Tarakote Marg vs Old Route at Vaishno Devi — Which Should You Pick?

Most first-time pilgrims aren’t aware that Vaishno Devi has two completely different walking routes from Katra to the Bhawan. The choice changes your trek time, knees and overall experience.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect	Old Route (Banganga)	Tarakote Marg (New Route)
Total distance	13 km	14 km
Width	2.5 m, narrow at points	5–7 m, wide all through
Gradient	Up to 12% steep stairs	Under 4% gentle slope
Time on foot	5.5 – 7 hours	6.5 – 8 hours
Battery vehicle	No	Yes, full route
Ponies allowed	Yes	No (vehicle path)
Toilets & rest stops	Every 1 km	Every 0.5 km
Mobile signal	Patchy after Adhkuwari	Better — towers along route
Best for	Pilgrims wanting the traditional darshan path with Adhkuwari halt	Senior citizens, knee patients, anyone who prefers a gentle climb

The Big Decision

• If you are fit and want the full traditional experience — Old Route up, Tarakote down to save your knees.
• If you have any knee, back or breathing concern — Tarakote Marg both ways.
• If you want Adhkuwari halt — Old Route up (Tarakote bypasses it).

Battery Vehicle on Tarakote Marg

• Counter at the Tarakote starting point (1.5 km from Katra bus stand)
• Ticket: ~₹309 one way; ~₹509 round trip
• Capacity: 12–14 passengers per electric vehicle
• Time: ~45 minutes Tarakote → Sanjichhat → Bhawan
• Booking: First-come at the counter; advance booking is being rolled out via the SMVDSB app

Read the full yatra guide for more on both routes.