KASHMIR WITH VAISHNO DEVI TOUR

ITINERARY:

 

📌 Day 1: Arrival at Katra (Jammu to Katra – 50 km / 1.5 Hours) – Welcome to The Gateway of Vaishno Devi

Arrive at Jammu Airport or Railway Station, where our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to Katra, a bustling town nestled at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains. Check in to your hotel and unwind after the journey. If time permits, explore Katra’s lively markets for religious souvenirs, dry fruits, and Kashmiri handicrafts. Overnight stay in Katra.

📌 Day 2: Vaishno Devi Darshan – Holy Pilgrimage to the Cave Shrine (13 km Trek / 5–8 Hours Round Trip)

After an early breakfast, gear up for the divine Vaishno Devi Yatra. The 13 km trek leads you to the sacred cave temple believed to grant the wishes of its devotees. For convenience, you may opt for helicopter rides, ponies, palkis, or battery cars (own cost) (subject to availability and weather). After offering prayers and seeking blessings from Mata Vaishno Devi, descend back to Katra. Rest and rejuvenate in the evening. Overnight stay in Katra.

📌 Day 3: Katra to Pahalgam (240 km / 7–8 Hours) – Journey to the Valley of Shepherds

Post breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Pahalgam, one of Kashmir’s most charming hill stations. The route takes you through lush forests, riverside roads, and the famous Chenani-Nashri Tunnel. En route, pass through picturesque towns like Anantnag, offering perfect pit stops for refreshments and photography. Arrive at Pahalgam by evening and check into your hotel amidst the pine-scented air. Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

📌 Day 4: Pahalgam Sightseeing – Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari & Baisaran Valley

After a hearty breakfast, head out in a local union cab (own cost) to explore the three most loved valleys around Pahalgam:

• Aru Valley: A pristine alpine hamlet ideal for nature walks and short treks.
• Betaab Valley: Named after the Bollywood movie Betaab, it offers picture-perfect landscapes with dense woods and river streams.
• Chandanwari: The starting point of the sacred Amarnath Yatra, surrounded by icy terrain and rocky cliffs.

Later, enjoy a pony ride to Baisaran Valley, fondly known as Mini Switzerland, a vast green meadow surrounded by thick pine forests and snow-capped peaks. Baisaran is one of the most peaceful and photogenic places in all of Kashmir. Return to your hotel in the evening for a warm meal and rest.
Overnight stay in Pahalgam

📌 Day 5: Pahalgam to Srinagar (95 km / 2.5–3 Hours) – Srinagar Local Sightseeing & Cultural Discovery

After breakfast, check out and drive to Srinagar, the heart of Kashmir. Upon arrival, begin your Srinagar local sightseeing tour:

• Visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens – Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi
• Explore the sacred Shankaracharya Temple, offering a panoramic view of the city and Dal Lake
• Visit , Pari Mahal & Hazratbal Shrine (optional), a symbol of Kashmir’s spiritual culture

Check-in at your hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight stay in Srinagar (Hotel)

📌 Day 6: Day Trip to Sonmarg (80 km / 2.5 Hours One Way) – Glacier Views & Alpine Adventure

Today, proceed to Sonmarg, known as the “Meadow of Gold”. The route is filled with awe-inspiring views of mountains and the Sindh River. On reaching, enjoy a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier (own cost), explore lush meadows, and enjoy the cold breeze and occasional snow. Return to Srinagar by evening. Overnight stay in Srinagar (Hotel).

📌 Day 7: Day Trip to Gulmarg (55 km / 2 Hours One Way) – Gondola Ride & Evening Houseboat Experience

After breakfast, drive to Gulmarg, Kashmir’s famous skiing and snow destination. Highlights include:

• Riding the Gulmarg Gondola (Phase I & II – own cost) to Apharwat Peak
• Exploring snow activities, the Gulmarg Golf Course, or scenic nature walks

In the evening, return to Srinagar and check-in to your deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake (Optional). Experience the romantic charm of a Shikara ride, floating through lotus blooms and wooden bridges at sunset.
Overnight stay in Srinagar (Houseboat-Optional) / Hotel.

📌 Day 8: Doodhpathri Day Visit (45 km / 1.5 Hours) & Drop at Srinagar Airport (30 km / 1 Hour) OR Optional Drop to Jammu Railway Station (250 km / 6–7 Hours)

On your final day, enjoy a peaceful excursion to Doodhpathri, a lesser-known yet breathtaking destination in Kashmir. Known as the “Valley of Milk”, this pristine location features rolling grasslands, whispering pine forests, and a clear stream that appears milky white as it flows through the valley. It’s a perfect place to relax, click pictures, and soak in the serene ambiance of untouched nature.

After your visit, continue to Srinagar Airport for your return journey.

Optional Departure:
For travelers preferring a return by train, we also offer a direct drop to Jammu Railway Station (approx. 250 km / 6–7 hours by road). This option is ideal for those traveling back to northern or central India via train connections from Jammu.