Kashmir Tour with Vaishno Devi

Days 1–2: Arrival in Jammu/Katra, Vaishno Devi Darshan.

Day 3: Katra to Srinagar.

Day 4: Full-day trip to the glaciers of Sonamarg.

Days 5–6: Transfer and exploration of the valleys of Pahalgam.

Day 7: Journey to the alpine meadows of Gulmarg.

Day 8: Return to Srinagar for local sightseeing and a Houseboat stay.

Day 9: Final morning on Dal Lake and departure from Srinagar Airport.

Morning (Arrival): Land at the Jammu Airport or reach the Jammu Tawi Railway Station. Transfer to Katra via cab (approx. 45 km / 1.5 hours). Afternoon (Check-in): Settle into your Katra hotel and collect your mandatory Yatra Parcha (RFID travel card) from the Katra counter. Evening (Trek Commences): Reach the Banganga checkpoint and start your 12 km trek up the illuminated pathways.

Early Morning (Darshan): Arrive at the holy Bhawan for Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan. Morning (Bhairon Temple): Take the 5-minute passenger ropeway up to the Bhairon Nath Temple to complete your pilgrimage. Afternoon (Descent): Trek or take battery-operated cars back down to Katra base camp. Evening (Rest): Return to your hotel for an evening foot massage and a deep overnight sleep.

Morning (Scenic Rail Jump): Check out and head to the Katra To Srinagar, Mid-Day (Arrival in Srinagar): Arrive at Srinagar Station in under 4.5 hours. Check into a hotel,Evening (Leisure): Take a relaxing walk along the Boulevard Road or enjoy local street treats. Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Morning (Drive): Take an 80 km scenic drive (approx. 2.5 hours) along the roaring Sindh River to Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold). Mid-Day (Thajiwas Glacier): Hire a local union pony or vehicle to access the magnificent Thajiwas Glacier for sledge rides and pristine snow views. Afternoon (Zero Point option): If roads are clear, hire a union cab up to Zero Point near Zojila Pass to experience massive snow walls. Evening (Return): Drive back to Srinagar for dinner and an overnight stay.

Morning (Saffron Route): Drive towards Pahalgam (90 km / 3 hours). Break your journey at the Pampore Saffron Fields to purchase authentic spices, and view the ancient Avantipur Ruins. Afternoon (Check-in): Check into a riverside resort. Walk along the banks of the rushing Lidder River. Evening (Baisaran Valley): Take a horse ride to Baisaran Meadow, a clearing inside dense pine forests aptly nicknamed “Mini-Switzerland.” Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Day 6: Exploring the Valleys of Pahalgam

Morning (Union Cab Excursion): Rent an authorized local union vehicle to tour Pahalgam’s iconic spots: Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari (the Amarnath Yatra base). Afternoon (Leisure): Have a quiet lunch back in Pahalgam town and shop for local walnut wood carvings or woollens. Night: Second consecutive overnight stay at your resort in Pahalgam.

Morning (Transit): Drive from Pahalgam across to Gulmarg (approx. 140 km / 4 hours). Mid-Day (Gondola Ride): Head straight to the Gulmarg Gondola. Ride Phase 1 (Kungdoor) and Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak) to reach heights of over 13,000 feet. Afternoon (Snow Play): Enjoy skiing, snow-biking, or strolling around the historic St. Mary’s Church. Night: Overnight stay at a heated resort in Gulmarg to enjoy the mountain quiet.

Morning (Return to Srinagar): Drive back to Srinagar (50 km / 1.5 hours). Mid-Day (Houseboat Experience): Check into a traditional carved Kashmiri Houseboat on Nigeen or Dal Lake. Afternoon (Mughal Gardens): Tour the terraced water gardens built by emperors: Nishat Bagh (Garden of Joy) and Shalimar Bagh. Evening (Shikara Cruise): Enjoy a signature 1-hour Shikara ride during sunset, floating past lotus gardens and local wooden bridges. Overnight on the houseboat.

Early Morning (Optional): Take a Shikara ride to watch the local Floating Vegetable Market trade boat-to-boat. Late Morning (Departure): Have breakfast on the deck, pack your bags, and catch your airport transfer to Srinagar Airport for your return flight home.