what is prohibited at Bhawan and health advice for first-time pilgrims.
Cave Dress
Modest, head covered
Banned
Leather, mobile, weapons
Children Below 9
Trek discouraged
Pregnancy
No after 6 months
Yatra Eligibility & Safety Rules
The 13 km uphill trek is physically demanding and the cave interior is humid and low-roofed. The Shrine Board has framed simple eligibility rules to keep pilgrims safe.
- Children below 9 years — entry to the cave is discouraged for safety reasons. Helicopter and palki travel is allowed.
- Pregnant women — beyond 6 months pregnancy, trekking is not advised. Helicopter is allowed up to early second trimester with medical clearance.
- Cardiac patients — recent heart-attack survivors should avoid the trek; helicopter is allowed with doctor’s note.
- Severe asthma / breathing issues — the cave is humid and low; consult a doctor.
- Pilgrims under influence of alcohol or drugs — not permitted on the yatra track.
Dress Code Inside the Cave
- Wear modest traditional clothing — saree / salwar-kameez / dhoti-kurta. Western clothing is acceptable if not revealing.
- Avoid shorts above the knee and sleeveless tops.
- Women are encouraged to cover their head with a stole or chunri inside the cave.
- Wear good grip walking / trekking shoes for the trek; remove all footwear before entering the cave.
- Leather belts, wallets and handbags are not permitted inside the cave.
Banned / Restricted Items at Bhawan
The following must be deposited at the cloakroom near Gate 3 of the Bhawan before entering the cave:
| Item | Status | Where to Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phones, smart-watches | Not allowed inside cave | Bhawan cloakroom (free) |
| Cameras, GoPros | Not allowed inside cave | Bhawan cloakroom |
| Wallets & leather belts | Not allowed | Bhawan cloakroom |
| Tobacco, cigarettes, gutka | Strictly banned in cave + Bhawan area | Discard |
| Alcohol | Banned throughout Katra (holy town) | Not permitted |
| Sharp objects (knife, scissors) | Not allowed on yatra track | Surrender at Banganga |
| Lighters, match-boxes | Restricted on helicopter only | Bhawan cloakroom (if needed) |
| Prasad packets above 250 g | Smaller packets allowed | Bhawan cloakroom |
| Coconut, fruits | Coconut is offered outside cave only | Buy at chunri shops |
Photography & Drone Rules
- Photography is allowed all along the trek and at the outer Bhawan complex.
- No photos / videos inside the Holy Cave or inside the Bhairon Baba sanctum.
- Drones are strictly prohibited in the Katra–Bhawan corridor due to the helicopter operations zone. SMVDSB security may confiscate drones at the Banganga gate.
Health Tips for the Trek
- Hydrate every 30 minutes — drink small sips of water, avoid sugary drinks.
- Start the trek before 7 AM in summer; after 5 PM the descent is more comfortable.
- Carry ORS sachets and basic medicines (paracetamol, antacid).
- Pace yourself — rest at the many shed stops along the track.
- For altitude headache, sit down, drink water, suck on a piece of jaggery / candy.
- SMVDSB free medical posts are available at Banganga, Charanpaduka, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat & Bhawan — oxygen cylinders on standby.
- Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days at altitude.
Special Assistance
- Wheelchair access: Wheelchairs are available on rent at Banganga and at the Bhawan complex. Some sections of the Tarakote Marg are wheelchair-friendly.
- Helicopter for differently-abled: Wheelchairs can be loaded; staff assistance is mandatory.
- Free langar: All three bhojanalayas (Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat, Bhawan) have accessible seating.
What If There Is a Medical Emergency?
- Call the Yatra Helpline: 1800-180-7198 (toll free, 24×7)
- SMVDSB has dispensaries at every major stop with ambulance backup
- Closest hospital — Bhagwati Niwas Hospital, Katra; Govt. Hospital Reasi
Insider tip: Use the free SMVDSB lockers at Banganga to leave bulky luggage; carry only a small day-pack uphill. You can pick up your luggage on the way down.
Next: Review the full yatra route or read places to visit near Katra.