Dharamshala to Katra by road
| Distance | Driving time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| About 250 km | 6.5 hours | via Pathankot and Jammu |
A popular pilgrimage drive from the Kangra temples to Vaishno Devi: down to Pathankot, along the highway to Jammu, then the bypass and the last 50 km up to Katra. Many families combine the Kangra Devi temples with Vaishno Devi in one trip. Arriving in Katra by mid-afternoon leaves time to register and rest before an evening or early-morning climb.
Pickup in Dharamshala
We pick up from Gaggal (Kangra) airport, Dharamshala bus stand, McLeodganj or your hotel; pickups in Kangra town add about 30 minutes.
Arriving in Katra
We drop you in Katra near your hotel or the start of the Vaishno Devi yatra. Register for the yatra (RFID card) before you set off. Worth your time in Katra: the Vaishno Devi yatra, about 13 km on foot or by pony from Katra.
What a Dharamshala to Katra trip costs
A 2-day return trip covers about 500 km. Outstation trips are ₹40 per km with a minimum of 300 km a day, so the estimate is 600 km × ₹40 = ₹24,000 plus tolls, driver included.