Budget-Friendly Nature and Rail Trip Itinerary from Jaipur to Jammu & Kashmir

Day 1: Travel to Katra

Jaipur, India

6:00 AM

Departure from Jaipur

Kick off your adventure early in the morning by taking a train to Katra, enjoying the scenic views as you pass through the beautiful landscapes of Rajasthan and into the borders of Jammu.
Catch the train from Jaipur Railway Station to Katra; journey takes about 12 hours.
INR500 per person, 12 hours

6:00 PM

Check-in at hotel

After arrival, check into a budget-friendly hotel in Katra like Hotel Shree Narayani.
Walk to the nearby hotel for check-in.
INR3000 for 6 people, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at local eatery

Savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, such as Punjab McDonald's, known for its flavor-packed Indian meal.
Short walk to the restaurant from your hotel.
INR1200 for 6 people, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Vaishno Devi Visit

Katra, India

4:30 AM

Early morning trek

Begin your pilgrimage to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine, which is approximately a 13 km trek from Katra surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Start trekking from the base camp in Katra.
Free, 4 hours

9:00 AM

Visit Vaishno Devi Temple

Explore the spirit-lifting temple dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, an experience that offers spiritual tranquility.
Continue exploring the temple once you reach the top.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Descend back to Katra

Take the same trail back down to Katra while soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Walk back along the path.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at local dhaba

Refuel with a hearty lunch at a local dhaba, such as Sharma Dhaba, famous for its Punjabi cuisine.
Walk to the dhaba for a well-deserved meal.
INR1200 for 6 people, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Katra Town

Take the afternoon to explore Katra town, visiting local shops and markets where you can buy traditional handicrafts.
Stroll around the local market area.
Free (shopping at your discretion), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to hotel

Head back to your hotel to rest after an adventurous day.
Return to your hotel on foot.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner

Enjoy a cozy dinner at your hotel or another local restaurant like Sagar Ratna, where you'll find warm Indian meals.
Eat dinner either at the hotel or nearby.
INR1500 for 6 people, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Jammu

Katra to Jammu, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your next adventure.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
INR600 for 6 people, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Jammu

Check out and take a local bus or taxi to Jammu, where you’ll explore the local highlights.
Local bus will take you to Jammu, less than an hour's drive.
INR600 for 6 people, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Raghunath Temple Visit

Visit Raghunath Temple, an impressive architectural beauty and an important pilgrimage site.
Walk from the bus station to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at local restaurant

Enjoy lunch at a local spot, such as Krishna Dhaba, known for its delicious kebabs and rice.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR1200 for 6 people, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Mubarak Mandi Palace

Take a stroll through the historic Mubarak Mandi Palace, appreciating the unique blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
Walk to the palace from the restaurant.
INR300 for 6 people, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Check-in at hotel

Check into a budget hotel in Jammu, such as Hotel Swagat.
Walk to your hotel nearby.
INR3000 for 6 people, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel, sharing stories from your journey so far.
Eat dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
INR1200 for 6 people, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Srinagar

Jammu to Srinagar, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Srinagar.
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel dining area.
INR600 for 6 people, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Bus to Srinagar

Catch a local bus to Srinagar, where you'll experience the stunning beauty of Kashmir.
Board the bus from the Jammu bus station.
INR600 for 6 people, 5 hours

1:00 PM

Arrive in Srinagar and check-in

After arrival, check into a budget guesthouse such as Valley View Hotel.
Walk from the bus station to your guesthouse.
INR3000 for 6 people, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Lunch at local restaurant

Indulge in Kashmiri cuisine at a local favorite, such as Ahdoos Restaurant, where you can try Rogan Josh.
Walk to the restaurant from your guesthouse.
INR1800 for 6 people, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Experience a serene Shikara ride on the beautiful Dal Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and stunning views.
Walk to the Dal Lake area for the ride.
INR1200 for 6 people, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Explore local markets

Spend the evening exploring local handicraft markets and souvenir shops to collect mementos from your journey.
Walk to the nearby markets.
Free (shopping at your discretion), 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at local eatery

Enjoy dinner at Mughals Dine, known for its rich Kashmiri flavors.
Walk to Mughals Dine.
INR1800 for 6 people, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day in Gulmarg

Srinagar to Gulmarg, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse before you head out for an adventurous day.
Breakfast in your guesthouse.
INR600 for 6 people, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Gulmarg

Take a shared cab or bus to Gulmarg, a beautiful hill station known for its picturesque views and skiing opportunities.
Shared cab from Srinagar to Gulmarg.
INR1800 for 6 people, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Take the Gulmarg Gondola up to the pinnacle, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Purchase tickets at the gondola station.
INR1800 for 6 people, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at local restaurant

Have lunch at one of the hilltop restaurants, such as Hotel Hilltop, while soaking up the beautiful surroundings.
Head to the restaurant after your gondola ride.
INR1200 for 6 people, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Gulmarg

Spend the afternoon walking around Gulmarg, enjoying the serenity and beauty of this enchanting landscape.
Walk from the restaurant to explore the area.
Free, 3 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Srinagar

Make your way back to Srinagar in the early evening.
Travel back by shared cab.
INR1800 for 6 people, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your guesthouse, sharing experiences from the day.
Dine at your guesthouse.
INR1200 for 6 people, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day in Pahalgam

Srinagar to Pahalgam, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

After breakfast, prepare for another day of exploration as you head to Pahalgam.
Enjoy breakfast in your guesthouse.
INR600 for 6 people, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Pahalgam

Take a shared cab or bus to Pahalgam, known for its lush landscapes and beautiful rivers.
Shared cab from Srinagar to Pahalgam.
INR1800 for 6 people, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Betaab Valley

Visit Betaab Valley, a gorgeous spot that was the filming location for various Bollywood movies; it's perfect for taking stunning photographs.
Hire a local taxi from Pahalgam to Betaab Valley.
INR1200 for 6 people (taxi fare), 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at local dhaba

Refuel with lunch at a local dhaba in Pahalgam, enjoying authentic Kashmiri cuisine at places like Aasif’s.
Head to the dhaba from Betaab Valley.
INR1200 for 6 people, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Aru Valley

Spend the afternoon visiting Aru Valley, renowned for its pristine landscapes and lush green fields; perfect for relaxation.
Hire a local taxi to take you to Aru Valley.
INR1200 for 6 people (taxi fare), 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Pahalgam

Travel back to Pahalgam to unwind and prepare for the evening.
Taxi back to Pahalgam.
INR1200 for 6 people (taxi fare), 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at local restaurant

Conclude the day's adventure with a hearty dinner at one of the local eateries like The Chinar.
Dine at The Chinar, a nearby restaurant.
INR1500 for 6 people, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Jammu

Pahalgam to Jammu, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast at your guesthouse before taking off for your return journey.
Have breakfast in your guesthouse.
INR600 for 6 people, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel back to Jammu

Depart Pahalgam and travel back to Jammu by shared taxi or bus.
Shared taxi from Pahalgam to Jammu.
INR1800 for 6 people, 4 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at local eatery

Have lunch at a local restaurant such as local favorite Golgappa, known for its chaat.
Head to Golgappa after arriving in Jammu.
INR1200 for 6 people, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Dogra Art Museum

Visit the Dogra Art Museum to enjoy some local culture and art from Jammu and Kashmir.
Walk to the museum from the restaurant.
INR300 for 6 people, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Check-in at hotel

Check into a budget hotel in Jammu for your last night, such as Hotel New York.
Walk to hotel nearby.
INR3000 for 6 people, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Farewell dinner at local restaurant

Celebrate the conclusion of your trip with a farewell dinner at one of Jammu's best restaurants, like Trikuta.
Walk to Trikuta for dinner.
INR1500 for 6 people, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure from Jammu

Jammu, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel as you reflect on your wonderful trip.
Breakfast in your hotel.
INR600 for 6 people, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore local area

Spend the morning relaxing or discovering any sights you might have missed in Jammu.
Explore nearby attractions.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Check-out and travel to Jammu Railway Station

Check out of the hotel and prepare for your onward journey; whether it's returning home or heading to your next adventure.
Shared cab to the railway station.
INR600 for 6 people, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability