What is the emergency number for Vaishno Devi Yatra?

Shrine Board Control Room: 01991-232454, Ambulance: 108, Police: 100, Medical Emergency: 112.

What are the symptoms of Altitude Sickness?

Headache, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty breathing and fatigue are main symptoms of altitude sickness. These symptoms are more common at Bhawan (5200 ft) or Bhairav Nath (6619 ft).

Is there CCTV on Vaishno Devi route?

Yes, CCTV cameras are installed throughout the route. The Shrine Board monitors 24x7 and security personnel are deployed on the entire route.

Is night trekking safe at Vaishno Devi?

Yes, night trekking is also safe — the entire route has lighting and security personnel. But go in groups and always carry the RFID parchi.

Which medicines must be carried on the yatra?

Carry Diamox (altitude sickness), Paracetamol (fever), Avomine (nausea), ORS powder, Betadine (cuts), antacid and Calpol for children.

Vaishno Devi Emergency & Safety Guide | Jai Mata Vaishno Devi Katra

Emergency Numbers — Keep in Pocket, Remember

Shrine Board Control Room

01991-232454

Call Now

Ambulance

108

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Police

100

Call Now

Medical Emergency

112

Call Now

Fire

101

Call Now

Helicopter Emergency

01991-232450

Call Now

⚠️ Remember: Save all these numbers in your mobile. Keep an eye on battery backup — start the yatra with full charge. Network may be weak in the mountains.

Main Safety Rules for Yatra

Do's During Yatra

Always carry RFID Yatra Parchi and ID
Walk in groups — don't go alone especially at night
Take help from security — deployed throughout the route
Drink plenty of water — at least 1 glass per hour
Keep mobile charged — carry a powerbank
Keep family updated — from every checkpoint
Walk on proper path — avoid shortcuts

Don'ts During Yatra

Don't accept food/drinks from strangers
Don't take selfies standing at edges
Don't force yourself to walk when exhausted
Don't proceed when sick — rest
Intoxicants absolutely not
Don't go on unknown paths at night
Don't tease animals — ponies and monkeys

Altitude Sickness

At the altitude of Bhawan (5,200 ft) and Bhairav Nath (6,619 ft), oxygen is less which can cause altitude sickness. This is more common in first-time visitors. Timely identification is very important:

⚠️ Symptoms

Severe headache (first sign)
Dizziness and staggering
Nausea and vomiting
Breathlessness — even with little effort
Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Loss of appetite
Increased heart rate

✅ Treatment

Stop and rest
Drink water — ORS solution better
Take Diamox — get from doctor beforehand
Descend — most effective treatment
Take oxygen — available at Bhawan
Call 112 — medical team will come
In severe cases, helicopter evacuation

🚨 Danger Signs — Call 112 Immediately: Chest pain, blue lips, fainting, very fast breathing that won't stop — these are all medical emergencies. Call 112 and go to the nearest medical post.

Medical Centres on the Route

The Shrine Board has established medical facilities throughout the yatra route:

0 km

Katra — Main Hospital

Full hospital, ICU, ambulance

2.5 km

Banganga — Primary Aid Centre

OPD, medicines, doctor

6 km

Ardhkuwari — Sub-hospital

X-ray, oxygen, doctor 24x7

12 km

Himkoti — Medical Post

First aid, oxygen

14 km

Bhawan — Main Hospital

Full medical care, ICU, helicopter pad

16.5 km

Bhairav Nath — Medical Post

First aid, oxygen

Detailed Safety Tips

🌧️ Weather & Natural Hazards

Monsoon (July-August): Heavy rain causes slippery paths. Wear raincoat, anti-slip soles essential. Stop immediately on landslide news.
Winter (November-February): Icy paths. Woolen clothes, gloves, cap essential. Prevent frostbite.
Summer (May-June): Avoid harsh afternoon sun. Start yatra at 5-6 AM. Apply sunscreen.
Lightning-storm: Lightning can strike on upper mountains — don't stand in open areas.

🦁 Precautions from Animals

Monkeys: Don't walk showing food — monkeys can snatch. Keep bags closed.
Ponies and mules: Keep distance — they can kick. Don't make loud noises.
Snakes: Don't put hands in bushes. Use torch at night.

📱 Digital Safety — Mobile & Network

Save all emergency numbers in your phone.
Carry 10,000 mAh+ powerbank — charging difficult in mountains.
Download Google Maps offline — useful when there's no network.
BSNL network works at most places — other networks may be weak.
Keep sharing Whatsapp Location with family.

💰 Money & Belongings Safety

Carry minimum cash — use UPI/Card.
Can deposit luggage in cloakroom — available at Katra and Bhawan.
Leave passport and valuables at hotel.

Frequently Asked Safety Questions

❓ How safe is the Vaishno Devi Yatra?

Vaishno Devi Yatra is one of the most well-organized and safe pilgrimages in the country. SMVDSB provides CCTV, security personnel, medical posts and helpline 24x7. Every year 10 million+ pilgrims travel without any major incident.

❓ Can women travel alone?

Yes, women pilgrims travel safely. Women security personnel are deployed throughout the route. Women Help Desk available at Katra and Bhawan. Still, traveling in groups of 2-3 is better.

❓ What to do if lost during yatra?

Immediately contact any security personnel or SMVDSB staff. Call Control Room at 01991-232454. Lost & Found Counter is at Bhawan and Banganga.

🙏 Safe Yatra — Mata's Grace

Mata Rani always protects her devotees. Just take a little precaution and go prepared. Jai Mata Di! 🌸

📞 Control Room: 01991-232454 📋 View Yatra Guide

🆘 Emergency & Safety Guide

Emergency Numbers — Keep in Pocket, Remember

Main Safety Rules for Yatra

Do's During Yatra

Don'ts During Yatra

Altitude Sickness

Medical Centres on the Route

Detailed Safety Tips

🌧️ Weather & Natural Hazards

🦁 Precautions from Animals

📱 Digital Safety — Mobile & Network

💰 Money & Belongings Safety

Frequently Asked Safety Questions

🙏 Safe Yatra — Mata's Grace