How
to reach
The Holy track- Old and Alternate Track
In
the earlier days, there used to be an unpaved track and
a few flights of stairs that used to lead the way to Bhawan.
This track called the old or original track was mostly built
on the traditional track of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, which
had been used by the pilgrims since hundreds of years. Then,
after the takeover of the management of the Holy Shrine
by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in 1986, this track
was paved, widened and illuminated, the stairs were repaired
and shelter sheds, toilet blocks and parapets/railings were
constructed. This track continues to be used by pilgrims
even today. This track requires a steep uphill climb till
a place called Sanjichhat (around 3 kms from Adkuwari) and
then a downward climb for another 3 kms till Bhawan. While
Adkuwari is at an altitude of 4800 feet and Bhawan at about
5200 feet, Sanjichhat is located at an altitude of 6200
feet. Thus pilgrims using the old track are required to
climb till Sanjichhat (6200 ft) and then walk downhill till
Bhawan (5200 ft).
This
old tack is steep and narrow at some places. Therefore it
was decided to construct an alternate track to Bhawan that
would have a gentler gradient and would be wider and shorter.
The survey and construction work was begun in 1994 and in
1999 this new track called the Alternate track to Bhawan
was opened for the yatries. This track takes off from the
old track at an intersection point nearly 5 Kms from Banganga.
The landmark identifying the beginning of this track is
the view point called Inderprastha. Adkuwari is still 500
mtrs. from this point. However those who wish to have Darshans
at Adkuwari as well, need not get disheartened as there
is a sub-way joining Adkuwari to the new track and hence
one is not required to come back all the way to take this
new track.
This new route going towards Bhawan is not only wider but
cleaner too, since no ponies are allowed on this track.
It is also easier to negotiate it because of the uniformity
of the climb and a gentler gradient (1:16). The distance
to Bhawan via this new track is 500 mtrs. less than the
old track. The old track goes via the steep climbs of Haathi
Mattha. The new track by passes that steep climb and is
therefore far easier to negotiate.
Himkoti
is situated at a distance of 2.75 kms from Adkuwari on the
new track. Himkoti is one of the most beautiful spots on
this track with breathtaking scenic views of the entire
valley.
The old track to Bhawan passes via Hathi Matha (literally
meaning the Forehead of an Elephant) and Sanjichhat. Hathi
Matha, so known because of the steep climb it entails is
the most difficult part of the trek on the track.
Sanjichhat, at a distance of 3.25 Kms
from Adkuwari is a picturesque spot with enchanting views
of the valley and snow covered peaks of the Himalayan ranges
on a clear day. Sanjichhat is the highest point on the old
track and is also the end of the uphill climb. From here
a person has to walk downhill in order to reach Bhawan.
The
view points Himkoti on the new track and Sanjichatt on the
old track are important landmarks on the new and old tracks
respectively. From here on the main Bhawan is quite near
and it is only a matter of time before one reaches Bhawan.
The distance of Bhawan from Himkoti is 3.75 Kms. and from
Sanjichatt is 2.75 Kms.
Landslides
The hills of Trikuta witness landslides at times. These
are more common during the rainy season when the soil is
loose. The Shrine Board has identified most of the potentially
dangerous spots and covered them with sheds with a view
to protect the unwary pilgrims. Notices about the same have
also been put up near these potential landslide areas. Pilgrims
are advised to be cautious and refrain from resting near
them. Pilgrims are also informed that certain parts of the
new track or event the entire track may some times have
to be temporarily closed for fear of landslides.This may
happen more frequently during the rainy season. Pilgrims
are advised to co-operate with the authorities and not attempt
to use any part of the track that is declared close for
Yatra.
Facilities on the Track.. Click
here for details
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