Must Know Before You Travel to Vaishno Devi

• Katra to Bhawan is 13km. It takes 5-8 hours to climb and 3-6 hours to ascend
• Katra is the base camp for Vaishno Devi Yatra. Bus, taxi and train is available to Katra. Flight is available to Jammu (View full details)-
• Katra is the base camp for Vaishno Devi Yatra. Bus, taxi and train is available to Katra. Flight is available to Jammu (View full details)
• 2 routes from Katra to Ardhkuwari (mid-point of the trek). The old route is 5.5km. This has Charan Paduka temple enroute. The new route is 7.5km. This is better to come down as it is steeper
• Ardhkuwari to Vaishno Devi Bhawan has 2 routes. One is 6.5km steep uphill. The other one is shorter 5.5 km and less steep
• Katra to Bhawan: Mule: INR 1250 one side/per person, Palki: INR 3150 one side/pp, Pitthoo: INR 540 one side/pp
• Ropeway: INR 100 two way/pp from Bhawan to Bhairon Nath Temple
• Helicopter: INR 1730 from Katra to Sanjichhat (1.5km from Bhawan). Ponies are also available from Helipad to Bhavan
• Massage chairs available on the entire route. Cost around INR 50 for 15 minutes.
• Toilets available on every 300-400 mts
• Shrine board Yatri Niwas near Katra bus stop ideal for a short stay of few hours
• Shrine board shop near Bhawan is best to buy prasad
• Mobile, wallets, cameras and belts are not allowed inside the Ardhkuwari temple and main bhawan.
• Free and paid basic accommodation is available at Katra, Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan.

The reservation has to be made at the Enquiry and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex located near the Katra Bus Stand.