- Distance from Katra
- 6 km
- Altitude
- 4,800 ft (about 1,463 m)
- Route
- Common to all routes
Distance and altitude as published by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Adhkuwari (also written Ardhkuwari) is a major halt about halfway up the mountain. The Shrine Board runs a Bhojanalaya, rooms and dormitories, free rest halls, a blanket store and a medical unit here.
The Garbh Joon cave
Choosing your route from Adhkuwari
- Old track via Hathi Matha and Sanjichhat: steeper, used by ponies
- Alternate track via Himkoti: begins just below Adhkuwari near the Inderprastha view point; wider, gentler, no ponies, with 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.
Tips
- Darshan of the Garbh Joon cave is regulated and can involve a long wait at busy times. Ask at Adhkuwari how the queue is being managed that day.
- Choose here: the old track via Sanjichhat (ponies), or the gentler alternate track via Himkoti (no ponies).
- Book battery cars in advance on the official portal.
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.