Vaishno Devi · The trek
The Vaishno Devi trek: how far, how high, and the ways up.
From the Banganga check post to the Bhawan is about 13 km, climbing to about 5,200 ft. Ponies, palkis and pithus work the route at fixed rates, and a ropeway takes you on from the Bhawan to Bhairon.
Banganga to Bhawan
About 13 km
Bhawan altitude
About 5,200 ft (1,585 m)
Main stop
Adhkuwari
Ropeway to Bhairon
9 am to 5 pm
The short answer
About 13 km each way, up to about 5,200 ft.
The walk starts at the Banganga check post, about 1.5 km from the main registration counter in Katra, and climbs about 13 km to the Bhawan at about 5,200 ft (1,585 m). Adhkuwari is the main stop on the way, with Shrine Board rooms. Bhairon temple is above the Bhawan; the Shrine Board’s ropeway runs there from 9 am to 5 pm. Pony, palki and pithu rates are fixed and shown on signboards and at the assistance counters in Katra and Banganga, not online.
By Shahid Parvez Khan (Local Operations Lead)·Published by Falcon Trails·Updated
The route, stop by stop
Start
Katra and the registration counter
Collect your RFID card. See registration.
≈1.5 km
Banganga check post
Your card is checked here. Without a valid card you are turned back.
Midway
Adhkuwari
The main stop on the climb, with Shrine Board rooms (Sharda Bhawan, Shailputri Bhawan).
Upper route
Sanjichhat
Where the helicopter lands, with Shrine Board rooms at Mangla Bhawan.
≈13 km
The Bhawan
Darshan at about 5,200 ft (1,585 m).
Above
Bhairon temple
By the ropeway (9 am to 5 pm) or on foot.
Ponies, palkis and pithus: how the rates work
- Rates are fixed and listed on signboards and at the assistance counters in Katra, Banganga and on the route. The Shrine Board publishes no figures online.
- Porters, pony owners and palki owners are registered with the municipal committee and carry an identity card or token number, renewed every year.
- Pay only the posted rate, and never more. Pithus carry luggage or young children.
- For a problem on the way, go to the municipal committee counters or the Shrine Board offices.
Any website quoting exact pony or palki rates is guessing. Check the signboard on the day.
Insurance that comes with registration
The Shrine Board’s registration includes insurance of ₹3,00,000 for adults and ₹1,00,000 for minors, valid only for accidental death.
Editorial & Ground Verification
Published by local travel planners
Published by Shahid Parvez Khan
Founder & Lead Planner, Falcon Trails · Operating Kashmir mountain routes since 2010 · shahid.co.in
Published by our operations desk in Barbarshah / Munawara Abad, Srinagar. This guide supports planning; it is not a live status feed. Confirm mountain access, taxi charges and hotel heating for your exact dates before committing.
Ground Dispatch & Preferred Source
Ask our Srinagar desk about your proposed route, and check current official road and weather advice before travel.
Learn more about our team on the About page or contact our desk.
Content updated:
Questions
What people ask us.
How many kilometres is Vaishno Devi from Katra?
The walk from the Banganga check post to the Bhawan is about 13 km; Banganga is about 1.5 km from the main registration counter.
What is the altitude of Vaishno Devi?
The Bhawan is at about 5,200 ft (1,585 m). Bhairon temple is higher, above the Bhawan.
How much does a pony or palki cost?
The rates are fixed by the local administration and shown on signboards and at the assistance counters in Katra and Banganga. Pay only the posted rate, to an operator with an ID token.
Is there a ropeway?
Yes, from the Bhawan to the Bhairon temple, 9 am to 5 pm, run by the Shrine Board.
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