Kashmir & Vaishno Devi Divine Escape

Trip highlights

• 🏔️ Explore the scenic beauty of Kashmir Valley
• 🚤 Traditional Kashmiri houseboat stay
• 🌊 Optional Shikara ride on Dal Lake
• 🌸 Srinagar Mughal Gardens sightseeing
• 🚠 Optional Gulmarg Gondola ride
• 🏞️ Scenic Sonmarg day excursion
• 🌲 Explore beautiful Pahalgam
• 🌾 Visit Pampore saffron fields, season permitting
• 🛕 Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ideal for families, couples and pilgrims

About the tour

Experience the best of Kashmir and Vaishno Devi with this 8-day holiday package covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Katra. Enjoy a traditional houseboat stay, Shikara ride on Dal Lake, scenic Himalayan valleys, Mughal Gardens and the spiritual experience of Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan. This Kashmir tour with Vaishno Devi is ideal for families, couples and pilgrims seeking a perfect blend of nature, sightseeing and spirituality.

Day-wise itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar | Houseboat Stay & Shikara Ride

   Arrive at Srinagar Airport, where our representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel or traditional Kashmiri houseboat.
   
   After check-in, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake. In the evening, enjoy an optional Shikara ride on Dal Lake, exploring its scenic waters, floating gardens and traditional floating markets.
   
   You can also explore Srinagar's local markets for Kashmiri handicrafts, shawls, dry fruits and spices.
   
   Overnight Stay: Houseboat/Hotel in Srinagar

   Meals: Dinner

2. Day 2: Srinagar Sightseeing | Mughal Gardens

   After breakfast, proceed for a full-day Srinagar sightseeing tour.
   
   Visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi. Continue to Pari Mahal for panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake. Later, visit the historic Shankaracharya Temple, subject to local conditions and permitted timings.
   
   Return to your hotel/houseboat and enjoy a relaxing evening.
   
   Overnight Stay: Srinagar

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

3. Day 3: Srinagar – Gulmarg Excursion | Meadow of Flowers

   After breakfast, proceed for a scenic day excursion to Gulmarg, popularly known as the Meadow of Flowers.
   
   Enjoy the beautiful drive through lush landscapes, apple orchards and picturesque villages. Spend the day exploring Gulmarg and enjoy optional activities such as the Gulmarg Gondola ride, pony riding, skiing or snow activities depending on the season.
   
   Return to Srinagar in the evening.
   
   Overnight Stay: Srinagar

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

4. Day 4: Srinagar – Sonmarg Excursion | Meadow of Gold

   After breakfast, proceed to Sonmarg, known as the Meadow of Gold. Enjoy the scenic journey through mountain valleys, rivers and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
   
   Guests can enjoy optional local activities such as pony rides towards Thajiwas Glacier, subject to weather and local regulations. Other activities may be available seasonally at additional cost.
   
   Return to Srinagar in the evening.
   
   Overnight Stay: Srinagar

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

5. Day 5: Srinagar – Pahalgam | Valley of Shepherds

   After breakfast, drive to Pahalgam, one of Kashmir's most scenic destinations.
   
   En route, visit the historic Awantipora Ruins and stop at the saffron fields of Pampore, subject to the season. Continue towards Pahalgam and check in at your hotel.
   
   Spend the afternoon at leisure or opt for local activities such as a pony ride to Baisaran Valley, subject to local union regulations and weather conditions.
   
   Overnight Stay: Pahalgam

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

6. Day 6: Pahalgam – Katra

   After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Katra, the gateway to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
   
   Enjoy the scenic drive through the Jammu region with suitable breaks en route. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.
   
   Overnight Stay: Katra

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

7. Day 7: Vaishno Devi Darshan | Katra

   Begin your day early for the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.
   
   Undertake the approximately 12-km pilgrimage route to the holy shrine. Ponies, palkis and other permitted transport options may be available at an additional cost, subject to availability and shrine regulations.
   
   After Darshan, return to Katra and relax at your hotel.
   
   Overnight Stay: Katra

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

8. Day 8: Departure from Jammu

   After breakfast, check out and transfer to Jammu Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey.
   
   Tour Ends with Wonderful Memories

   Meals: Breakfast

Know before you go

• Important Notes & Travel Guidelines
• Local Transportation Rules: Due to local taxi and pony operators’ union regulations in Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg, guests may be required to use local vehicles or pony services to visit certain local sightseeing points. Charges for such services, wherever applicable, are payable directly by the guest.
• Gulmarg Gondola: The Gulmarg Gondola operates in two phases: Phase 1 – Gulmarg to Kongdori and Phase 2 – Kongdori to Apharwat Peak. Gondola tickets are subject to availability and weather conditions. Guests are advised to book tickets through the authorised booking channel in advance or purchase them locally, as applicable. Gondola charges are not included in the package cost.
• Valid ID Proof: Guests must carry an original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, Voter ID, Passport, etc.) along with a photocopy throughout the trip.
• Itinerary Changes: The itinerary is indicative and may be modified or rearranged without prior notice due to weather conditions, road conditions, local regulations, traffic, operational requirements or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Hotel Accommodation: In case the specified hotel is unavailable due to operational or other unavoidable reasons, accommodation will be provided at a similar-category hotel, subject to availability.
• Unforeseen Circumstances: Any additional expenses arising from adverse weather, road closures, natural calamities, strikes, political disturbances, technical issues, government restrictions, pandemics or other circumstances beyond the control of Travel With Mindscript will be borne directly by the guest.
• Personal & Optional Expenses: Any service or activity not specifically mentioned under the package inclusions will be considered optional and charged separately.
• Company Terms & Conditions: All bookings are subject to the Terms & Conditions of Travel With Mindscript applicable at the time of booking.
• Responsible Travel: Consumption of alcohol, tobacco products and other prohibited substances is strictly not permitted during the tour, particularly during transportation and at properties where such restrictions apply.
• Guest Cooperation: Guests are requested to follow local laws, safety instructions, hotel policies and guidelines issued by local authorities and service providers throughout the journey.
• Important
• Travel in Kashmir is highly dependent on weather and local conditions. Guest safety and compliance with local regulations will always take priority over the planned itinerary.