How far is Bhawan from Katra?

13 km on foot via the old route, about 14.5 km via Tarakote.

When to start the climb?

Start at 4-5 AM to avoid crowds and heat; take the Ardhkuwari token on the way.

Book 15-30 days ahead only on the official site maavaishnodevi.org.

🛕 Katra→ 6km→ 🙏 Ardhkuwari→ 13km→ 🛕 Bhawan→ 🚡 Bhairav

👥

50k limit, counters close early, 4-8 hr darshan line at Bhawan.

✅

Start 4-5 AM, prefer weekdays, take the Ardhkuwari token, check crowd on /status.

🎫

Battery car, heli, ropeway, Bhawan rooms full 2 weeks ahead.

✅

Book 15-30 days ahead on the official site; keep counter backup.

🌧️

Heli cancelled, battery stopped, night yatra halted in rain/fog/landslide.

✅

Carry raincoat + woolens, check live weather on /status, stay at Katra in bad weather.

⛰️

Breathing/knee pain for elders, tough to manage kids.

✅

Walk slow, use a stick, consider pony/palki/battery; rest every 1-2 km, medical camps en route.

🔐

Long lines at shoe-luggage lockers and RFID checking.

✅

Travel light, keep the locker token safe, keep RFID ready, avoid rush hours.

🔴 High = serious issue — prepare in advance • 🟡 Medium = take care — manageable with right planning

Katra → Darshani Deodhi → Ardhkuwari (6km) → Himkoti → Sanjichhat → Bhawan (13km) → Bhairav (1.5km ropeway)

New Tarakote route — no ponies, clean, no battery car.