Shiv Khori
This is a holy cave located near Ransoo village and inside this cave there is a natural formation of lord Shiva lingum . This cave is located at a distance of 85 KM from Katra and 120 KM from Jammu. Usually devotees plan their journey to this holey cave after completing Darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi near Katra.
Ransoo village is located at the foothill of the Shiv Khori temple. From parking place of Ransoo village, Shiv Khori ( or cave ) is located at a distance of 3 KM. Devotees need to cover this 3 KM route by walking ( or by horse ) to reach the holy cave of Lord Shiva.
From the parking area you have to walk nearly 700 meters to reach the entrance of the hilly route. Before entering to the trek route your bags will be scanned and you have to register your journey to holey cave by generating a Yatri Parchi ( Travel Registration slip )
Yatra Parchi for the cave.
You need to register first to start your journey for the cave. The registration counter is located close to entry point of trek route. Your Photograph will be taken here and slip will be generated against your name. You can take one Parchi ( registration slip) for the group or family.
Trek rout ( 3 KM )
Holy cave shiv khori journey
You have to cover this 3 KM rout by walking, by horse or by Palinke. Rates are fixed and are displayed by the side of the entry point. It is Rs 400 by horse ( both ways ) .
The route is in slight elevated slope while travelling toward the cave. Facilities like drinking water, toilet and resting places are available throughout the 3 KM journey. One small stream of water will be flowing by the side of the path and there is a small barrage at the entrance of the path. You can see several fishes in the stream here. Catching fish is prohibited here.
Even if you are using horse then also you have to climb up around 50 steps to reach the entrance of cave.
After reaching cave you have to deposit your mobile phone , camera at the locker counter at the entrance. Toilets , drinking water , canteens are available here also.
Entering to the cave.
There are two ways to enter , the main entrance is having a narrow path, devotees has to crawl a bit for around one meter area to reach the centre area of the cave where the lord Shiva statue ( linga ) is located. The exit path is wide enough for passing two or three persons together.Gate No 2 to enter
There is a provision to enter into the cave through exit rout for those who want to avoid the narrow entrance through cave route. Gate No 2 is for entry through exit route.You can plan for one hour stay here as the area is very beautiful with hills on all the sides.
Bhasmasur
As per the legend, Lord Shiva took shelter inside this cave to hide from Bhasmasur who was after him to test his boon given by Lord Shiva himself. Bhamasur got the power to turn any one to ashes by placing his hand over his head. Finally Lord Vishnu rescued Lord Shiva by killing Bhamasur by taking reincarnation of a beautiful leady Mohini and pursuing Bhamasur to place his own hand over his head by performing a dance.How to reach Shiva Khori
Distance from Katra to Shiv Kohiri is 85 km, on the way there are some sightseeing spots you can enjoy, however it is advisable to first travel directly to Shiv Khori cave and on return you can visit these places.
Rafting on river Jhelam
After travelling nearly 30 minutes ( from Katra side ) you will reach by the side of river Jhelam and you can stop here for river rafting.Kali Temple
Nearly 100 steps you have to climb down from the main road to reach this temple . One more Baba Mandir you can visit on the way. Good park to spend some time in the lawns of this beautiful park.How to plan a trip to Shiv Khori
Start from your hotel around 8 AM after breakfast and drive straight to holy cave. You can return to your hotel around 4 PM depending upon your trekking time ( 3 KM to cave ) and time you spend in visiting three sightseeing points.Usually it is planned after completing your journey to Mata Vaisanav Devi temple near Katra. This trip requires one full day so better you can keep your rest day to visit Shiv Khor and board your train in evening hours or late night.
By road from Katra to Shiv Khori : 85 KM , 2 hours ( without stopping for sightseeing on the way ) Journey by horse from foothill to cave and return to taxi parking point : 2 hours to 3 hours ( Add one more hour if you are not using horse and walking up to the cave )
Return from Shiv Khori to Katra without river rafting and visiting temples 3 hours .
Taxi Rates varies from 2700 /- for small size vehicle ( 4 persons ) to 3500/- for Innova . Contact your hotel or tour operator for exact price.
Hotels at Shiv Khori
Most of the devotees visit this cave in day time and return in evening to Katra or Jammu. If you plan to stay Hotel New Tridev is located at centre of the market.
This article is written by go2india.in team.
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