Medical aid along the Track         Click here to view Yatra Route Map

Medical Aid Centres have been set up on course to Bhawan, Katra, Sanjichhat, Himkoti, Adhkuwari, Bharion etc. to facilitate the pilgrims. In case of any urgency, immediately report to the nearest Medical Aid Centre. Medical First Aid kits are available in all view points and Bhojanalayas.

If you are planning Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage by mountain climb, follow these hiking tips to stay safe and healthy.

Cardiology evaluation

Before starting the pilgrimage, get cardiology evaluation if you  are Hypertensive, Diabetic, Hyperlipidaemic, Smoker, Having a family history of Cardiac Events

Check pulse rate frequently

Throughout your hike, stop to check your pulse whenever you feel your heart beating hard and make sure you are staying within your target range (120-130 bpm).

If your heart rate is exceeding target range, take a break for a few minutes to catch your breath and then proceed at a slightly slower pace.

Make Stops

Take frequent stops in resting sheds especially as the terrain becomes steeper, to catch your breathe and stretch sore muscles.

Find a steady pace that you will be comfortable maintaining to prevent you from overworking your body early on and increasing the risk of injury later.

Take food and water

Becoming dehydrated is one of the most dangerous aspects of hiking, especially during hot summer months. Take enough water to drink.

Salty snacks replace electrolytes lost when you sweat, helping your body maintain its natural balance.

Do not give water to person who suddenly fall down and become unconscious.

Know your limits

Climb up with a partner / company as far as possible.

If you are experiencing a rapid or weak pulse, dizziness, paleness, nausea, headache, cramps or chest tightness, these can be symptoms of heat exhaustion, heatstroke or a cardiac event

While no specific medical certificate is needed to undertake the Yatra, those suffering from heart, breathing or similar ailments are advised to proceed with the Yatra only after due medical checkup and advice. Cardiac, asthmatic and orthopedic problems are known to get aggravated due to the strenuous climb. In any case, these patients are strongly advised against using the stairs. To cater to the medical needs of the yatries there is a block hospital at Katra as well as a 24 hours charitable dispensary run under the aegis of the Shrine Board. Emergency needs can be taken care of by basic medical facilities at Banganga, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat, Bharion and Bhawan. Oxygen cylinders and emergency drugs are also available. A dispensary and 24-hr ICU is also available at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan.

Specialized and advanced medical treatment is however available only at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspecility Hospital, Kakryal and Jammu.

BE SAFE AND HELP US KEEPING YOU SAFE