Yatra Route: Katra to the Bhawan
Every stage of the pilgrimage, from Katra and Banganga up to the Bhawan and Bhairon Temple, with distances and altitudes published by the Shrine Board.
Stage by stage
-
Katra 0 km from Katra 2,500 ft Common to all routes
The base town of the Yatra, where pilgrims register for their RFID Yatra card, stay, store luggage and begin the climb.
Facilities
- Yatra registration
- Accommodation
- Cloak room
- Medical aid
- Bank / ATM
- Ponies / palkis / pithus
- Helipad
Getting here: By train to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station, or by road from Jammu (about 50 km).
Katra: full guide -
Banganga 1 km from Katra 2,800 ft Common to all routes
The first check post of the Yatra, where RFID cards are checked. Tarakote Marg branches off from this area.
Facilities
- RFID check post
- Medical aid
- Ponies / palkis / pithus
- Refreshments / view point
- Drinking water
- Toilets
- Temple
Getting here: Walk from Katra (about 1.5 km from the main registration counter), or take an auto-rickshaw or taxi towards the start of the track.
Banganga: full guide -
Charan Paduka 2.5 km from Katra 3,380 ft Traditional (old) track
A small temple on the traditional track, revered for an impression of the Goddess's feet.
Facilities
- Temple
- Refreshments / view point
- Drinking water
- Shelter sheds
- Toilets
Getting here: On foot, by pony or palki along the traditional track from Banganga.
Charan Paduka: full guide -
Adhkuwari (Ardhkuwari) 6 km from Katra 4,800 ft Common to all routes
Roughly the halfway point, home to the Garbh Joon cave, Shrine Board facilities and the start of the alternate track and battery cars.
Facilities
- Bhojanalaya
- Accommodation
- Free rest halls
- Blanket store
- Medical aid
- Battery car point
- Refreshments / view point
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Temple
Getting here: On foot or by pony/palki from Banganga via the old track, or on foot via Tarakote Marg. Battery cars to the Bhawan start from the Inderprastha area.
Adhkuwari: full guide -
Himkoti 8.5 km from Katra 5,120 ft Alternate (new) track
A scenic view point on the alternate track, which is wider and gentler than the old track and free of ponies.
Facilities
- Refreshments / view point
- Drinking water
- Toilets
- Shelter sheds
- Battery car point
Getting here: On foot or by battery car along the alternate track from Adhkuwari.
Himkoti: full guide -
Sanjichhat (Sanjhi Chhat) 9.5 km from Katra 6,200 ft Traditional (old) track
A plateau 2.5 km short of the Bhawan where the climb on the old track ends. The helipad, a hospital and Shrine Board facilities are here.
Facilities
- Helipad
- Medical aid
- Bhojanalaya
- Accommodation
- Free rest halls
- Refreshments / view point
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Shelter sheds
Getting here: On foot or by pony along the old track from Adhkuwari, or by helicopter from Katra.
Sanjichhat: full guide -
Bhawan (The Holy Cave) 13 km from Katra 5,200 ft Common to all routes
The shrine complex around the Holy Cave, where pilgrims have darshan of the three Holy Pindis.
Facilities
- Bhojanalaya
- Accommodation
- Free rest halls
- Blanket store
- Cloak room
- Medical aid
- Bank / ATM
- Police / help post
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Ropeway
Getting here: The end point of the old track, the alternate track and the battery car route.
Bhawan: full guide -
Bhairon Ghati (Bhairon Temple) 14.5 km from Katra 6,619 ft Beyond the Bhawan
The temple of Bhairon Nath, about 1.5 km above the Bhawan. Many pilgrims visit it after darshan.
Facilities
- Temple
- Ropeway
- Refreshments / view point
- Toilets
- Shelter sheds
- Ponies / palkis / pithus
Getting here: A steep 1.5 km climb from the Bhawan, or a few minutes by the Bhawan–Bhairon passenger ropeway.
Bhairon Ghati: full guide
Reading the route
- Distances are from Katra along the Shrine Board's reference route. The alternate track branches off just below Adhkuwari near the Inderprastha view point and rejoins just short of the Bhawan complex; it is about 500 m shorter than the old track.
- Himkoti lies on the alternate track; Sanjichhat lies on the old track. Choose one or the other between Adhkuwari and the Bhawan.
- Tarakote Marg, opened in 2018, is a separate walking track of about 7 km between the Banganga area and Adhkuwari.
- Shelter sheds are spaced along the route (on stretches of the alternate track and from Sanjichhat to the Bhawan they cover almost the whole track), with refreshment units, drinking water and toilets nearby.
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.
Stay close to the start of the Yatra
Accommodation in Katra near the registration counters, bus stand and railway station.