Vaishno Devi & Kashmir: Katra, Pahalgam, Gulmarg & Srinagar, 7 Nights
Two nights in Katra for the pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine, then five nights in the Kashmir valley: two at Pahalgam, one at Gulmarg, and two in Srinagar with a houseboat night, a shikara ride on Dal Lake and a day trip to Sonamarg.
- Duration
- 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Destinations
- Pahalgam · Gulmarg · Srinagar
- Travel style
- Cultural
- Transfers
- Private transfer to the airport
Journey overview
Two nights in Katra for the pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine, then five nights in the Kashmir valley: two at Pahalgam, one at Gulmarg, and two in Srinagar with a houseboat night, a shikara ride on Dal Lake and a day trip to Sonamarg.
Why you'll love this journey
- The darshan at the Vaishno Devi shrine, with two nights in Katra
- Five nights in Kashmir: Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Srinagar
- A houseboat night in Srinagar and a one-hour shikara ride on Dal Lake
- The Mughal gardens of Nishat and Shalimar and the Shankaracharya Temple
- A full-day excursion to Sonamarg
- Breakfast and dinner with every night's stay
Day-by-day itinerary
You arrive in Jammu by train or by air and are met at the station or airport and driven to Katra, the town at the foot of the pilgrimage route, where you check in at your hotel. Meals included today: dinner.
After an early breakfast you set out for the darshan at the Vaishno Devi shrine. You can walk or hire a pony up to the Bhawan, or go by helicopter; ponies and helicopter seats are arranged and paid for directly and are not part of the package. After the darshan you return to Katra on foot, by pony or by helicopter, and the rest of the day is for resting at the hotel. Meals included today: breakfast and dinner.
You leave Katra for Pahalgam, the Valley of Shepherds, on a long day's drive into Kashmir. On the road to Pahalgam you may pass saffron fields. You check in, then take an afternoon out to explore the surroundings and the market, and a walk along the banks of the Lidder river. The night is in Pahalgam. Meals included today: breakfast and dinner.
A free day in Pahalgam to explore on your own, by the river and in the valley, or to rest after the journey. The night is at the same hotel. Meals included today: breakfast and dinner.
After breakfast you drive to Gulmarg, the Meadow of Flowers, about 150 km from Pahalgam on the programme's figures. Gulmarg lies at about 8,700 feet and is known as a ski resort. The Gondola cable car with its view of Kongdori is optional and is paid for separately. Dinner and the night are at your Gulmarg hotel. Meals included today: breakfast and dinner.
You drive from Gulmarg to Srinagar. In the afternoon you visit the Mughal gardens of Nishat and Shalimar, drive along the Boulevard beside Dal Lake, stop at a handicrafts emporium for carpets, shawls and jewellery, and visit the Shankaracharya Temple. In the evening comes a one-hour shikara ride on Dal Lake, and on the way back a look at the crafts market for papier-mâché and carved walnut wood. You spend the night on a houseboat. Meals included today: breakfast and dinner.
After breakfast you take a full-day excursion to Sonamarg, the Meadow of Gold, about 84 km from Srinagar at around 9,000 feet, set against snowy mountains. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to the Thajiwas glacier, which is a local favourite in summer and is paid for separately. You return to Srinagar for dinner and the night, this time at a hotel. Meals included today: breakfast and dinner.
In good time for your onward flight or train you are driven to the airport. The programme gives Srinagar or Jammu as the departure point, and we confirm which at booking. Meals included today: breakfast.
Make this journey yours
Every departure is planned around your dates, your pace and your stays. Tell us what matters and a specialist replies within 24 hours with a tailored proposal.
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation (2 in Katra, 2 in Pahalgam, 1 in Gulmarg, 1 on a houseboat and 1 in a hotel in Srinagar) on a twin sharing basis, in the hotel category chosen in your quotation, from standard to luxury
- Breakfast and dinner with each night's stay, starting with dinner on the first day
- A non-air-conditioned private vehicle for the transfers and sightseeing in the itinerary: a sedan for two travellers, an MPV-type vehicle for four to seven and a tempo traveller for eight to twelve
- One hour on Dal Lake by shikara, one boat for every four people
- Meeting and assistance on arrival in Jammu
- A welcome drink on arrival
- All applicable taxes
Not included
- Flights and train fares to Jammu and from Srinagar or Jammu
- Ponies, palanquins and helicopter seats at the Vaishno Devi shrine, which are arranged and paid for directly
- Shrine registration and any fees charged by the shrine authorities
- Optional extras: the Gondola cable car at Gulmarg and ponies to the Thajiwas glacier at Sonamarg
- Lunches
- A guide; the sightseeing is with your driver
- Entrance fees at gardens, temples and other sights
- Travel insurance
- Tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Accommodation, meals & transport
What the journey covers day to day, taken from this package's own inclusions.
🏨 Accommodation
- 7 nights' accommodation (2 in Katra, 2 in Pahalgam, 1 in Gulmarg, 1 on a houseboat and 1 in a hotel in Srinagar) on a twin sharing basis, in the hotel category chosen in your quotation, from standard to luxury
🍽 Meals
- Breakfast and dinner with each night's stay, starting with dinner on the first day
🚆 Transport
- A non-air-conditioned private vehicle for the transfers and sightseeing in the itinerary: a sedan for two travellers, an MPV-type vehicle for four to seven and a tempo traveller for eight to twelve
- Pick-up at Jammu airport or railway station; private vehicle to Katra
- Own arrangements to the shrine
- Private vehicle
- Own arrangements
- Private vehicle; shikara
- Private transfer to the airport
Flights, visa & practical
Arranged separately from the journey itself — listed here so there are no surprises.
✈ Flights
- Flights and train fares to Jammu and from Srinagar or Jammu
🛡 Insurance
- Travel insurance
Every journey is quoted individually for your travel dates and party. Read our pricing terms for how a quotation is prepared. Cancellations and amendments follow our Refund & Cancellation Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Frequently asked
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