Kashmir with Vaishno Devi Tour

This 6 Days 5 Nights journey pairs the meadows and lakes of the Kashmir valley with the sacred darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra. You begin in Srinagar with shikara rides on Dal Lake and the Mughal gardens, then travel to Gulmarg for the Gondola and Pahalgam for the Lidder river and Betaab Valley. The final stretch brings you to Katra, the base for the trek to the holy cave shrine in the Trikuta hills. It is a well balanced blend of natural beauty and spiritual devotion, ideal for families who want scenery and pilgrimage in one trip. Happy Jacks handles your stays, transfers, and local guidance throughout.

Highlights

• Shikara ride on Dal Lake past floating gardens and the option to stay on a traditional houseboat
• Mughal gardens of Srinagar: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi with the Zabarwan hills behind
• Gulmarg Gondola cable car towards Apharwat and the high meadows of Khilanmarg
• Pahalgam with the Lidder river, Betaab Valley, and views towards Aru and Chandanwari
• Darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi at the holy cave shrine in the Trikuta hills above Katra
• Comfortable road transfer from the Kashmir valley down to Katra in Jammu
• Kashmiri cuisine, saffron, dry fruits, and handicraft shopping in Srinagar
• Private cab, hotel stays, and local support from a Srinagar based team throughout

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar and Dal Lake

On arrival at Srinagar airport, our driver meets you and transfers you to your hotel or houseboat near Dal Lake. After a short rest, enjoy a relaxed shikara ride across the lake, passing floating gardens and the shoreline. In the evening, stroll along the Boulevard. Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 2: Srinagar Mughal Gardens and Gulmarg Day Trip

After breakfast, visit the Mughal gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, with Shankaracharya hill and Hazratbal nearby. Later drive around two hours to Gulmarg to ride the Gondola cable car towards Apharwat and see the famous meadows. Return to Srinagar for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Srinagar to Pahalgam

Drive about two and a half hours to Pahalgam through saffron fields near Pampore and apple orchards. On arrival, explore the Lidder river banks and the town. You may take a local cab to Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari, which are payable directly. Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Day 4: Pahalgam to Katra

After a morning by the Lidder, begin the longer drive down from the valley towards Katra in Jammu, the base town for Vaishno Devi. The route descends through winding mountain roads, so we start early. On arrival, check in and rest to prepare for the darshan ahead. Overnight stay in Katra.

Day 5: Vaishno Devi Darshan at Katra

Today is dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi. Begin the roughly thirteen kilometre trek from Banganga to the holy cave shrine in the Trikuta hills. You may go on foot or arrange ponies, palki, or helicopter, which are payable directly. After darshan, return to Katra for a well earned overnight stay.

Day 6: Departure from Katra

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your travel plans, our driver transfers you towards Jammu for your onward train or flight, or to Jammu airport. Carry back memories of Kashmir meadows and the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi as your tour concludes.

Inclusions

• 5 nights accommodation in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Katra on twin sharing basis
• Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels or houseboat
• All transfers and sightseeing by private cab as per the itinerary
• One shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar
• Gulmarg day trip with driver assistance
• Pick up and drop from Srinagar airport and transfer towards Jammu or Jammu airport
• All applicable toll, parking, and driver charges
• Local support from the Happy Jacks Srinagar team throughout

Exclusions

• Airfare and train tickets to and from the destination
• Gulmarg Gondola tickets and any local union or pony cabs at Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Betaab Valley, Aru, and Chandanwari
• Vaishno Devi ponies, palki, porter, battery car, and helicopter charges at Katra
• Lunches, and any meals or drinks not mentioned in inclusions
• Entry fees, monument tickets, and personal expenses such as tips and shopping
• Anything not specifically listed under inclusions

Pricing

FAQ

How is Vaishno Devi combined with the Kashmir valley in this trip?

You first cover Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam in the valley, then drive down to Katra in Jammu, which is the base town for the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine. The itinerary is planned so the darshan comes near the end of the tour.

How long is the trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine?

The main route from Banganga at Katra to the holy cave is roughly thirteen kilometres uphill. You can walk, or use ponies, palki, battery car, or helicopter for part of the way, all of which are arranged and paid directly at Katra.

Are the Gondola and Vaishno Devi charges included in the package?

No. The Gulmarg Gondola tickets and all Vaishno Devi ponies, palki, porter, and helicopter charges are paid directly by you. This keeps the base price transparent and lets you choose options that suit your comfort.

What is the best time to do this Kashmir and Vaishno Devi tour?

Kashmir is lovely from spring through autumn, with April to October offering pleasant weather across the valley. Vaishno Devi darshan is possible year round. Winter brings snow to Gulmarg and colder valley days, so pack accordingly.

How do I book or ask more questions about this package?

You can call or message Happy Jacks at +91-9419244962 or email info@happyjacks.co.in. Our Srinagar based team will help you confirm dates, choose a hotel tier, and customise the plan for your group.