The shrine board’s own chart fixes the numbers: Katra to Bhawan is 13.0 km, climbing to 5,200 ft. It is a paved, serviced, lit-at-night pilgrim track — the most approachable big trek in Indian pilgrimage — with board-managed services the whole way. Checked 01 October 2026.
The route and services
| Element | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Distance/altitude | 13.0 km; 5,200 ft | Verified — official source |
| Walking time | Plan 4–6 hours up, steady pace | Practical (varies) |
| Midpoint | Ardhkuwari (the cave shrine) | Descriptive |
| Services | Palki, pony, battery car on the track | Board services (verify current rates on site) |
| Helicopter | Katra–Sanjichhat via official portal; senior quota | Official (portal) |
Choosing your shape
- Full walk: start early morning or early evening; the track is lit, and night treks are common and calm.
- Battery car for stretches: covers the motorable portions — the practical middle for mixed-ability groups.
- Helicopter: Sanjichhat lands you a short walk from the Bhawan; the senior-citizen quota is a deliberate board facility — book the official portal only.
Night-trek notes
The lit track makes night walking safe and popular, but cold drops fast at 5,200 ft — layers, and keep the RFID card handy for checkpoints (see the registration guide).
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trek?
13.0 km, 5,200 ft — official chart; 4–6 hours up for most walkers.
Helicopter details?
Katra–Sanjichhat via online.maavaishnodevi.org, with a senior-citizen quota — official portal only.
