Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra during Winters
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, the Holy Cave Shrine has pilgrims all round the year regardless of the weather conditions. And during winters, the snow clad mountains around the Holy Shrine are a sight that no one would want to miss. Snowfall occurs during this time. December end and whole January.
It is completely safe to visit Vaishno Devi in winters although December to January the temperature can go down to as low as -5°C at Shri Vaishno Devi Shrine.
If you want to see snow then try traveling in last week of December or may be on new year’s eve. You might get lucky and see mild snowfall at Shri Vaishno Devi darbar which makes experience more beautiful and delightful.
The Holy Shrine along with the way to the temple gets covered in a blanket of white snow and pilgrims can’t ask for more. It is a treat to watch and snowfall adds to the charm of the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.
To our opinion instead the monsoons, winters are good time to plan a yatra. The winter months of December and January witness snow fall and it can prove to be a charming season for pilgrims to visit the Shrine.
The original Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is also open during the winters and Darshans through this Holy Cave is a unique mystical experience.
A thumb rule to plan one's journey is to check the pattern and number of pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine. If the average number of pilgrims during a period is less than 15,000-18,000 on any given day, one can expect a comfortable trip and a satisfying Darshan of the Holy Pindies.
Clothing and accessories - One needs to carry heavy woollen clothing during the winters. For the rest of the year, light woollens are needed. Blankets are available aplenty free of cost from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrne Board and there is no need to carry them.
One may also need canvas shoes for the Yatra. Fancy shoes and footwear make it difficult to walk on the track and footwear with flat or platform soles are therefore recommended.
