|
|
The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km of terrain on
foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, is Banganga,
place where Mata quenched her thirst and at 6 km further down, is the holy
cave at Adhkawari.
The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. Besides, the whole path
is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour lamps. The whole route is
swept and cleaned from time to time throughout the day. Yatris are
requested to keep the path clean.
Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup throughout the
route. Pure vegetarian food is available at these outlets. Price charts
are exhibited at all these outlets prominently. Drinking water has been
made available all along the route, with water coolers and storage
facilities.
Public utilities with automatic flushing systems along the track and at
the Bhawan. After 6 km. of trekking, you would reach Adhkawari, the holy
cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Do visit the cave. After 9.5
km., you would reach Sanji Chhat where you can rest for sometime.
Accommodation is also available at this place. Bhawan is just 3.5 km.
away.
On reaching Bhawan, show your Yatra Slip at the Registration Office and
obtain the Batch no. provided on the slip. This number is important as it
will determine your place in the queue for darshan. On reaching Bhawan,
get your luggage and leather items booked in the cloak rooms and obtain
the receipt. Book the valuables separately and obtain the receipt. You can
also get blankets on refundable deposit for Rs.100. Buy Prasad, Chunri and
Coconuts from the shops situated at the entrance of the Bhawan
Authentic
Papers: Yatris are advised to obtain a yatra slip only from the Yatra
Registration Counter at the Tourism Reception Centre, Katra Bus Stand and
nowhere els.e. Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of Banganga
checkpost will not be allowed. The Yatra Slip is absolutely free but is
necessary to commence the Yatra.
Equipment: Caps, canvas shoes, sticks etc can be got on hire for
the Yatra. Pithus (people who carry weight on their backs) can be hired
for carrying your luggage. Those who have problems in climbing on the
mountains, can hire the services of a pony or dandi (palenquin). Pithus
can be hired for carrying the children on shoulders. It is advised that
you should avail of the services of only registered people be it the
pithu, pony or the dandiwalla and keep his token for the period he is
engaged.