A religious trip holds tremendous intrinsic value to the pilgrims on their way to the sacred sites. And when it is a journey of a lifetime to the Goddess residing on Trikuta hills, more so the reason to be careful regarding the clothes to pack considering the climate. Although the trip to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is open throughout the year, there are times when it is less crowded and most ideal for visiting Mata’s Dhaam.
Ideally, the monsoon and winters are the best time to take a trip to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra. The reason is the summer months of May, June, July and Chaitra (spring) and Sharad Ashwin (autumn) are peak times for pilgrims, so expect long wait times if you visit then. During peak rush, devotees often have to wait 12-20 long hours to get Darshan. If you want to avoid the rush, plan your trip for another time of year.
The monsoon is again seen as the best time, for it is when Nature is at its absolute best with greenery around and rivulets turning into waterfalls. Thu,s the scenery is more lively to look at and admire. It is therefore strongly advised to avoid peak season for a more comfortable journey. A trip is fulfilling when things are quick and satisfying. The main Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is also said to be open during winters. However, the months of December and January are challenging to cover, especially for unfit, unhealthy and older people. Therefore, age, time, season, and physical fitness should always be considered when planning an arduous trek to the Trikuta hills.
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You can check the official website to know if the time is right to plan a Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. There you will find the pattern of several pilgrims arriving in Katra daily. You can expect a pleasant trip if the numbers are below 18000 devotees per day.
What to Pack?
It’s important to pack appropriately for the different weather conditions you’ll encounter during your journey, depending on the season. In the winter, you’ll need heavy woollen clothing to keep warm. For the rest of the year, light woollens will be sufficient. Even during hot summers, when the base camp in Katra becomes hot and humid, the main Shrine area known as Bhawan remains cooler, especially at night. You won’t need to bring blankets as they are available aplenty free of cost at the camp. It’s also recommended that you wear canvas shoes for the Yatra instead of fancy shoes with heels or soles that aren’t flat or have a platform, making walking on the track more challenging.
Refrain from relying on fancy shoes for your Yatra. Try to keep your journey accessible with the proper footwear. Choose hiking shoes. They provide good traction and support your gait and feet from getting bruised by thorns and rough terrain. If you are walking on foot, keep a walking stick. They will help you climb the steep hills. For a change in the weather of any kind, carry an umbrella or raincoat. Accessories such as torches, shoes, umbrellas, raincoats, and walking sticks are available at numerous Katra shops. You can buy them from there also based on your requirements.