Overview
The Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Nestled amidst the Trikuta Mountains in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, the shrine attracts millions of devotees every year.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the trek.
The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
Carry light woolen clothing as it can get chilly in the evenings, especially at the Bhawan.
Maintain decorum and respect the sanctity of the pilgrimage site.
This is a basic outline of a Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage tour. The duration of the trip can vary depending on your preferences. Some people choose to spend an additional day in Katra to explore the surrounding area.
Highlights
- Spiritual Significance
- Scenic Beauty
- Unique Experience
- Inner Peace
- Memorable Journey
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Jammu
Morning:
Arrival in Jammu: Fly into Jammu Airport or arrive by train.
Transfer to Katra: A 1.5-hour drive from Jammu to Katra, the base town for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
Afternoon:
Check-in at Hotel: Check-in at your hotel in Katra and freshen up.
Rest and Relaxation: Rest to prepare for the trek to the shrine.
Evening:
Explore Katra: Take a leisurely walk around Katra town, visit the local markets, and arrange for your Yatra Parchi (pilgrimage registration slip).
Dinner: Enjoy a meal at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Day 2 :
Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage
Early Morning:
Start Trek: Begin your trek to Vaishno Devi Temple early in the morning. The trek is approximately 12-14 km and takes around 5-6 hours.
Afternoon:
Darshan: Reach the Bhawan, perform darshan, and visit the holy cave.
Lunch: Have lunch at one of the eateries near the Bhawan.
Evening:
Return to Katra: Trek back to Katra.
Relax and Rest: Return to your hotel to relax and recuperate from the trek.
Dinner: Have dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 :
Transfer to Srinagar
Morning:
Drive to Srinagar: Depart for Srinagar (7-8 hour drive).
Check-in at Houseboat/Hotel: Arrive in Srinagar and check into your accommodation.
Afternoon:
Relaxation: Relax and enjoy the scenic views from your houseboat or hotel.
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: Experience the serene beauty of Dal Lake.
Evening:
Dinner: Try local Kashmiri cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Day 4 :
Explore Srinagar
Morning:
Visit Mughal Gardens: Explore Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, renowned for their Mughal architecture and beautiful landscaping.
Afternoon:
Hazratbal Shrine: Visit the Hazratbal Shrine, an important Muslim pilgrimage site located on the northern shores of Dal Lake.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening:
Walk around Boulevard Road: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Boulevard Road, soaking in the scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Dinner: Dine at your houseboat or a local restaurant.
Day 5 :
Excursion to Gulmarg
Morning:
Drive to Gulmarg: A 2-hour drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg, a popular hill station known for its stunning landscapes and adventure sports.
Gondola Ride: Take the famous Gulmarg Gondola up to the Apharwat Peak. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas and, if in winter, engage in some skiing or snowboarding.
Afternoon:
Explore Gulmarg: Visit the Gulmarg Golf Course, one of the highest in the world, and St. Mary's Church, a historical landmark.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the scenic beauty or dine at a local restaurant.
Evening:
Return to Srinagar: Drive back to Srinagar.
Shopping at Lal Chowk: Explore the local markets for Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Dinner: Have a delightful dinner at your houseboat or a recommended local restaurant.
Day 6 :
Excursion to Pahalgam
Morning:
Drive to Pahalgam: A 3-hour drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam, known for its lush green meadows and valleys.
Betaab Valley: Visit Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie "Betaab." It's a beautiful location with a picturesque landscape.
Afternoon:
Aru Valley: Head to Aru Valley, about 12 km from Pahalgam, known for its scenic meadows and adventure activities like trekking and horse riding.
Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant or a packed picnic lunch in one of the valleys.
Evening:
Return to Srinagar: Drive back to Srinagar.
Explore Old Srinagar: If time permits, visit the historic Jamia Masjid and the bustling markets of Old Srinagar.
Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner with authentic Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine.
Day 7 :
Departure from Srinagar
Morning:
Shankaracharya Temple: Visit the Shankaracharya Temple for a panoramic view of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
Nigeen Lake: Take a stroll around Nigeen Lake, a quieter counterpart to Dal Lake.
Afternoon:
Lunch: Have a final traditional Kashmiri lunch at a local restaurant.
Last-minute Shopping: Visit local markets for any last-minute souvenirs or gifts.
Evening:
Departure: Transfer to Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport for your departure flight.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.