Multiple Ways To Reach
Step-by-step guides for every route to the Bhawan — whether you trek, fly from Katra, or fly direct from Jammu Airport.
Tracking
On foot · Via Banganga · ~13 km one way
Counters for RFID Card are at Railway Station, Katra and Bus Stand Katra. Book your accommodation from Niharika Complex, Bus Stand Katra. RFID Card is a MUST during your travel.
Katra Bus Stand / Railway StationCommute to Ban Ganga Check post by Auto Rickshaw or by walking. Keep your luggage handy and easier to carry.
Frisking & Security CheckAfter crossing the frisking point, you can now book Pithoo, Palki, or Pony. It depends on your luggage and necessity. You can also get the LANGAR by Late Gulshan Kumar.
Optional · Available after checkpostThis is the first darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi Charan. Take the blessings here, take some rest and then continue further. If you are using a Pony or Palki, ask the pillion to stop for a while.
Temple StopIf you are here, you are half done. If you have bookings here to stay for a night, you can try the cave darshan here. Generally, the line is too long, and hence your turn may come after 10-12 hrs. You can take food, snacks, whatever you need. If you wish to do cave darshan within 1-2 hrs, you need to stay and participate either for evening or morning aarti.
Half-Way Temple · Rest PointThere are two ways from here: one is via Hathi Matha and Sanjhi Chhat, which is the older route. The new one is the battery car route via Himkoti. If you are using a pony, they will opt for the older route. You can also use the Battery car from here if you have bookings.
Old Route or Himkoti (Battery Car)Himkoti is 2.5 Km ahead of Ardhkuwari and there you can enjoy South Indian Dosa. You can enjoy the beautiful sceneries and take photos. Frisking is done here again with your luggage.
Security CheckBhawan is visible from the faraway mountains and you feel devotion automatically seeing the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Once you reach there, try to reach your booked accommodation if any. If you do not have any accommodation, you can try Parvati Bhawan, Durga Bhawan for free accommodations.
Main Shrine · DarshanIt is said that after worshipping Maa Vaishno Devi, you must go to Bhairo Mandir, which is 2 km away from Bhawan and you can go there by booking the Ropeway or walking by yourself.
Return Route StopQuick Tips for Trek
Helicopter From Katra
Katra → Sanjhi Chhat / Panchi · ~5–12 min flight
Counters for RFID Card are at Railway Station, Katra and Bus Stand Katra. Book your accommodation from Niharika Complex, Bus Stand Katra. RFID Card is a MUST during your travel.
Katra Bus Stand / Railway StationFrom here, you can either book a pony or walk to Bhawan, which is 3.5 km away from Sanjhi Chhat and 1 km from Panchi. There is no upward tracking from here. So it's easy.
Katra Sarli HelipadEven if you are late by max 30 minutes, you may miss your turn and you will have to wait in Queue.
Report 30 min earlyFrom here, you can either book a pony or walk to Bhawan, which is 3.5 km away from Sanjhi Chhat and 1 km from Panchi. There is no upward tracking from here. So it's easy.
~5–12 min flightBhawan is visible from the faraway mountains and you feel devotion automatically seeing the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Once you reach there, try to reach your booked accommodation if any. If you do not have any accommodation, you can try Parvati Bhawan, Durga Bhawan for free accommodations.
Main Shrine · DarshanIt is said that after worshipping Maa Vaishno Devi, you must go to Bhairo Mandir, which is 2 km away from Bhawan and you can go there by booking the Ropeway or walking by yourself.
Return Route StopHelicopter Info — Katra
Helicopter From Jammu Airports
Jammu Airport → Panchi Helipad · ~45–50 min flight
Counters for RFID Card are at Railway Station, Katra and Bus Stand Katra. Book your accommodation from Niharika Complex, Bus Stand Katra. RFID Card is a MUST during your travel.
Jammu Airport Shrine Board CounterCommute to Helipad. It's just a 5-minute walk inside Jammu airport premises only. Keep your luggage handy and easier to carry.
Jammu Airport HelipadFrom here, you will be facilitated with a free battery car (from both sides) to commute to Bhawan, which is 1 km from Panchi.
~45–50 min flightBhawan is visible from the faraway mountains and you feel devotion automatically seeing the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Once you reach there, try to reach your booked accommodation if any. If you do not have any accommodation, you can try Parvati Bhawan, Durga Bhawan for free accommodations.
Main Shrine · DarshanIt is said that after worshipping Maa Vaishno Devi, you must go to Bhairo Mandir, which is 2 km away from Bhawan and you can go there by booking the Ropeway or walking by yourself.
Return Route StopJammu Helicopter Fares
Helpful Routes & Yatra Assistance
Find routes, trekking details, FAQs, and useful help for your journey.
💡 During peak season, checking these options in advance can save you a lot of waiting time.