Srinagar- Sonamarg - leisure -- sonmarg - srinagar - local - Jammu -katra - katra - jammu

Welcome to Srinagar! Upon arrival at Srinagar Airport, you will be greeted by our representative. Your journey today is a scenic drive to the breathtaking valley of Sonamarg. The distance between Srinagar and Sonamarg is approximately 80 km, with an estimated travel time of around 2.5 to 3 hours.

En route, enjoy the following sights:

• Ganderbal: A picturesque district known for its natural beauty and the Sindh River.
• Kangan: A charming town offering glimpses of local life and surrounding landscapes.
• Sindh Valley: The stunning valley itself, with its meadows and snow-capped peaks.

As you proceed directly to Sonamarg, there are no hotel checkouts in Srinagar to consider for this itinerary. Upon arrival in Sonamarg, you will be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of your day is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Sonamarg.

• Thajiwas Glacier: A magnificent glacier accessible by pony ride or a short trek, offering stunning views and opportunities for snow activities.
• Zoji La Pass: A high mountain pass that serves as the gateway to Ladakh, offering dramatic landscapes.
• Baltal Valley: A scenic meadow that is the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, known for its serene beauty.

After breakfast at your hotel/houseboat in Srinagar, proceed for a full-day excursion to Gulmarg, one of Kashmir’s most scenic hill stations, often called the “Meadow of Flowers.”
The distance from Srinagar to Gulmarg is approximately 53 km, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours by road through rolling meadows, pine forests, and mountain villages.

Gulmarg Sightseeings:

• Gulmarg Gondola Ride:
• One of the world’s highest cable cars, operating in two phases. Phase 1 (Kongdori Station – 8,530 ft): Offers panoramic views of the valley and lower slopes. ₹740 per person (to/fro). Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak – 13,780 ft): Reaches close to the Line of Control, often covered in snow year-round. ₹950 per person (to/fro). Combo (Phase 1 + 2): Around ₹1,700 per person. It remains open between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last ride subject to weather).

• Ticket Booking: Tickets can be booked online in advance through www.jammukashmircablecar.com. It’s advisable to pre-book, especially during weekends or snow season.

• Golf Course (Seasonal): Asia’s highest green golf course — open from April to November.
• Snow Activities: Skiing, sledging, and snow scooter rides (charges extra, available in winter months).

Important Travel Information (Must Read):

• Local Taxi Union Restrictions: Private tourist vehicles from Srinagar are not allowed beyond Tangmarg during winter or heavy snowfall. Travellers must hire a local Gulmarg union chained tyred vehicle from Tangmarg to reach Gulmarg town and sightseeing points. ₹1,800–₹3,000 per vehicle (round trip), depending on weather and distance covered.
• Gandola Parking: Vehicle will be parked at the parking spot and from there we would need to walk around one KM to reach the base point. However vendors would confuse you and incorrectly inform you about the long walk.

After sightseeing and leisure time in Gulmarg, drive back to Srinagar in the evening and return to your hotel or houseboat.

Note: All activities in Gulmarg are subject to weather and local union regulations. Gondola tickets are non-refundable once booked. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are essential even in summer months.

Our vehicle will pick you up from Jammu Tawi Railway Station or Airport. Begin your scenic journey to Katra, nestled at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains.

On arrival in Katra, check in to your hotel and relax for a few hours. Later in the day, depending on your preference, you may begin the climb to the sacred Vaishno Devi Temple or explore the local Katra market known for religious souvenirs and street food.

Early in the morning, begin your journey towards the sacred shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. The shrine is located approximately 13 km from Katra, and devotees can reach the temple by foot, pony, or helicopter service up to Sanjichhat.

En route, you may also visit:

• Ban Ganga – the sacred stream where devotees take a purifying dip before starting the trek
• Ardhkuwari Temple – a significant stop where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months

Seek blessings at the holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi, along with the sacred temples of Mata Mahakali, Mata Mahalakshmi, and Mata Saraswati.

After darshan, return to Katra the same evening.

Post breakfast, check out from your hotel in Katra and begin your drive to Jammu. The distance between Katra and Jammu is approximately 45 km, taking around 1.5 hours by road through scenic hills and valleys.

Note:
Ensure that all remaining activities or shopping in Katra are completed before departure.

Large vehicles may not be allowed inside the airport/railway station. It may be required to walk a bit with luggage.

Upon arrival in Jammu, you will be dropped at the Jammu Airport or Railway Station as per your flight or train schedule, marking the end of your spiritual journey with cherished memories of Maa Vaishno Devi and Shivkhori Darshan.