Vaishno Devi Trek Route
Complete guide to the 12 km trek from Katra to Bhawan — altitude, distance, stops, facilities and timings for every checkpoint.
Trek Distance
12 km
(Katra to Bhawan)
Bhawan Height
5,200 ft
(1,584 m) sea level
Bhairon Peak
6,600 ft
(2,010 m) highest point
Trek Duration
4–6 hrs
for healthy adults
⛰️ Altitude Profile — Katra to Bhairon Temple
Height above sea level at each major stop
All Trek Stops — Distance & Facilities
Katra (Base Camp)
The starting point and base camp for all Vaishno Devi pilgrims. Collect your RFID Yatra Parchi here from the counters at Katra Railway Station or Bus Stand before beginning the trek.
Banganga (Security Gate)
The official Yatra begins here. RFID card mandatory check-in. The holy Banganga stream flows here — pilgrims traditionally take a dip in the sacred water before proceeding. Route splits: Tarakote Marg (shorter, steeper) and Himkoti Marg (longer, gradual).
Charan Paduka
A small shrine containing rock footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi. Legend says Mata rested here during her escape from Bhairon Nath and her footprints were imprinted on the rock. A significant spiritual stop on the Yatra route.
Adhkuwari (Half Way Cave)
The midpoint of the Yatra. Name means 'half way'. Mata Vaishno Devi meditated in the Garbh Joon Cave here for 9 months. A 33-feet long natural cave that pilgrims crawl through as a spiritual exercise. Battery Car terminal is located here.
Sanjichhat (Helicopter Landing)
The helicopter landing pad is located here. Pilgrims arriving by helicopter land at Sanjichhat and then walk the remaining 2.5 km uphill to Bhawan. Also accessible by Battery Cars from Adhkuwari.
Holy Bhawan (Main Shrine)
The final destination — the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. The three natural rock formations (Pindies) of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati are enshrined here. Darshan happens inside the natural cave. Cloakroom mandatory before entering the cave.
Bhairon Nath Temple
The highest point of the Yatra at 6,600 ft. According to legend, the Yatra is considered incomplete without visiting the Bhairon Nath Temple. Bhairon Nath's head fell here after he was slain by Mata Vaishno Devi. Panoramic views of the Trikuta mountain range.
📏 Trek Distance Summary
Vaishno Devi ki chadhai — complete distance chart
| Stop | Distance from Katra | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Est. Time from Prev |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katra (Base Camp) | 0 km | 910 m | 2,990 ft | Start |
| Banganga (Security Gate) | 2 km | 930 m | 3,050 ft | 30–40 min walk |
| Charan Paduka | 4.5 km | 1,140 m | 3,740 ft | 1–1.5 hrs from Banganga |
| Adhkuwari (Half Way Cave) | 6 km | 1,308 m | 4,290 ft | 1–1.5 hrs from Charan Paduka |
| Sanjichhat (Helicopter Landing) | 9 km | 1,463 m | 4,800 ft | 1.5–2 hrs from Adhkuwari |
| Holy Bhawan (Main Shrine) | 12 km | 1,584 | — | 45 min–1 hr from Sanjichhat |
| Bhairon Nath Temple | 13.5 km | 2,010 | — | 45–60 min from Bhawan (steep 1.5 km climb) |
Trek Distance & Height — FAQs
Q: Vaishno Devi ki chadhai kitne kilometre hai?
A: Katra se Bhawan tak ki chadhai 12 kilometre hai (ek taraf). Bhairon Nath Temple tak 13.5 km hai. Aane-jaane ka total distance 27 km hai.
Q: Vaishno Devi height from sea level kitni hai?
A: Vaishno Devi Bhawan ki height 1,584 metres (5,200 feet) hai sea level se. Bhairon Nath Temple 2,010 metres (6,600 feet) par hai — yatra ka sabse uchha point.
Q: Vaishno Devi ki chadhai mein kitna time lagta hai?
A: Ek healthy adult ke liye Katra se Bhawan tak 4 se 6 ghante lagte hain. Bhairon Temple tak 5 se 7.5 ghante. Wapsi mein 3-4 ghante lagte hain.
Q: Which route is better — Tarakote Marg or Himkoti Marg?
A: Tarakote Marg is the traditional route (12 km) — shorter and well-paved. Himkoti Marg (via Himkoti) is 14.5 km but gentler gradient. Tarakote is recommended for first-timers.
Q: What is the route after Bhawan?
A: After Bhawan Darshan, the yatra continues to Bhairon Nath Temple — 1.5 km further uphill at a steep gradient. Most pilgrims visit Bhairon Temple before descending back to Katra.
🥾 Trek Tips for a Comfortable Yatra
Start the trek at night (10 PM–2 AM) to avoid daytime heat and reach Bhawan by morning Aarti.
Wear well-broken trekking shoes with ankle support. New shoes cause blisters on the 12 km trail.
Carry at least 1 litre of water. Free refill stations are at Banganga, Adhkuwari, and Bhawan.
Bhawan is 10–15°C colder than Katra. Always carry a fleece jacket regardless of season.
Deposit heavy luggage at Katra lockers. Carry only essentials — every extra kg doubles fatigue.
The descent is harder on knees than the ascent. Use a trekking pole and take your time coming down.
Ready for your Yatra? Start here: