Ban Ganga

Ban Ganga is the holy river that marks the formal start of the Vaishno Devi yatra, located about 1 km from Katra at an altitude of roughly 2,800 feet. Pilgrims traditionally bathe at its ghats before beginning the trek to the Bhawan. According to legend, the Goddess shot an arrow into the ground to create this spring, giving the river its name. The riverbank has small shrines, a free langar, and Shrine Board facilities. The yatra Parchi checkpoint is located here, making this the true departure point of the pilgrimage.