Shiv Khori is a small cave temple in Jammu and Kashmir that many devotees visit every year to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Many come here not just for darshan but also for peace of mind. The temple is known for a Shiva lingam that has formed on its own inside the cave. Devotees consider it very holy.
Are you planning to go to Shiv Khori next year? If you are, you should know the best time to visit Shiv Khori. People say that when you go at the right time, the weather is nice. You will not have to push through big crowds, and you will feel calm while doing darshan. You should also see the temple timings and when the darshan happens. This will help you plan your visit without any worry. Many people say that knowing the best time to visit Shiv Khori makes the whole yatra easy and smooth.
In this guide, you will find everything you need, right from the weather guide, monthly tips, darshan schedule, festival details, and travel planning. By the end, all your questions about Shiv Khori visiting hours and the best months to visit will be answered in one place.
About Shiv Khori Temple
In the hills of Reasi district, a cave called Shiv Khori is found. The word ‘Khori’ means cave, so the temple is known as Shiva’s Cave. Roughly 80–90 km must be traveled from Jammu to reach it, while from Katra, it is about 40–50 km.
Most pilgrims first visit Ransoo village, which is used as the base for the trek to Shiv Khori. From there, the cave can be reached by a walk of about 3 km. The trek is said to be easy by many, though it can get slippery during the rainy season. Ponies and palkis are provided for those who cannot walk.
Inside the cave, you will see a Shiva lingam that has formed naturally, with water drops falling on it. For pilgrims, the temple is not just a religious place. People feel it is a spiritual experience too. Walking through the hills, hearing ‘Bum Bum Bhole,’ and being inside the quiet cave are all felt together. This makes the visit unforgettable. Planning according to the best time to visit Shiv Khori enhances this experience.
Best Time to Visit Shiv Khori
One question many people ask is when Shiv Khori should be visited. The temple stays open all year. The weather and number of visitors change with the seasons. Picking the right month, or knowing the best time to visit Shiv Khori, can make your yatra easier and more peaceful. Let’s look at Shiv Khori weather by month.
October to March – The Best Season
From October to March, the weather at Shiv Khori is cool and nice.The days are not very hot. Nights feel a bit cool. At this time of year, people celebrate festivals like Navratri, Diwali, and Maha Shivratri. You’ll find these months are the best time to visit Shiv Khori, as the weather is clear and the roads are safe.”
February to April – Spring Charm
If you want to see Shiv Khori during Maha Shivratri, February and March are the months to choose. The big Shiv Khori mela is held during this time, and lakhs of devotees gather. The weather is fresh, the hills are green, and the energy in the temple is very high.
September to November – Calm Months
This is the shoulder season. After the rains, the hills look washed and fresh. The crowd is less compared to peak festival times. If someone prefers quiet darshan with no rush, September or November is a good choice.
June to August – Rainy Season
During the monsoon, heavy rain is brought to Jammu. The roads are often made muddy, and the trekking path from Ransoo can become slippery. The temple stays open during the rains. It’s not the best time for first-time visitors, but locals and regular devotees still go there.
Shiv Khori Weather Table (By Month)
| Month Range | Weather Condition | Suitability for Yatra |
| October – March | Cool, dry, safe roads | Best time to visit Shiv Khori |
| February – April | Fresh, festival season | Good for Shivratri |
| September – Nov | Mild, less crowded | Peaceful darshan |
| June – August | Rainy, slippery paths | Not ideal |
This simple table helps you choose the month that fits your plan.
Temple & Darshan Timings Guide
It’s good to know the daily Shiv Khori temple timings. This helps make your visit smooth and ensures you go at the best time to visit Shiv Khori during the day.
Summer Timings (April to October)
- Temple opens at 5:00 AM
- Temple closes at 7:00 PM
Winter Timings (November to March)
- Temple opens at 6:00 AM
- Temple closes at 6:00 PM
These are the general Shiv Khori visiting hours. The Shrine Board may change timings slightly during big events or special days.
Aarti Timings
- Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
People say the morning aarti brings calm. Peace and relaxation are felt by those who visit often. The evening aarti is felt as divine, with lamps and bhajans.
Best Time in the Day
Shiv Khori is best visited early in the morning. At that time, fewer crowds are found, the air is felt to be fresh, and the cave is experienced as peaceful.
Festivals & Special Days at Shiv Khori
Shiv Khori is most crowded during festivals. If you want to join the festive spirit, choose these days. If you want calm darshan, avoid them. Planning your visit according to the best time to visit Shiv Khori can help..
Maha Shivratri
This is the biggest event at Shiv Khori. A three-day fair is held in February or March. Devotees from all over India come here. The atmosphere is full of bhajans, dances, and cultural events. It is a lifetime experience but also very crowded.
Sawan Month
The month of Sawan, which falls in July–August, is considered holy for Shiva. Every Monday of Sawan sees special poojas and extra crowds.
Other Special Days
Guru Purnima, Diwali, and Navratri are also celebrated with special prayers. These days bring both spiritual joy and long queues.
Travel Tips & Planning
Reaching Shiv Khori Made Easy
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jammu, about 85 km away.
- By Train: Katra and Udhampur stations are closest.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Jammu, Katra, and Udhampur to Ransoo. From Ransoo, you walk or take a pony/palki for 3 km.
What to Carry
- Torch and water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm clothes in winter
- Raincoat in monsoon
- Light snacks for energy
Safety Notes
The cave path is narrow at some points. Walk slowly. Elderly people should take help of palkis or ponies. Follow temple staff instructions inside the cave.
New Facilities in 2025
The Shrine Board is planning better facilities like tiled paths, toilets, cloakrooms, and even a helicopter service after October 2025. This will make the Shiv Khori yatra easier for families and senior citizens.
Summary Table
| Detail | Info |
| Best months to visit | October – March (festival & good weather) |
| Other good months | February – April (Maha Shivratri), Sept – Nov |
| Avoid months | June – August (heavy rains) |
| Summer temple timings | 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Winter temple timings | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Aarti timings | Morning 7:00–8:00 AM, Evening 7:00–8:00 PM |
| Base village | Ransoo |
| Trek length | Around 3 km |
| Stay options | Yatri Nivas, lodges, small hotels |
| Main festival | Maha Shivratri mela |
Conclusion
Shiv Khori temple is best visited between October and March.This is the best time to visit Shiv Khori as the weather is nice and the roads are safe. If you want to enjoy the big celebrations, it’s best seen during Maha Shivratri in February or March. For a quiet darshan, September or November works well.
Check the Shiv Khori darshan timings before you go, so you don’t miss the aarti. Mornings are nice for a calm visit. Take a torch, water, and comfy shoes to make walking easier. Shiv Khori is more than a temple, you’ll feel faith, peace, and nature all around. Planning according to the best time to visit Shiv Khori helps make your trip smooth and peaceful.