The Shrine Board publishes the whole route as a table, which is why this page can be exact: Banganga 1 km, Charan Paduka 2.5 km, Adhkuwari 6 km, Sanjichhat 9.5 km (8.5 via the Himkoti route), Bhawan 13 km, Bhairon Ghati 14.5 km — climbing from 2,500 ft at Katra to 6,619 ft above the Bhawan. The track is paved, lit, served, and busy from first light to late night. Checked 02 October 2026.
The legs
| Point (cumulative from Katra) | Distance | Altitude | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banganga | 1 km | 2,800 ft | The checkpoint where the yatra truly begins (slip mandatory) |
| Charan Paduka | 2.5 km | 3,380 ft | The footprints shrine |
| Adhkuwari | 6 km | 4,800 ft | The mid-route cave shrine; free hall accommodation |
| Sanjichhat | 9.5 km | 6,200 ft | The highest waypoint (8.5 km via Himkoti) |
| Bhawan | 13 km | 5,200 ft | The main shrine complex |
| Bhairon Ghati | 14.5 km | 6,619 ft | The Bhairon temple — the yatra’s completion |
Source: maavaishnodevi.org distance/altitude chart · Last checked: 02 October 2026.
The two routes up
The classic track runs Banganga → Charan Paduka → Adhkuwari; the Tarakote Marg (opened 2018, reported) offers a ~7 km western alternative to Adhkuwari with battery-car service reported for elders. Both converge at Adhkuwari; the Himkoti route then bypasses Ardhkuwari’s queue for those skipping the cave.
Services on the track
- Free halls and shelters at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan (first-come), with free blankets at shelter sheds (official).
- Bhojanalayas on the track (official); named free langars circulate in guides (unconfirmed names).
- Medical: dispensaries at Banganga, Adhkuwari and Bhawan, oxygen support, a 24-hour ICU at Bhawan, and the SMVD Narayana super-speciality hospital at Kakryal below (all official).
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bhawan from Katra?
13 km — the Board’s own chart; 14.5 km if you continue to Bhairon Ghati.
Which route should I take?
Classic via Adhkuwari (the cave) or Tarakote/Himkoti for fewer pauses — battery cars and palkis run both systems.
