Vaishno Devi & Kashmir

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT JAMMU TO KATRA

Upon arrival at “Jammu” discovered by Raja Jambu Lochan – the Island of the “Fearless” and the Island of “Gods
& Goddesses” – popularly known as the “City Of Temples”. You will be met by our representative & transfer to
the Katra Hotel for Check in followed by welcome drink on Arrival. Katra is the base point to visit renowned
Vaishnodevi Pilgrimage, One of the most revered and visited temples in India. Evening time one can go for visit
to local markets around Katra (On Own). Return back for Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 02: IN KATRA – MATA VAISHNODEVI DARSHAN

After an early breakfast in the morning, we proceed further to visit the Holy temple of Vaishnodevi (Total 13 kms
walk to the temple that takes about 4-5 hours). Enroute stops at Adhkwari Temple and darshan at Baba
Bhaironath Temple is recommended). During summer and peak travel season it may be advisable to start the climb
previous evening. Once queue tickets are purchased the wait period could be half an hour to 3 hours depending on
the rush. During season Yatra Parchi (entry tickets required to beging the uphill walk), it is recommended to purchase
in advance to avoid delays. Guests looking for Helidarshan (Helicopter ride, darshan and back), morning flights
are recommended for best weather and least uncertainty. Return by late evening for dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 03: KATRA TO PAHALGAM ( 230 Kms – 6 to 7 Hrs One Way )

After an early breakfast, we check out from Hotel & leave for overnight stay at “Pahalgam” called as “Valley of
Shepherds”. Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder
River, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd’s village with breathtaking views. Enjoy the nature & walk
around the bank of river Lidder. Pahalgam is famous for some trekking routes also & is the base camp for Amarnath
Pilgrimage. Pahalgam is also famous for Indian film Industry (Bollywood). Now it is Kashmir’s premier resort, cool
even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceeds 25 Degree C. Upon arrival,
check in to the pre-arranged Hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 04: IN PAHALGAM (LOCAL SIGHTSEEING)

After a leisurely breakfast, full day free to enjoy and explore the Beauty of “Pahalgam”(ON OWN). One can go to
Aru (10 kms from Pahalgam) which is a fine meadow of picturesque scenery and starting point of trekking of
(Liddarwat, Kolahoi Glacier & Trsar Lake) & Betaab Valley.
ARU VALLEY It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River. Noted for its
scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The
village lies of the left bank of the Aru river, which is a tributary of the Lidder river The Aru valley is noted for its
scenic meadows.
BETAAB VALLEY Situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from the Sunny
Deol– Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and
covered with dense vegetation. Betaab Valley is a very popular touristic destination. Betaab Valley is also a favorite
campsite of travellers as it also serves as a base camp for trekking and further exploration of the mountains. The
valley is a walk-able distance from Pahalgam. The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the
snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tulian Lake are few nearby attractions that
can be visited.

CHANDANWARI Situated 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place
every year in the month of Sawan (Rain). It is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Taxi cabs can be hired
from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. Snow fights” is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down.
Many prefer to sip a cup of tea of snack at the nearby dhabas. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot
for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes Return by the
evening for Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 05: PAHALGAM TO GULMARG (148 Kms – 4 to 5 Hrs One Way )

After an early breakfast, we check out from Hotel & drive to Gulmarg via Bye-Pass. Gulmarg, called as “Meadow
of Flowers”. Gulmarg is at an altitude of 8700 – ft. Gulmarg also referred as Meadow of Flowers is a famous Ski
Resort & the world’s highest 18 hole Golf Course. The place was prominent during the British time. Gulmarg’s
legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the
country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf
Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favorite haunt
of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely
a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650
m, and is the country’s premier ski resort in the winter. On Arrival in Gulmarg, check in to the pre-arranged Hotel.
One can go for the Gondola Ride up to 1
st or 2nd Phase. The Gulmarg Gondola is a tourist attraction in itself. It is
one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people
per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Affarwat Summit (4,200 m
(13,780 ft)). There are also countless off-piste possibilities through the beautiful Khilanmarg meadows on the foot
of Mount Affarwat, which offer a scenic view of Nanga Parbat. The Affarwat ridge at 3850+ metres offers an
avalanche controlled ski area that offers a wide field of snow to descend 800 m in approximately 3 km of skiing, and
is for advanced skiers only. Due to Gulmarg’s steep terrain, the region is popular amongst advanced and extreme
skiers from around the world and has been visited by a number of ski professionals and featured in a number of ski
films also. Return by the evening for Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 06: GULMARG TO SRINAGAR (50 Kms – 2 Hrs One Way)

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out from Hotel & transfer to Srinagar. On arrival at Srinagar we check in to the
pre-arranged Hotel. Later we start our Sightseeing tour by visit of Shankaracharya Temple, It is believed that it
was the place where the great philosopher and saint Shankaracharya stayed when he visited Kashmir ten centuries
ago to revive Sanathan Dharma. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof is not more than a century
old. And later proceed further to Hazratbal Mosque; Situated in a village on the western shores of the Dal Lake
opposite Nishat Bagh, it is a pristine white marble edifice casting its reflection in the waters of the lake. Unlike the
other mosques in Srinagar, which have a pagoda like roof, Hazratbal is the only mosque to have a domed roof
mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs Gardens &Jamia Masjid, Situated in the heart of
the old city of Srinagar, this huge mosque is visited by thousands of people who congregate here for the Friday
prayers. In the afternoon, we take a visit to Mughal Gardens, Nishat Garden known as ‘Garden of pleasure’ built
in 16th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan. Then visit to Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built
in 16th century (1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan or (Mehr-un-Nissa
& Chashmashahi (The Royal Spring). The Chashmashahi Mughal garden in Srinagar had been loved by emperors
and picnickers alike.Dinner & overnight stay at the Hotel.

DAY 07: IN SRINAGAR (DAY EXCURSION TO SONMARG) 87 Kms – 2 to 3 hrs One Way) – SUBJECT
TO WEATHER & ROAD CONDITION

After breakfast we depart on an excursion to Sonmarg. Sonmarg, which means Meadow of Gold, has its backdrop
of snowy mountains against the blue sky. The drive offers incredible scenic beauty, dense pine forests and gigantic
mountains. The place provides an ideal base for various trekking routes, high mountain lakes, glaciers, and Sri
Amarnath Holy Cave.The River meanders along here & abounds with Trout & Mahseer. Sonamarg’s importance
lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh. Later we drive back and
reach Srinagar by evening for dinner & overnight stay in Hotel.

DAY 08: IN SRINAGAR – DAY EXCURSION TO YUSMARG – 50 Kms – 1 & Half Hrs One Way )

After an early breakfast, leave for full day excursion to Yusmarg. Yusmarg, situated at a distance of around 50 km
from Srinagar in the district of Budgam, is a town known for its beauty. The place is located at an altitude of 7500
ft above sea level in the Pir Panjal Mountain Range & a perfect destination for nature lovers. Yusmarg, give
tourists the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of valleys, peaks, and grassy meadows. Visitors here can also
indulge in activities like trekking, skiing, and pony riding. Nilnag, located at a distance of around 4 km from the
destination is a starting point for treks here. Nilnag Lake, Mount Tatakuti, and Sang-e-Safed are some of the
popular tourist attractions of Yusmarg. Known for its beautiful blue-water, Nilnag Lake is also considered as a
fantastic picnic spot. Mount Tatakuti located at a height of 15500 ft above sea level can be reached on foot or pony
rides from Yusmarg. Sang-e-Safed is an oval-shaped meadow that is ideal for picnics. Travellers can also spot the
beautiful meadows of Hajin and Liddermar while on the way to the site. Return by the evening to Srinagar for
dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 09: DEPART SRINAGAR (FLY OUT)

Tour concludes. Thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the
flight for your onward Destination.