Planning your pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi from Ludhiana involves knowing how long your travel will take so you can organize your day efficiently. The total distance from Ludhiana to Katra (Vaishno Devi base town) is roughly 335 kilometers, which usually translates to a 6.5 to 8-hour taxi journey, depending on several factors.

What Affects the Travel Duration?

• Traffic Conditions: Travel time varies with traffic flow, especially near major cities like Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Jammu. Weekends, holidays, and festival seasons like Navratri see heavier traffic, potentially adding delays.
• Road Quality & Weather: The highway connecting Ludhiana to Jammu and Katra is generally in excellent condition. However, rainy weather, fog, or road repairs during the monsoon season can slow travel.
• Number of Stops: We recommend taking short breaks every 2-3 hours to stretch, eat, and refresh. Typical stops include Pathankot for tea and Jammu for lunch. If you wish to stop at other points for sightseeing or shopping, travel time will increase accordingly.
• Vehicle Type & Road Handling: Smaller sedans can maneuver quicker, while larger vehicles like Tempo Travellers or Vans may take a bit longer due to size and road conditions on hilly stretches near Katra.