7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Vaishnodevi Shrine via Jammu and Srinagar

Day 1: Exploring Jammu

Jammu, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Choko la

Start your day at Choko la, a popular spot known for its delicious pastries and hot chocolate.
Located centrally, Choko la is accessible by a short taxi ride.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Raghunath Temple

Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting Raghunath Temple, one of the largest in Northern India.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Choko la.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Ranbireshwar Temple

Discover the grandeur of Ranbireshwar Temple, famous for its 12 Shiva Lingams.
Walk for 15 minutes from Raghunath Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Nukkad Dhaba

Enjoy authentic North Indian cuisine at Nukkad Dhaba, perfect for families.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Ranbireshwar Temple.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Bahu Fort

Explore the historical Bahu Fort, which offers stunning views of Jammu city.
A 20-minute taxi ride from Nukkad Dhaba.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping at Raghunath Bazaar

Spend some time shopping for local handicrafts at the bustling Raghunath Bazaar.
A 15-minute taxi ride back to the bazaar.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Karan Da Dhaba

Savor a hearty meal at Karan Da Dhaba, known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Raghunath Bazaar.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Journey to Vaishnodevi

Katra, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before your holy journey.
Breakfast is available at your hotel in Jammu.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Katra

Make your way to Katra where the trek to Vaishnodevi begins.
A 1-hour taxi ride from Jammu to Katra.
INR 1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Start Trek to Vaishnodevi

Begin your exciting trek to the renowned Vaishnodevi Shrine.
The base camp in Katra is well marked.
Free, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Bhawan

Enjoy vegetarian meals available at the Bhawan’s food stalls during your pilgrimage.
Available on site on your way to the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Finalize Darshan at Vaishnodevi

Experience the divine atmosphere as you reach the Vaishnodevi Temple for Darshan.
Plan according to queue and timing.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return Trek to Katra

Start trekking back to Katra, absorbing the stunning views along the way.
The return route is the same.
Free, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Neelkanth

End your day with a hearty dinner at Hotel Neelkanth in Katra, enjoying local delicacies.
Located near the Katra market.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Exploring Katra

Katra, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a welcome breakfast at your hotel in Katra.
Part of your accommodation.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ardhkuwari Cave

Take a short trip to Ardhkuwari Cave, believed to be the place where Maa Vaishno Devi stayed for nine months.
About 30 minutes by taxi from Katra.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Shopping and Souvenir Hunt

Explore local shops in Katra for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Walk around the main market area.
Varies, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Punjabi Dhaba

Enjoy delightful Punjabi dishes with a family-friendly ambiance.
Just around the Katra market.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Bhairo Temple

Take a short drive to Bhairo Temple, crucial for completing your Vaishnodevi pilgrimage.
A short 20-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Local Parks

Relax with your family at local parks or stroll around the scenic areas in Katra.
Walk or use a local taxi.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Annapurna Restaurant

Enjoy delicious North Indian food at Annapurna, a family favorite.
Located near the Katra market.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a good breakfast at your accommodation in Katra.
Provided by your hotel.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Srinagar

Travel to the beautiful city of Srinagar known for its gardens and lakes.
A taxi will take around 2.5 hours.
INR 1500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Try Kashmiri cuisine at Ahdoos, a historic restaurant in Srinagar.
Located in the city center.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the famous Mughal Gardens and relish the beauty of Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.
Around 20 minutes by taxi from Ahdoos.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Enjoy a relaxing shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake, a must-do in Srinagar.
Head to the shore of Dal Lake.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Explore Local Markets

Walk through local markets and shop for saffron, pashmina, and other souvenirs.
Nearby the Dal Lake area.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant 14 Canteen

Finish your day with a wonderful meal at Restaurant 14 Canteen, offering delicious Kashmiri dishes.
Easily accessible from the market.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day at Gulmarg

Gulmarg, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel in Srinagar before heading out.
Part of your accommodations.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Gulmarg

Take a scenic drive to Gulmarg, famed for its lovely meadows.
The drive takes about 2 hours.
INR 1500, 2 hours

10:00AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Experience breathtaking views on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars.
The gondola station is easily visible.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Himalayan Resort

Enjoy a delightful lunch with stunning views at the Himalayan Resort.
Located near the Gondola.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Enjoy Snow Activities

Engage in family fun with snow activities available in Gulmarg, particularly if visiting in winter.
Choose activities near the Gondola area.
Varies, 3 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Local Market

Explore local markets to buy woolens, a specialty of the region.
The market is nearby the main Gulmarg area.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Drive Back to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar and enjoy the beautiful sunset during the drive.
A 2-hour drive.
INR 1500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Wazwan Restaurant

Savor traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dishes, perfect for ending your adventurous day.
Located conveniently in Srinagar.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day at Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your Srinagar hotel.
Available in your hotel.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Pahalgam

Travel to Pahalgam, a picturesque town often referred to as the ‘valley of shepherds’.
A taxi drive will take around 2.5 hours.
INR 1500, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore Betaab Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and Bollywood filming locations.
A short taxi ride from Pahalgam.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pahalgam Hotel

Savor a delicious meal at the popular eatery in Pahalgam.
Nearby Betaab Valley.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Enjoy River Rafting

Indulge in a thrilling river rafting experience on the Lidder River with the whole family.
Companies are available along the riverbank.
INR 3000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore Local Village

Take a leisurely walk through local villages to experience traditional lifestyles.
Easily accessible from the riverside.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Drive Back to Srinagar

End your day by heading back to Srinagar, enjoying the scenic views.
Taxi ride takes around 2.5 hours.
INR 1500, 2.5 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Shamyana Restaurant

Wrap up your day with dinner at Shamyana, famous for its Kashmiri Biryani.
Conveniently located in Srinagar.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Jammu

Jammu, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel in Srinagar before departure.
Included in your stay.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive Back to Jammu

Travel back to Jammu, reflecting on the wonderful experiences over the week.
The drive takes approximately 3 hours.
INR 2000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Grand Mumtaz

Conclude your trip with a delicious lunch at The Grand Mumtaz in Jammu.
Located near the Jammu Railway Station.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Jammu Local Market

Spend some time in Jammu’s local market for last-minute shopping and souvenirs.
A short walk from Grand Mumtaz.
Varies, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Jammu Museums

End your trip by exploring some local museums to learn about the rich culture.
Taxi ride to the nearest museum.
INR 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dawat-e-Kashmir

Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Kashmiri specialties at Dawat-e-Kashmir.
Located centrally in Jammu.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability