Best of Jammu & Kashmir

Detailed Program

• Day 1: Day 01: Arrival in Jammu – Transfer to Katra
  Begin your Jammu Kashmir tour package with arrival at Jammu/Katra Railway Station or Jammu Airport. Our representative will greet you and transfer you comfortably to Katra, the gateway town for the sacred Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, nestled at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains. Katra is a vibrant, spiritually charged town lined with dharamshalas, local eateries, and souvenir shops selling religious offerings. If time permits, visit the Banganga Temple, believed to be the spot where Mata Vaishno Devi washed her hair during her journey, and the Anji Khad Bridge — a popular viewpoint near Katra. Spend the evening exploring the lively Katra Bazaar, picking up local snacks and religious mementos. Check into your hotel and prepare for your holy trek the next morning. Overnight stay in Katra with dinner.

  • Dinner
  • Katra
• Day 2: Vaishno Devi Darshan – Sacred Pilgrimage in the Trikuta Mountains
  Rise early and embark on the revered Vaishno Devi trek, one of India's most significant pilgrimage experiences. The 14 km trail from Katra to Bhawan winds through forested mountain paths, passing important stops like Ban Ganga, Charan Paduka — a sacred rock believed to bear the footprints of the goddess — and Ardh Kuwari, a cave temple where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months. The highlight is the Vaishno Devi Bhawan, a naturally formed cave shrine housing three sacred Pindis representing Goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. Ponies, palkis, and battery-operated vehicles are available for those who need assistance (at own cost). Helicopter services are also available from Katra to Sanjichhat (at own cost). After darshan, descend back to Katra for rest and recovery. Overnight stay in Katra with meals.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • 14 Kms/ 5-6 Hrs (Per Way)
  • Katra
• Day 3: Katra to Pahalgam – Into the Valley of Shepherds
  After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic drive towards Pahalgam, one of Kashmir's most beloved tourist destinations, situated at an altitude of 2,440 meters along the banks of the Lidder River. The drive itself is a visual delight, passing through the historic city of Anantnag, saffron fields of Pampore — the saffron capital of India — and charming Kashmiri villages with traditional wooden homes. En route, stop at Avantipora Ruins, an 9th-century Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, offering a fascinating glimpse into Kashmir's ancient heritage. Pahalgam, known as the "Valley of Shepherds", is surrounded by towering pine-covered mountains, gushing rivers, and lush alpine meadows. It also serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along the Lidder River.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • 210 Kms/ 6-7 Hrs
  • Pahalgam
• Day 4: Pahalgam Sightseeing & Leisure Activities
  Spend a full day exploring Pahalgam's top Kashmir tourist attractions. Start with Betaab Valley, named after the 1983 Bollywood film shot here, famous for its emerald green meadows, dense pine forests, and crystal-clear streams — making it one of the most photogenic spots in Kashmir. Continue to Aru Valley, a serene hamlet 12 km from Pahalgam, popular as a base for trekking to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake, and offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks reflected in calm mountain streams. End the day at Chandanwari, situated at 2,895 meters and serving as the starting point of the sacred Amarnath Yatra trek. Snow is available here even in summer months, making it a favorite for visitors. Adventure lovers can also opt for white water rafting on the Lidder River or pony rides through the valley (at own cost). Overnight stay in Pahalgam with meals.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Pahalgam
• Day 5: Pahalgam to Gulmarg – Meadow of Flowers
  After breakfast, drive to Gulmarg, one of the most popular hill stations in Kashmir and a world-class winter sports destination in India, situated at 2,650 meters above sea level. The name Gulmarg translates to "Meadow of Flowers", and in summer the vast open meadows burst with wildflowers against a backdrop of snow-draped Himalayan peaks. Gulmarg is home to the Gulmarg Gondola — one of Asia's highest and longest cable car rides — operating in two phases: Phase 1 to Kongdori at 3,080 meters and Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak at 3,980 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. Other must-visit attractions include the Maharani Temple, the St. Mary's Church, one of Kashmir's oldest colonial-era churches, and the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, home to rare Himalayan flora and fauna. In winter, Gulmarg transforms into India's premier skiing and snowboarding destination. Overnight stay in Gulmarg with meals.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • 140 Kms/ 4 Hrs
  • Gulmarg
• Day 6: Gulmarg to Srinagar – Houseboat Experience
  After breakfast, drive to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir and the crown jewel of every Kashmir holiday package. Srinagar, meaning "City of Wealth," is built around the stunning Dal Lake and Nagin Lake, and is famous for its traditional wooden houseboats, fragrant Mughal Gardens, and rich Kashmiri craft traditions. Upon arrival, check into a traditional Kashmiri houseboat on Dal Lake — a unique and iconic experience featuring intricately carved wood interiors, cozy rooms, and breathtaking lake views. In the evening, enjoy a magical Shikara ride on Dal Lake, gliding past the famous Char Chinar island, floating vegetable gardens, lotus beds, and lively floating markets selling fresh flowers, vegetables, and souvenirs. Watching the sunset over the Zabarwan Hills from your Shikara is an experience unlike any other. .

  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • 52 Kms/ 2 Hrs
  • Gulmarg
• Day 7: Srinagar Sightseeing – Mughal Gardens & Heritage
  Dedicate the day to exploring Srinagar's top tourist attractions. Begin with the world-famous Mughal Gardens — visit Shalimar Bagh, built by Emperor Jahangir for Empress Noor Jahan, featuring terraced lawns, fountains, and chinar trees; Nishat Bagh, the "Garden of Bliss" offering stunning views of Dal Lake against the Zabarwan mountain range; and Chashme Shahi, the smallest but most elegant of the three, built around a natural spring. Climb up to the Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a 1,000-feet hill, dedicated to Lord Shiva and offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Srinagar city and Dal Lake. In the afternoon, explore the Old City of Srinagar — visit the Jama Masjid, a stunning 14th-century mosque built in Indo-Saracenic style; the Shah Hamdan Mosque; and the bustling Lal Chowk market area. Don't miss shopping for Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets, paper mache crafts, and saffron at the local craft emporiums. Overnight stay in Srinagar with meals.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Srinagar
• Day 8: Excursion to Sonamarg – Meadow of Gold
  After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day excursion to Sonamarg, meaning "Meadow of Gold", situated at approximately 2,800 meters above sea level and around 87 km from Srinagar. The drive along the Sindh River Valley is one of the most scenic road journeys in Kashmir, passing through alpine meadows, dense forests of pine and fir, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Sonamarg is surrounded by majestic glaciers, including the famous Thajiwas Glacier, accessible by a short pony ride or trek (at own cost) and offering close-up views of glistening ice formations even in summer. The meadow itself is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Other highlights include views of Vishansar Lake, the Zero Point near the Zoji La Pass, and the starting point of several high-altitude treks in Kashmir including the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Return to Srinagar by evening. Overnight stay in Srinagar with meals.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • 80 Kms/ 2 Hrs
  • Srinagar
• Day 9: Departure from Srinagar
  After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Srinagar with some leisure time for last-minute shopping. Head to Residency Road or the Suffering Moses craft store for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, dry fruits, Kesar (saffron), Pashmina shawls, and walnut wood carvings — perfect souvenirs to take home. You will then be transferred to Srinagar International Airport for your onward journey. As you depart, carry with you the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality, the serenity of Dal Lake, the spirituality of Vaishno Devi, and the golden memories of an extraordinary Jammu Kashmir holiday. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next Kashmir tour package.

  • Breakfast

Hotels Used