VAISNO DEVI DARSHAN

Day 1: Arrive in Katra

After arrival at the Jammu Tawi Railway Station/Jammu Airport, board the designated vehicle and proceed towards Katra. Situated at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra is a small town in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This town serves as the gateway to the famous Vaishno Devi Temple, a revered Hindu shrine. On arrival in Katra, check-in at the hotel and rest for a while. Later, you can go for a stroll in the nearby market and purchase local items. Thereafter, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Trip to Vaishno Devi

Gear up for a visit to the sacred Vaishno Devi Temple. Devoted to Mata Vaishno Devi, this temple is the second-most visited pilgrimage site in the country. It is located at an elevation of 5200 feet atop a hill. Before undertaking the pilgrimage, register at the Yatra Registration Counter (YRC) and get ae computerised Yatra slip or Darshan Parchi. It is the documentary permission to make a journey to the temple.

Thereafter, trek for approximately 13 km on a well-laid path to reach the shrine. In case, you do not wish to cover this distance on foot, then you can go for a pony ride. After completion of the darshan of the deity, return to Katra. Later, retreat to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Drive from Katra to Srinagar

Drive from Katra to Srinagar. It is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and is located at the banks of the Jhelum River. This city is famous across the globe for its scenic gardens, serene lakes and houseboats. Some of the popular attractions of this city are Nigeen Lake, Pari Mahal, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Dal Lake and Jama Masjid. Shalimar Bagh, known as the royal garden of Kashmir, was laid by the Mughal emperor - Jahangir. The major attraction of this garden is the Sound and Light Show that is organised here every evening. Upon arrival in Srinagar, check-in at the hotel and repose for a while. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Sightseeing in Srinagar

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Srinagar. Start the tour with a visit to the beautiful Dal Lake, which has been given the sobriquet 'Srinagar's Jewel'. It is the second largest lake in the state and is a major attraction. Enjoy a 2-hour boat ride on Dal Lake and admire its mesmerising surroundings. Exquisitely-designed houseboats and surrounding Mughal Gardens add to the charm of this pristine lake. After the shikara ride, visit the local crafts markets to see and purchase intricately-carved articles made from wood and papier mache. Thereafter, retreat to the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 5: Excursion to Gulmarg

Embark on an excursion to Gulmarg. Also known as the 'Meadow of Flowers', this hill station is bestowed with numerous flowering valleys. With snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, a walk through the winding streets of this hill station offers a delightful experience. Located at an elevation of approximately 2,670 m above sea level, this town remains covered with snow most part of the year. During sightseeing in Gulmarg, visit the beautiful Khilanmarg Valley, which is carpeted with blooming flowers. You can also take a pony ride or a Gondola (ropeway) ride to reach this valley (Charges applicable). After the day-long excursion to Gulmarg, return to Srinagar for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Depart from Srinagar

Board your return flight or train culminating this memorable journey.