One has to travel 12 Kms from Ban Ganga (starting point of Yatra) to Vaishno Devi Bhawan. While most pilgrims prefer to go by walking out of devotion while some feel uncomfortable walking. Many of them have breathing problems also. Old age and over weight person prefer hiring ponies. Pithoos are used to carry the bags and infants. While Palanquins (Palkis) are used by over aged pilgrims. The rates of ponies , pithus and palanquins are fixed by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra.