Shiv Khori is a cave of Lord Shiva in Jammu. People call it a holy place. The word Khori simply means cave. Inside the cave, there is a Shiv Lingam. It is not made by anyone. It looks natural, and water keeps falling on it. Pilgrims believe this water is a gift from Shiva. The walk to reach this cave is known as the Shiv Khori trek. It is not very tough. People of all ages go there. Some walk slowly, some fast, but most reach without any problem. Families bring children, and even elders manage the path.
The area around Shiv Khori Trek route is full of hills, trees, and filled with fresh air. On the way, food and tea are sold in small shops. You hear people chanting Shiva’s name. The whole route feels peaceful. During Maha Shivratri, a very large crowd is gathered. Devotees say going to Shiv Khori trek at that time feels special. Many believe that one visit here brings peace in mind and blessings in life. For Shiva’s followers, this cave is not just a place. It is a strong spiritual experience.
Shiv Khori is located in the Reasi district of Jammu. A few hours are taken by road to reach it from Katra to reach the Shiv Khori trek starting point. The way goes through small hills, bends, and villages. The area is full of trees and quiet views. People usually come first to Katra, then continue the journey towards Shiv Khori trek route. The cave is very old. No one knows when it was found. Locals say saints used to sit here for meditation. Many also say the cave has some link to Amarnath, but that part is not proven. What people believe strongly is that the Shiv Lingam inside formed on its own. That is why it is called swayambhu, a natural form.
Inside the cave, the walk is narrow. It feels like a tunnel. The rocks have shapes that look like gods, animals, and holy signs. Devotees see this as a blessing. Some even say Lord Shiva himself stayed here to protect saints from demons long ago. For villagers near Reasi, Shiv Khori is not only a temple. It is part of their faith and daily life. Every story they tell makes the Shiv Khori trekking experience even more spiritual for new visitors.
Most people first reach Jammu. It has a big railway station and an airport too. From there, plenty of buses and taxis go towards the Reasi side. Some pilgrims even stop at Katra before moving ahead to Shiv Khori Trek base. The road from Jammu or Katra to Shiv Khori is not very long. Hills, small villages, and green fields are passed through by vehicles. The road is narrow but can be traveled. Shared jeeps, local buses, and private taxis are operated on this route.
They usually drop you near the Shiv Khori trek starting point. From here, the real walk begins.
The Trek Path
| Details | Information |
| Trek Distance | About 3 km (from the base point) |
| Trek Type | Cemented path – easy for children and elders |
| Help for Pilgrims | Ponies and palkis (carried by locals) available |
| Food & Water | Tea stalls, water, and small snack shops on the way |
| Best Time to Walk | Morning – weather stays cooler and fresh |
The Shiv Khori trek is not rough like other Himalayan paths. Since it’s cemented, families with kids or elderly people manage without much trouble. The whole journey feels spiritual. As you climb, you hear chants of “Bam Bam Bhole,” bells from nearby stalls, and the green hills around. The trek is not tough, only about faith and patience.
The journey to Shiv Khori trek starts at Ransoo village. That’s where people leave their cars or buses. From here, the walk begins. The trek is about three kilometers. Don’t worry—it is not a jungle path. The way is built with stone and cement, and side railings are also there. This makes it safe for elders and kids too.
The path is traveled a little uphill. It is not very steep, but a bit of tiredness can be caused. Families often stop in between. At some spots, benches have been placed so that sitting and resting for a while is possible. Every few steps, you’ll find small shops. They sell tea, water bottles, biscuits, and sometimes prasad. This stop make the Shiv Khori Trek experience enjoyable. The best part? The views. Green hills, tall trees, and deep valleys keep showing up on the way. In the morning, the air feels extra fresh. Pilgrims keep chanting “Har Har Mahadev.” That sound fills the whole trek with energy.
Finally, the cave appears, because the entrance is narrow, only a few people are permitted to enter at one time. Once the cave is entered, the atmosphere is changed. It is long and a bit dark, but the lights are fixed inside. At the end, the natural Shiv Lingam is seen. Drops of water fall on it all the time, making it shine. For devotees, this moment feels truly divine.
Step by Step Journey
Ransoo Village → Trek Path → Shops & Hillside Views → Cave Entrance → Shiv Lingam
Your journey begins at Ransoo, the base of Shiv Khori. Here you’ll find small guest houses, dharamshalas, and basic food stalls. Pilgrims usually take some rest here before starting the trek.
The path from Ransoo to the cave is made of cement. Railings are fixed on many sides so that walking becomes easy, especially for children and elders. Lights are also there, which helps if you are late.
On both sides of the trek, small shops are run by locals. You’ll get tea, snacks, water bottles, and prasad for offering inside the cave. A few shops also keep small medicines and walking sticks.
If you get tired, benches are placed on the route where you can sit. For old people or those who cannot walk, ponies and palkis are also available, arranged by locals.
As you come closer to the cave, there are toilets and drinking water taps. Medical help and volunteers are also present during special occasions like Shivratri.
Walking on the Shiv Khori trek feels simple. Not very hard. People walk slowly, take breaks, and keep talking to each other. You see hills, trees, and hear birds. Some keep chanting “Bum Bum Bhole” all the way. That sound gives energy. The path has shops after short gaps. Tea, water, snacks, prasad are all sold. Children stop at shops often. Elders walk steady. Some sit on benches and rest.
The cave itself feels very different. The entry is small, like a narrow gate. Inside it is long, a bit dark. Lights are fixed but still quiet. The Shiv Lingam is there, always wet with water drops. People touch the floor, fold hands, and pray. Some rocks look like Nandi or Parvati. Devotees believe those shapes are not man-made. People say they feel peace inside, some even feel strong energy. For many, reaching here after the trek feels like Shiva gave darshan.
The Shiv Khori trek experience is not just walking. It is faith mixed with nature. People return with prasad, with stories, and with a calm mind.
Begin your trek in the morning. The sun is soft, and walking feels easy.
Keep a bottle with you, though shops are available on the way.
Wear light shoes or slippers that do not slip. The cement path can be wet in some places.
A stick helps elders. Kids should always walk with someone.
Heavy bags should not be carried. Only water, light snacks, and a shawl should be kept if the weather is cool.
Cameras are allowed outside, not inside the cave. Inside, just pray and follow the line.
Crowds are very heavy. Book stay early as dharamshalas and guest houses fill fast. Locals also provide rooms.
Avoid throwing plastic, don’t push in the line, and move slowly.
Pony and palki services are available for those who cannot walk.
With simple planning, the trek is safe, people are helpful, and the yatra feels peaceful.
The Shiv Khori trek is simple but full of meaning. It is not only a walk to a cave. For many, it is a chance to feel close to Lord Shiva. The cave with the natural Shiv Lingam is special, and the water drops falling on it make people believe Shiva is always present here. The route is safe, with railings, shops, and places to rest. Families, elders, and children can do it without much problem. Ponies and palkis are there for support. During Maha Shivratri, the energy is felt to be very high, but a large crowd is also encountered, so planning is required.
People who visit often say they return with peace of mind. Some call it a blessing. Some feel strength. The Shiv Khori trek gives both a journey through nature and a deep spiritual touch. For anyone who loves Shiva or wants a calm place in the hills, this yatra is worth doing once in life. The memory of the cave, the chants, and the simple walk stays with you for long.
