Shiv Khori
The holy cave of Lord Shiva
Shiv Khori is one of Jammu's most venerated cave shrines — a long limestone cavern in the Reasi hills enshrining a naturally formed Shiva lingam, with rock features that devotees associate with the entire Hindu pantheon. The cave is said to be so deep that its far end is regarded as immeasurable.
Reached after a scenic 3 km trek from the Ransoo base camp, Shiv Khori draws a steady stream of pilgrims year-round and swells during the Shivratri fair. Its proximity to Katra makes it a natural add-on to the Vaishno Devi yatra.
The cave & the trek
From Ransoo the path climbs gently through hills and streams to the cave mouth; inside, a low, lantern-lit passage leads to the sanctum and the self-manifested lingam, with milky water dripping from the rock above. Allow a half-day for the round trek and darshan — our drivers handle the Ransoo drop-off, parking and a timed pickup.
Combine with Katra
Shiv Khori sits roughly 70 km from Katra, so most travellers fold it into their Vaishno Devi trip as a one-day excursion. We plan the Katra–Ransoo–Katra run with an early start so you finish darshan and return comfortably the same day.
Highlights
- Naturally formed Shiva lingam inside the cave
- Scenic ~3 km pilgrim trek from Ransoo
- Grand Shivratri fair & year-round darshan
- Easy one-day add-on to Vaishno Devi / Katra
- Lantern-lit cavern with dripping holy water
