Vaishno Devi Yatra Details_ Foot Trek, Registration, Distance-Time

11 May 2025   |   1

Brief overview

Vaishno Devi is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is considered a powerful and revered goddess. According to legend, Goddess Vaishno Devi (वैष्णो देवी) manifested herself in the cave to escape the demon king Bhasmasura. Millions of pilgrims visit here every year, making it one of the most visited Hindu temples. This hill station is at an altitude of 5200 feet above sea level and offers a very beautiful view while starting the journey. Mata Vaishno Devi resides in a sacred cave on a three-peaked mountain called Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Mountains.


Ardhkunwari (अर्धकुंवारी) Mid Way Point: A sacred cave temple, considered an important stop for pilgrims on the way to Vaishno Devi. It is believed that this is the place where Vaishno Devi revealed her true nature in this gufa (cave). It is located at an altitude of 1200 feet and 6600 feet above sea level.


Bhairav Baba ​​Temple is the highest Trikuta hill. According to legend, Vaishno Devi beheaded Bhairav ​​Nath, and his head fell at this place, which Mata Devi promised to give to Bhairav ​​Baba. Vaishno Devi Yatra is complete or successful only when you visit Bhairav ​​Baba(भैरव बाबा) Temple. Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra Faith.


Facilities and Health & Safety Tips for Pilgrims (Yatri):

Accommodation and Resting Places: There are many options for accommodation; you can book hotels and dharamshalas in Katra and start your journey from Katra Bus Stand the next day.

Ardhkunwari: You can avail the facilities at Ardhkunwari by booking lodges and dharamshalas in advance. The shrine board provides dormitories, blankets, and lockers for the pilgrims.

Resting Places: There are many resting places with chairs available every 500 meters. You can rest at Ardhkunwar and take blankets from the shrine board. A security deposit of Rs.500 (fully refundable) is required while returning the blankets.

Health & Safety: Medical aid and refreshment stalls are available every 500 meters throughout the trek. It is advisable to carry some medical supplies in case of health issues or problems like suffocation and difficulty in breathing at high altitude.

Rek: Keep cash money while traveling or start Tour due to Phone Network issue.



Note-1: The table above shows the time and distance based on the route, walking speed, and climate of the country.

The best possible shortest route for the Vaishno Devi Yatra on foot is Katra.

·       Banganga (starting point).

  • Charan Paduka (The Footprints of the Goddess)
  • Ardhkunwari (The Halfway Point)
  • Himkoti (A Scenic Viewpoint)
  • Sanjhi Chhat (The Last Major Stop)
  • Bhawan—Bhairon Ghati (The Holy Shrine of Vaishno Devi)
  • Bhairon Temple (Completing the Yatra-End Point)

  • Note-2: Vaishno Devi Yatra Route:

    1. Stairs: Follow the stairs and reach Ardhkunwari in about 3 hours.

    2. Old Route (13 km): This is a normal route but has a lot of traffic and is not clear. This route is mostly used by pilgrims, palanquins and horses, which takes about 4-5 hours from Kata to Bhawan.

    3. New Route (10 km): This route is clear and has no traffic; it will take about 3-4 hours but is not good for safety in bad weather and rain conditions.

    Where is the Actual starting/Entry point (0. Km) of Mata Vaishno devi Yata and how much distance from starting point?

    Officially starts form Katra, Banganga (starting point) and 13Km from there.


                               Amazing - Vaishno Devi_View on Cloud Mountain -Pic-1.


                       Himkoti__How to Look from mountain to ground (A Scenic Viewpoint)-Pic-2.


                                                                 Hill_ Overview-Pic-3.


                                                                                         Hill_Trikuta-Pad_Pic-4.

mountain-cloud Zone

 mountain-cloud Zone