Trikuta (also Trikoot or Trikuta Parbat) means "three-peaked". The mountain rises above the town of Katra in Reasi district, in the forested foothills of the outer Himalaya, and the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi lies in its folds.
A mountain of one base and three peaks
Devotees see a deep symbolism in Trikuta's shape. As the Shrine Board describes it, the mountain is one at the base but has three peaks — just as the Holy Pindis in the cave rise as three heads from a single rock, revered as the three forms of the Mother Goddess.
The landscape of the Yatra
The pilgrimage climbs the mountain from about 2,500 ft at Katra to about 5,200 ft at the Bhawan, and higher still to 6,619 ft at Bhairon Ghati. Along the way the track passes forested slopes, view points over the Katra valley and the plains of Jammu, and shelters built into the hillside.
| Location | Distance from Katra | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Katra | 0 km | 2,500 ft |
| Banganga | 1 km | 2,800 ft |
| Charan Paduka | 2.5 km | 3,380 ft |
| Adhkuwari | 6 km | 4,800 ft |
| Himkoti (alternate track) | 8.5 km | 5,120 ft |
| Sanjichhat (old track) | 9.5 km | 6,200 ft |
| Bhawan | 13 km | 5,200 ft |
| Bhairon Ghati (via Bhawan) | 14.5 km | 6,619 ft |
Source: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Distances depend on the track used. The interactive Yatra route plots these figures as an elevation profile.
Seasons on Trikuta
- Summer: warm and humid at Katra, but the Bhawan stays cooler, especially at night.
- Monsoon (roughly July–September): the hills are green and waterfalls appear, but heavy rain can cause landslides and suspension of the Yatra. Follow official advisories.
- Winter (December–January): snowfall is possible at the higher stretches; nights at the Bhawan and Bhairon Ghati drop below freezing.
See Best time to visit and the weather forecast.
Frequently asked questions
Who manages the Vaishno Devi shrine?
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, set up in August 1986 under the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir is its ex-officio Chairman.
What are the three Pindis?
Three natural rock formations in the Holy Cave, revered as Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. There are no idols in the cave.
What is the altitude of Vaishno Devi?
The Holy Cave is at about 5,200 ft above sea level. Katra is at about 2,500 ft and Bhairon Ghati at about 6,619 ft.
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.