Kashmir
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Grand Jammu and Kashmir: Katra to Pahalgam

11 days, 10 nights: Katra (Vaishno Devi) (2N), Srinagar (3N), Sonamarg (1N), Gulmarg (2N), Pahalgam (2N) + Doodhpathri day trip. Best time to go: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.

Day 1: Arrive in Katra (Vaishno Devi)

Katra (Vaishno Devi)

  • Bhairon temple by ropeway · 2 h. Pilgrims traditionally visit Bhairon after the Bhawan; the ropeway cuts the steep climb to a few minutes.

Local tip: Pilgrims traditionally visit Bhairon after the Bhawan; the ropeway cuts the steep climb to a few minutes.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Vaishno Devi yatra to the Bhawan

Katra (Vaishno Devi)

  • Vaishno Devi yatra to the Bhawan · Full day. About 13 km uphill from Banganga on a paved, lit path open round the clock. An RFID yatra card (register online with the Shrine Board, or at Katra) is mandatory. Ponies, palkis and battery cars cover parts of the route.

Local tip: About 13 km uphill from Banganga on a paved, lit path open round the clock. An RFID yatra card (register online with the Shrine Board, or at Katra) is mandatory. Ponies, palkis and battery cars cover parts of the route.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Katra (Vaishno Devi) → Srinagar

Srinagar · Katra (Vaishno Devi) to Srinagar, Vande Bharat train ~3h

  • Shikara ride on Dal Lake · 2 h. Hourly rates per boat are posted at the ghats on Boulevard Road; agree the route (Char Chinari, the floating gardens, Nehru Park) before you set off. Sunset is the classic time.
  • Tulip Garden (spring only) · 2 h. The Zabarwan foothill garden opens for roughly three to four weeks from late March into April; dates depend on the bloom and are announced each year. Weekdays and early mornings are calmer.

Local tip: Hourly rates per boat are posted at the ghats on Boulevard Road; agree the route (Char Chinari, the floating gardens, Nehru Park) before you set off. Sunset is the classic time.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar

  • Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi gardens · 4 h. Terraced 17th-century Mughal gardens along the lake's east shore, each with a small entry fee. Add Pari Mahal above Chashme Shahi for the view over Dal.
  • Old city walk: Jamia Masjid and Khanqah-e-Moula · 3 h. The wooden Khanqah-e-Moula on the Jhelum and the great Jamia Masjid courtyard are the highlights; a local guide helps in the lanes. Dress modestly, women cover their heads, and avoid Friday prayer times.

Local tip: Terraced 17th-century Mughal gardens along the lake's east shore, each with a small entry fee. Add Pari Mahal above Chashme Shahi for the view over Dal.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Doodhpathri meadows day trip

Srinagar

  • Doodhpathri meadows day trip · 7 h. About 2h from Srinagar via Budgam: wide meadows, pine forest and the Shaliganga river. Pony rides from the parking area follow posted rates; carry lunch as food is basic.

Local tip: About 2h from Srinagar via Budgam: wide meadows, pine forest and the Shaliganga river. Pony rides from the parking area follow posted rates; carry lunch as food is basic.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Srinagar → Sonamarg

Sonamarg · Srinagar to Sonamarg, Car ~2.5h

Local tip: About 3 km from the taxi stand to the glacier's snout and snowfields; walk it or take a pony at the posted rate.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Sonamarg → Gulmarg

Gulmarg · Sonamarg to Gulmarg, Car ~4h via Srinagar

Local tip: A loop of the bowl-shaped meadow past one of the world's highest golf courses, the stone church and the hilltop temple.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Explore Gulmarg

Gulmarg

  • Gulmarg Gondola to Kongdoori and Apharwat · 4 h. Book online on the official cable car site only, days ahead in season. Phase 1 to Kongdoori (about 3,050 m) is the family ride; Phase 2 to Apharwat (about 3,950 m) has snow most of the year but often shuts in wind. Go early.
  • Sledge rides and snow play · 2 h. Sledge pullers and boot-and-coat rentals have official rate cards; ask to see them before agreeing a price.
  • Drung waterfall · 2 h. A short drive from Tangmarg; the waterfall freezes solid in mid-winter, which is when most people come to see it.

Local tip: Book online on the official cable car site only, days ahead in season. Phase 1 to Kongdoori (about 3,050 m) is the family ride; Phase 2 to Apharwat (about 3,950 m) has snow most of the year but often shuts in wind. Go early.

Open day 8 route in Google Maps

Day 9: Gulmarg → Pahalgam

Pahalgam · Gulmarg to Pahalgam, Car ~4h via Srinagar

  • Betaab valley · 2.5 h. A riverside park in a green bowl named after the film shot here; combine it with Chandanwari in one union-taxi trip.

Local tip: A riverside park in a green bowl named after the film shot here; combine it with Chandanwari in one union-taxi trip.

Open day 9 route in Google Maps

Day 10: Explore Pahalgam

Pahalgam

  • Aru valley · 3.5 h. A 12 km union-taxi ride up the Lidder to open meadows and a small village; base for longer treks with a guide.
  • Pony ride into the hills · 3 h. Ponies use fixed per-route rates set by the tourism department; ask for the card and agree waiting time and the exact route first.

Local tip: A 12 km union-taxi ride up the Lidder to open meadows and a small village; base for longer treks with a guide.

Open day 10 route in Google Maps

Day 11: Depart from Pahalgam

Pahalgam

  • Rafting on the Lidder · 2 h. Mostly grade II–III stretches near Yannar from about May to August; operators provide helmets and jackets — insist on them.

Local tip: Mostly grade II–III stretches near Yannar from about May to August; operators provide helmets and jackets — insist on them.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 11 route in Google Maps

Where to stay