Kashmir -Vaishno Devi Tour

Tour Destination: Jammu - Katra - Patnitop - Srinagar - Gulmarg - Sonamarg - Pahalgam - Srinagar

Travel Duration: 08 nights/09 days

DAY 1: JAMMU - KATRA- Arrival at Jammu Airport/Station and drive to Katra. Enroute visit the famous Raghunath Temple.

RAGHUNATH TEMPLE- Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples, this temple, dedicated to Lord Rama is outstanding and unique in Northern India. 

Continue your drive to Katra. After relaxing some hours, start your trek towards the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. The Yatra begins at Katra from where you can go bare foot, horses or palki for the Darshan.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 2: VAISHNO DEVI SHRINE - KATRA- Today continue with a 16 km journey that covers Banganga, the Adhkawari cave, Sanji Chhat, Bhawan, the shrine and the Bhairon temple. 

MATA VAISHNO DEVI- The Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi's abode is in 100 feet long cave with a narrow opening. The holy cold and crystal clear water washes the lotus feet of the Mata's "Pindian". There are three natural ‘Pindies’ representing Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali, which represent creative, preservative, and destructive aspects of the Super Power. It is an ancient shrine whose reference is found in the Vedas and ancient scriptures.

After the divine blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi  return back to Katra. Take rest at the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: KATRA - PATNITOP- After breakfast drive to Patnitop. Transfer to hotel. Later visit the beautiful hill station- Patnitop.

NATHATOP- One reaches Nathatop after a short trek from Patnitop. The hill station is covered with snow during winters thereby enhancing its beauty two times. One can happily go skiing in these mountains. Nathatop has become very famous for its paragliding.

KUD PARK- Located in Kud, this park is famous for its beautiful flowers. Also Kud, one can get their hands on some 'Patisa', a sweet that Patnitop is known for.

NAAG TEMPLE- The pride of Patnitop is its 600-year-old Naag (cobra) temple. Though small in size, it reflects the faith and reverence shared by millions of Indians all over. Predominantly made of wood, this temple has weathered several centuries although it is not a conventional solid temple construction. 

SUDH MAHADEV TEMPLE- Built almost 80 years ago, this temple was built on the spot where a Shiva devotee was accidentally killed by his trishul, while he was trying to protect his consort, Parvati.

In the evening nature trails can lead to pockets where time stands still and calm prevails. Encounter breathtaking landscapes and indulge in scenic purity on nature walks through the landscapes, hills and valleys here.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 4: PATNITOP - SRINAGAR- Today drive to Srinagar. Transfer to hotel. In the evening move around the town and revel in the scenic surroundings. You can take a long ride in the Shikara on ever beautiful Dal Lake. 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 5: SRINAGAR- After breakfast visit the beautiful city of lakes-Srinagar.

DAL LAKE- This lake is one of the important tourist attraction of Srinagar. The Dal Lake comprises of a number of lakes, including the Nagin Lake which also has many houseboats stationed there. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Later you take on a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or Shikaras to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this lake. 

MUGHAL GARDENS- These Gardens were laid by the Mughal epitomizing love for mankind. They are located between Dal Lake and Zabarwan Mountain range.

NASIM BAGH- One of the most beautiful Mughal Gardens, Nasim bagh is constructed in 1586 AD by Great Mughal Emperor Akbar. This garden serves as a brilliant example of natural beauty merged with the man made marvelous designs. This is the oldest Mughal garden and has camping facilities in the enchanting lawns of the Gardens.

NISHAT BAGH- It was designed by Asaf Khan, brother of Noor Jehan, in 1633 AD. It is largest of the Mughal gardens and is situated on the banks of Dal Lake.

SHALIMAR GARDENS- Garden of love was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan in 1616.It is 2 major houses which is called the Diwan e Khas and Diwan e Aam.

CHESHMASHAHI- Royal springs are situated in the foothills of the Zabarwan range. It was laid by Ali Mardan Khan in 1632. 

PARI MAHAL- It is a school of astrology built by Prince Dara Shukho eldest son of Shahjahan who had keen interest in astrology and sufisim. One can capture a splendid view of the Srinagar city and Dal Lake.

SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE-The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to visit in Srinagar. 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 6: SRINAGAR - GULMARG - SRINAGAR- Today drive to the Meadow of Flowers-Gulmarg. 

WHY VISIT GULMARG?

1. Green meadows, Blue Skies, Flowers in full bloom in spring and summer. 
   
2. Asia highest cable car ride the Gulmarg - Gondola. 
   
3. Gulmarg is considered Asia Best ski resort, famous amongst skiers for its unique powder snow which form the perfect slopes for skiing, sledging and snowboarding. 
   
4. Gulmarg boasts of Highest Golf course in the world club established in 1902 which has an 18 whole golf course par 72 where competitions are held each year. 
   
5. Gulmarg is one of the best summer and winter resorts in the world. In summers, the meadows of Gulmarg are laden with flowers whereas in winters, the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg turn into a skiing resort, for adventure and thrill.
   

SIGHTSEEING GULMARG- Gondola Ride (Asia highest ski lift), Maharani Temple, St Marys Church, Maharaja Palace, Children Park, Baba Reishi Shrine, Drand a famous picnic spot, Khilanmarg, Ningal Nullah, Trek to Alpather Lake and visit Tanmarg

Later in the evening return back to Srinagar.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 7: SRINAGAR - SONMARG - SRINAGAR- In the morning drive to the Meadow of Gold-Sonmarg, a valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. You can view the beautiful flower and laden meadows, panoramic view of the snow covered Himalayan peaks.

WHY VISIT SONMARG?

1. Sonmarg is a trekker paradise. 
   
2. Snow sledging and snowboarding.
   

SIGHTSEEING SONMARG- Thajiwas Glacier, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Manasbal Lake

Later return back to Srinagar 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 8: SRINAGAR - PAHALGAM - SRINAGAR- Today morning drive to the Valley of Shepards-Pahalgam. You can move around the place hiring a pony rather than walking. Visit the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Next move around the Village of nomad is un-spoilt by the ravages of progress. 

WHY VISIT PAHALGAM?

1. Pahalgam has an astounding golf course open to tourists. 
   
2. Rout fishing is a popular sport here "an anglers paradise" 
   
3. Pahalgam is known as the base camp for famous treks to Aru, Chandanwari, Tulian lake and the famous Amarnath trek via Sheshnag and Panchtarni. 
   
4. Pine trees, Cedar Forests, flora and fauna of Pahalgam are a major attraction here.
   

SIGHTSEEING PAHALGAM- Baisaran, Shikargha, Betaab Valley, Tulian Lake, Mamal Temple, Phrislan, Aru and Chandanawari, Mattan Temple, Aishmuqam, Sun Temple, Avantipur Temple, Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake.

Later return back to Srinagar 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 9: SRINAGAR- Day free for shopping. 

SHOPPING- Kashmir is also a shopper paradise. A tourist can buy Pashmina shawls, carpets, papier mashie, walnuts, saffron, willow wicker, leather jackets and bags, cricket bats, Honey, copper utensils, wooden handicrafts, Kashmiri embroidered suits, saris and jewellery.

Later in the evening, travel back by car/flight/train towards onward destination.