How
to reach
Facilities on the Track
Food and refreshments
Refreshments like biscuits, cold-drinks, tea,
coffee, milk, mineral water, etc. are available all along
the way at refreshment Units of the Shrine Board. Nearly
all of these units are located at carefully selected locations
from where one can have a panoramic view of the valley.
Therefore, they are also known as View Points. There are
a total of 12 such view points. 9 of these refreshment units
(or view points) are located on the old track while 3 are
located on the alternate track to Bhawan. All the items
offered at these view points are on a no-profit basis thus
ensuring proper quality and value for the money paid by
the pilgrims.
The larger
viewpoints serve meals, bread, buns also, while the smaller ones only serve packed
snacks and beverages. In addition, oxygen cylinders, cassettes, milk for infants
is also available at these viewpoints.
Most of the viewpoints are located
at or near Vishram Sthals (resting points). The Vishram Sthals are so called because
track is covered with sheds here and benches or resting places are provided. In
addition, toilets and drinking water points are also located nearby. In brief,
there are adequate opportunities for rest, rejuvenation and eat and drink in and
around the viewpoints and the Vishram Sthals.
Bhojanalya
While the 12 viewpoints or refreshment units cater
to the refreshment and light snack needs of the yatries,
the Shrine Board also runs full-fledged Bhojanalyas to provide
wholesome and hygienic food to the pilgrims on no-profit
basis. Because of the Board’s policy of running all
its units on a no-profit basis all the items are available
at very cheap and affordable rates.
The Shrine Board runs five Bhojanalyas in all, one each
at Adkuwari and Sanjichhat and three at main Bhawan. The
Bhojanalyas at Bhawan run round the clock and serve a varied
but traditional menu. There is in addition, a catering cell
at Katra to cater to the needs of pilgrims utilizing accommodation
facilities at the Niharika Complex. More...
There are a number of private establishments available
on the track but yatries are advised to assure themselves about the fair price
and quality of the goods being offered. In particular, Yatries are advised to
strongly desist from paying anything over the retail price printed on the packaged
products.
Vishram Sthals (Resting places)
Sheds have been constructed at an approximate distance
of 500 meters from each other. At most of the places, toilet
blocks and Refreshment Units are also situated adjacent
to them. Pilgrims can rest and refresh at these spots.
Free drinking water
Sufficient fresh drinking water is available all
along the track, at short distances. Various water coolers
have also been installed at select locations. There are
more than 50 water coolers and 125 water points en-route
Bhawan. Many coolers are fitted with water filters also.
Free Medical and First
Aid
First aid is available at strategic places all
along the track. Medical dispensaries, health centers and
hospitals manned by trained staff and equipped with medical
facilities are available at Banganga, Charan Paduka, Adkuwari,
Sanjichhat and Bhawan. A hospital is functional at Sanjichhat.
Similarly indoor facilities and an ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
are functional at the Bhawan complex. Medical shops supplying
drugs of common usage are functional.More...
Free toilets and bathrooms
An important facility which distinguishes this
Yatra from any normal pilgrimage is the facility of sanitation.
Free toilets and bathrooms are located at short distances.
They are cleaned at regular intervals and pilgrims would
find them to be a refreshing change compared to the toilets
at most of the other pilgrim spots. There are more than
80 toilet blocks with about 660 seats en-route Bhawan. Pilgrims
are advised to conserve water and help maintain the cleanliness
of the toilet blocks.
Help and announcement
The Shrine Board has devised an elaborate system
to help pilgrims in case of need. There are 24-hour announcement
booths located at Katra, Adkuwari, Himkoti, Sanjichhat and
Bhawan. Any pilgrim can approach these booths to get announcements
made regarding missing children or group members. These
booths are connected with other important locations through
a wireless network and thus an announcement made at one
location can be passed on to all other important locations
also. These booths are also used to relay pre-recorded Bhajans
and important Yatra related messages for the benefit of
the yatries. Besides, do’s and dont’s and other
useful tips are also relayed through these booths. More...
