The Shrine Board gives the distance from Katra to the Bhawan as 13 km on its reference route; its introduction describes the trek as nearly 12 km. The difference comes from the route you choose.
The three walking routes
1. The traditional (old) track
Katra → Banganga → Charan Paduka → Adhkuwari → Sanjichhat → Bhawan
- The historic route, re-laid, widened and tiled since 1986, with lighting along its length.
- Ponies and palkis use this track, so stay alert and keep to the side they are not using.
- Includes the steep stretch around Hathi Matha before Sanjichhat. Sanjichhat (about 6,200 ft) is the highest point on this route; from there the last 2.5 km is level or gently downhill to the Bhawan.
- The Garbh Joon cave at Adhkuwari is on this route.
2. The alternate track via Himkoti
… Adhkuwari (Inderprastha) → Himkoti → Bhawan
- Opened in 1999; starts just below Adhkuwari near the Inderprastha view point and ends just short of the Bhawan.
- About 500 m shorter than the old track, wider, and more evenly graded.
- No ponies are allowed — calmer and cleaner underfoot.
- Battery cars run on this track. View points, refreshment units, drinking water, toilets and shelters are available.
3. Tarakote Marg
Banganga area (Tarakote) → Adhkuwari
- A track of about 7 km, opened in 2018, built to reduce congestion on the old track between Banganga and Adhkuwari.
- Designed as a walking route with food outlets, water points, shelter sheds, a medical unit and toilet blocks.
- Joins the main route at Adhkuwari, after which you can take either the old or the alternate track.
Which should I take?
| If you are… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Walking and want the gentlest gradient | Tarakote Marg to Adhkuwari, then the alternate track via Himkoti |
| Riding a pony | The old track (ponies are not allowed on the alternate track) |
| Elderly or unwell | Battery car from Adhkuwari, or the helicopter to Sanjichhat. See Senior citizens. |
| Hoping to visit Garbh Joon | The old track via Adhkuwari |
| Going on to Bhairon Temple | Any route. Return via Bhairon Ghati and Sanjichhat to make a loop. |
Frequently asked questions
Which is the easiest route from Katra to the Bhawan?
For walkers, Tarakote Marg (Banganga area to Adhkuwari) followed by the alternate track via Himkoti is the gentlest. Both are free of ponies, and battery cars run on the alternate track. See Katra to Bhawan.
Are ponies allowed on all tracks?
No. Ponies use the traditional (old) track. The alternate track via Himkoti does not allow ponies.
How do I hire a pony or palki safely?
Hire only registered operators. Check that their ID card is valid for the current year, pay no more than the fixed rates displayed on sign boards and at assistance centres, and keep their card until you reach your destination. See Ponies, palkis & pithus.
How far is Bhairon Temple from the Bhawan?
About 1.5 km, and roughly 1,400 ft higher, at 6,619 ft. You can walk or take the Bhawan–Bhairon ropeway.
Timings, fares, rules and routes can change at short notice. Please confirm time-sensitive details with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or the relevant authority before you travel. Page last reviewed: 4 October 2026.