5-Day Budget-Friendly Family Road Trip to Amritsar, Vaishno Devi, and Kashmir

Day 1: Explore Amritsar

Amritsar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kulcha Land

Start your day with the famous Amritsari kulchas served with tangy chutneys and yogurt at Kulcha Land, a local favorite.
Located near the Golden Temple; a quick 5-minute walk.
INR100, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Golden Temple

Explore the stunning architecture and serene atmosphere of this revered Sikh temple, which is open to visitors of all faiths.
Located in the heart of Amritsar, about 10 minutes walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Jallianwala Bagh Memorial

Walk to the iconic Jallianwala Bagh to learn about its historical significance and the tragedies of 1919.
Just a 15-minute walk from the Golden Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Brothers’ Dhaba

Grab a hearty North Indian thali with a variety of dishes at this budget-friendly local restaurant after exploring.
Located around 20 minutes from Jallianwala Bagh.
INR300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Wagah Border Ceremony

Drive to the Wagah Border to witness the daily flag-lowering ceremony, filled with patriotism and energy.
About a 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Evening Stroll

Unwind with a leisurely stroll in the local markets of Amritsar, experiencing the vibrant local life.
Walkable distance from the Wagah border, you can hire a local taxi back to the city.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Amritsari Dhaba

End your day with more delicious local cuisine, try their famous butter chicken or dal makhani.
Easy to find, located near the markets.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 2: Journey to Vaishno Devi

Katra, India

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast at your hotel, preferably something simple like toast and tea.
At your hotel since you may be staying overnight in Amritsar.
INR150, 1 hour

7:00AM

Travel to Katra

Start your day early and take a bus from Amritsar to Katra for the journey to Vaishno Devi base camp.
2.5 hours bus ride.
INR300, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Check-in at Katra

Arrive in Katra and check-in at an affordable guesthouse.
Easily accessible upon arrival.
INR1000 per night, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Eatery

Enjoy some parathas with pickles and yogurt at a local eatery in Katra.
Find a cozy spot close to your guesthouse.
INR200, 1 hour

11:00AM

Trek to Vaishno Devi

Begin your pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi through the scenic trekking paths, a journey of devotion and determination.
The trail begins from Katra, well-marked and safe.
Free, 4 hours

3:00PM

Visit Vaishno Devi Temple

Reach the temple and partake in the peaceful atmosphere, along with breathtaking mountain views.
At the top of the trek, easily accessed once you arrive.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return Trek

Trek back down to Katra, soaking in the beauty of nature along the journey.
Same path back to Katra.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shree Ram Bakery

After a long day of trekking, settle for a comforting dinner of bread rolls and samosas from the famous bakery.
Located a short walk from your guesthouse.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 3: Exploring Katra

Katra, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your guesthouse before heading out for the day.
Enjoy a simple breakfast offered at your stay.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Bhairo Baba Temple

Take a short trip to the Bhairo Baba Temple, believed to complete the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi.
You can hire a shared taxi to get there.
INR300, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Katra Market

Wander around Katra market, enjoying local snacks and buying trinkets to remember your visit.
Easily walkable from the temple.
INR50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pahalwan Di Hatti

Refuel with a hearty Chole Bhature meal at this popular local restaurant.
Within walking distance, just around the corner.
INR250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Travel to Srinagar

Board a bus from Katra to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir.
Buses depart every hour from Katra.
INR600, 3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Guesthouse in Srinagar

Settle into a cozy guesthouse on the banks of Dal Lake.
Within easy reach from the bus terminal.
INR1200 per night, 1 hour

6:00PM

Shikara Ride

Experience a delightful Shikara ride on Dal Lake while enjoying the beautiful sunset views.
Rent a Shikara at the lake conveniently near your guesthouse.
INR400 for an hour, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Nishat Garden Restaurant

Savor a delicious Kashmiri Wazwan dinner with family-friendly options in a peaceful garden setting.
Located a short distance from the lake.
INR500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discovering Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your guesthouse with Kashmiri bread and butter alongside tea.
Served in-house.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the beautiful Mughal Gardens, like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, which showcase exquisite landscaping.
You can take a short taxi ride to the gardens.
INR200 for entry fees, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Indulge in delicious local dishes such as Dum Aloo and Rogan Josh at this renowned eatery.
Conveniently located in the city center.
INR400, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Pahalgam Day Trip

Take a scenic taxi ride to Pahalgam for breathtaking views and leisurely walks in nature.
About 2 hours from Srinagar.
INR1500 for taxi (shared among family), 3 hours travel + 2 hours exploring

5:30PM

Explore Betaab Valley

Visit Betaab Valley for its scenic landscape and Bollywood movie connections; perfect for family photos.
Easily reachable from Pahalgam.
INR100 for entry, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar after an enjoyable day in Pahalgam, reminiscing about the beautiful sights.
Same taxi back.
Included in earlier taxi fare, 2 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Shankara Veg Restaurant

Refuel with a wholesome vegetarian dinner after a day full of adventure.
Located not far from your guesthouse.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 5: Adventure in Gulmarg

Gulmarg, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Fuel up for adventure with breakfast at your guesthouse, complete with eggs and toast.
Served at your accommodation.
INR150, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Gulmarg

Head to Gulmarg via shared taxi, an essential site for its stunning scenery.
Available taxis from Srinagar every morning.
INR1200 (shared), 2 hours

10:00AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Experience the exhilarating gondola ride, offering amazing panoramic views of the mountains.
Gondola station is nearby once you arrive.
INR500 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Hilltop

Recharge with sandwiches, pizzas, and soft drinks at Hotel Hilltop, a family-friendly place.
Located close to the gondola station.
INR400, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Gulmarg

Take your time to explore the meadows, engage in activities such as horseback riding, or simply relax.
All within walking distance once you finish lunch.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Return to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar to wrap up your adventure trip.
Shared taxis are easily available.
INR1200 (shared), 2 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Lalit Grand Palace

Celebrate your last dinner in Kashmir with a family feast at the splendid Lalit Grand Palace.
Located by Dal Lake, a taxi ride away.
INR2000, 2 hours
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