Vaishno Devi and Kashmir by train

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: Srinagar → Gulmarg

Gulmarg · Srinagar to Gulmarg, Car ~1.5–2h

• 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.

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 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Gulmarg

Gulmarg

• Meadow walk: golf course, St Mary's Church and the Maharani temple · 2 h. A loop of the bowl-shaped meadow past one of the world's highest golf courses, the stone church and the hilltop temple.
• 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.
• 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.

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 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Gulmarg

Gulmarg

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