Katra serves as the base camp. From here a trek of around 12 kms takes a pilgrim to the Holy Shrine. One can undertake this trek on foot or on horses/ponies or on palanquins (palkies or dolies). While most of the pilgrims prefer to go on foot, some who find it difficult to negotiate the climb hire a pony or a palanquin. All yatris after Reaching Katra has to register themselves before starting the yatra. Yatris can register themselves at counters provided by Vaishno Devi shrine Board at Bus Stand katra. Yatris get Registration slip/Yatra parchi and have to cross the first Check Post located at Banganga (around 1.5 kilometers from the Yatra Registration Counter ((YRC) within 6 hours of the issue of the slip, failing which his slip is confiscated at the Check Post and Yatris then again required to get fresh Yatra Parchi. Yatra Parchi is also available online at Vaishno Devi shrine Board site http://maavaishnodevi.org at a nominal fess of Rs 50/-. Pilgrims can book Yatra Parchi at least one month before start of Yatra. However, during the peak season and Navratras, the number of yatri reaching Vaishno Devi is far in excess than permissible limit. In such a situation, the yatries are then wait at Katra itself. No yatra Slip is issued during Waiting period and Yatris have to wait till next morning or till clerance of rush. This is usally seen in the month of May and June particularly weekeneds. Pilgrims coming from outside India are advised to book their flights to Jammu and hotels at least 3 months in advance to get lowest fares for airline tickets and hotel rooms. And if traveling during Navratai season, it is suggested to make reservations 6-3 months in advance.