Vaishno Devi Distance Walk – The walk to the temple !

Updated On: September 17, 2024

Tarakote Marg Alternate route Mata vaishno devi

The journey to Vaishno Devi , one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, the Vaishno Devi Yatra starts from Katra, a small town that serves as the base camp for pilgrims. The Vaishno Devi Distance Walk involves a trek of approximately 13 kilometers from the starting point at Banganga to the Bhawan, where the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi resides. Pilgrims can choose to walk, take ponies,helicopter, palkis (palanquins), or electric vehicles to complete the yatra.

Key Points of the Yatra

Starting Point: Banganga, Katra
Distance to Bhawan: Approximately 13 kilometers
Elevation: Bhawan is located at an altitude of 5,200 feet
Modes of Transport: Walking, ponies, palkis, battery-operated vehicles, helicopter service
Best Time to Visit: March to October

Vaishno Devi Distance Walk: Step-by-Step Guide from Banganga to Bhawan

Distances from Katra, Altitude w.r.t. Mean Sea Level & Average Temperature
Location	Distance from Katra	Temperature °C
		Winter		Summer
		Min.	Max.	Min.	Max.
Katra	00 Km	03	15	20	41
Banganga	01 Km
Charan Paduka	02.5 Km
Adhkuwari/ Ardhkuwari	06 Km	01	14.5	16	33
Himkoti	08.5 Km
Sanjichhat	09.5 Km
Bhawan	13.0 Km	– 02	13	15	30
Bhairon Ghati (Via Bhawan)	14.5 Km	– 03	11	12	26

The Vaishno Devi Yatra Route by Walk is Katra – Banganga – Charan Paduka – Adhkuwari – Himkoti – Sanjichhat – Bhawan – Bhairon Ghati (Via Bhawan).

1. Banganga: The Sacred Starting Point

Banganga is the official starting point of the Vaishno Devi Yatra. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi created a water stream here to quench the thirst of her followers. Pilgrims can perform rituals and take a holy dip in the Banganga river before commencing their journey.

2. Charan Paduka: The Footprints of the Goddess

After a 1.5-kilometer trek from Banganga, you will reach Charan Paduka, a revered site where the footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi are believed to be imprinted on a rock. It is a symbolic reminder of the Goddess’s journey and provides an opportunity for pilgrims to seek blessings early in the yatra.

3. Adhkuwari: The Halfway Point

Adhkuwari, located about 6 kilometers from Banganga, is a significant stop on the way to Bhawan. This cave is where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months, evading Bhairon Nath. The Garbh Joon cave is particularly narrow, symbolizing the spiritual rebirth that devotees experience. Aarti and darshan at Adhkuwari offer an enriching spiritual experience before proceeding further.

4. Himkoti: A Scenic Viewpoint

Himkoti, situated 2.5 kilometers from Adhkuwari, is known for its panoramic views and peaceful environment. Although there is no religious shrine here, Himkoti provides facilities for resting and refreshment, including a cafeteria, medical services, and a viewing deck.

5. Sanjichhat: The Last Major Stop

Before reaching Bhawan, the yatra passes through Sanjichhat, the highest point on the trek. From here, pilgrims can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Sanjichhat is also the helipad location for those opting for helicopter services. Pilgrims can rest and rejuvenate here with available facilities, including restrooms, food stalls, and cloakrooms.

6. Bhawan: The Holy Shrine of Vaishno Devi

The final destination of the yatra is Bhawan, where the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located inside a sacred cave. Pilgrims can perform rituals, offer prayers, and seek blessings from the deity. The darshan takes place in a unique form where three natural rock formations known as the ‘Pindis’ represent the three forms of the Goddess: Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.

7. Bhairon Temple: Completing the Yatra

It is considered auspicious to visit Bhairon Temple, located 2.5 kilometers uphill from Bhawan, after the darshan of Vaishno Devi. According to legend, Bhairon Nath was granted forgiveness by the Goddess at this spot, making it an integral part of the pilgrimage. The temple offers breathtaking views of the valley and completes the spiritual circuit of the Vaishno Devi Yatra.

Pilgrim Facilities and Tips

Accommodation and Rest Points

Katra: Various hotels, lodges, and dharamshalas are available for accommodation.
Bhawan: The shrine board provides dormitories, blankets, and lockers for pilgrims.
Rest Points: Numerous rest points with seating, medical aid, and refreshment stalls are available throughout the trek.

Food and Refreshments

There are multiple eateries, cafeterias, and refreshment stalls managed by the shrine board along the route, offering hygienic vegetarian food. Devotees can avail of free langar (community meal) services at designated points.

Health and Safety Tips

Hydration: Carry enough water to stay hydrated during the trek.
Comfortable Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for trekking.
Medical Assistance: First aid and medical facilities are available at regular intervals.
Weather Preparedness: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during monsoon and winter seasons.

Vaishno Devi Yatra Registration

Make sure you have your Yatra Parchis. These can be booked online from the Shrine Board website. They are also available offline at the Yatri Registration Center near the Katra Bus Stand.

Registration for Vaishno Devi Yatra is required before starting the yatra.
You will not be able to proceed from the Banganga Check Point without registration and the Parchi.
Yatris who have registrations are automatically insured for any accidental death on the Vaishno Devi Yatra route. The amount is INR 3,00,000 for majors and INR 1,00,000 for minors.
The Yatra Parchi is valid only for 6 hours from the issue time. So, cross the first check post at Banganga (1.5km from the YRC-I) within 6 hours. Or else, the yatra slip is distrained at the check post and a new slip must be issued.
The main role of Yatra Parchi is at the Bhawan. The slip is rechecked at the Yatra Slip Counter on the left side after the luggage check post.
Entry in Bhawan is restricted 1 hr before aarti timings, hence to be kept in mind so.

Vaishno Devi Bhawan trek — Vaishno Devi Bhawan

Vaishno Devi Yatra Route

To reach Ardhkawari from Katra there are three ways –

1. Stairs – that will take around 2 Hrs. one way till Ardhkawari, but will be very tiring, so not advisable.

2. Old Way – It is 6.5Kms from Katra starting point, might take 3-4 Hrs. depending upon your efficiency level. It is not at all clean, all pony and pithu’s walk on the same way, so there will be mess around. compartively tiring.

3. New Way – It is approx. 10 kms from Katra Starting point but very clean, beautiful, clean washrooms on the way and less inclined. might take 4 hrs. but it is less tiring.

and from Ardhkawari to Bhawan is again 6kms. only two ways to go – Stairs – tiring might take 3hrs more. and normal walk way – 6kms might take 3 hrs. – 3.5 hrs. one way.

It is said that the yatra is incomplete without the darshan of Bhairon Dev. So the route to your trek is as follows.

Katra – Banganga – Charan Paduka – Adhkuwari – Himkoti – Sanjichhat – Bhawan – Bhairon Ghati (Via Bhawan)

The Katra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan trek takes 5-6 hours round trip, with experienced trekkers finishing in 4-5 hours and novices in 6-8 hours. The moderately difficult trek features steep inclines, uneven terrain, and high altitude. Adequate preparation, proper gear, and regular rest stops are recommended for a successful pilgrimage.