7-Day Delhi to Kashmir Trip via Vaishno Devi Katra - Spiritual & Scenic Journey

Day 1: Travel & Pilgrimage

Delhi to Katra, India on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Departure from Delhi

Begin your journey early morning by train or private car from Delhi to Katra, approximately 10-12 hours journey to reach the foothills of Vaishno Devi.
INR 500-2000, 10h0m

7:00PM

Check-in Hotel in Katra

Rest and freshen up at a comfortable hotel in Katra after the long journey, preparing for the early pilgrimage next day.
INR 1500-3000, Overnight

Day 2: Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage

Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 19, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early and hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the physically demanding trek to Vaishno Devi shrine.
INR 200-400, 0h30m

6:30AM

Trek to Vaishno Devi Shrine

Commence the 14 km trek from Katra to the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine, a major Hindu pilgrimage site nestled in the Trikuta Mountains; the shrine is open from 5 AM to 8 PM.
Free, 6h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Bhavan Canteen

Refuel with simple vegetarian meals available at the Bhawan canteen near the shrine, giving a good local spiritual atmosphere.
INR 150-300, 1h0m

1:30PM

Return Trek to Katra

Head back down the trail to Katra; you can choose to take a pony or helicopter for the descent if feeling weary.
Pony INR 1500 approx, Helicopter INR 2500 approx, 4h0m

5:30PM

Dinner at Dana Pani Dhaba

Savor traditional North Indian cuisine and local Jammu delicacies at Dana Pani Dhaba in Katra, known for its authentic flavors.
INR 300-600, 1h0m

7:00PM

Rest Overnight in Katra

Rest and relax at your hotel after a spiritually fulfilling and tiring day.
N/A, Overnight

Day 3: Travel to Kashmir & Srinagar

Katra to Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel to gear up for travel to Srinagar.
INR 200-400, 0h30m

8:00AM

Drive from Katra to Srinagar

Travel to Srinagar by private car or taxi, approximately 7-8 hours scenic journey through mountains and valleys.
INR 3000-5000, 8h0m

4:30PM

Check-in Houseboat on Dal Lake

Experience unique accommodation by staying in a charming houseboat on Dal Lake, enjoying stunning views and tranquil environment.
INR 4000-7000, Overnight

6:30PM

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kashmiri cuisine such as Rogan Josh and Gustaba at Ahdoos, one of Srinagar’s oldest and favored restaurants.
INR 600-1200, 1h0m

Day 4: Srinagar & Gulmarg Day Trip

Srinagar and Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Start your day relaxing with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast served on the Dal Lake houseboat.
INR 300-500, 0h30m

8:00AM

Drive to Gulmarg

Journey to Gulmarg, a famous hill station and ski resort about 2 hours from Srinagar, known for breathtaking landscapes and the Gulmarg Gondola.
Taxi INR 1500-2500, 2h0m

10:30AM

Ride Gulmarg Gondola

Experience one of Asia’s highest cable cars offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks; open generally from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR 700-1000, 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at The Khyber Himalayan Resort

Indulge in gourmet food at this upscale resort’s restaurant, renowned for its scenic views and contemporary Kashmiri cuisine.
INR 1000-1500, 1h0m

1:30PM

Explore Gulmarg Meadows and Leisure

Walk around the lush meadows, visit local markets, or opt for pony rides in this pristine alpine setting.
Free to INR 500 for rides, 2h0m

3:30PM

Return to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar to rest after a refreshing day in the hills.
Taxi fare included, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy famous Wazwan cuisine specialties, such as Yakhni and Tabak Maaz, at Mughal Darbar, a popular dining destination in Srinagar.
INR 600-1200, 1h0m

Day 5: Pahalgam Day Excursion

Srinagar to Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 22, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast on Houseboat

Have a light and early breakfast before your day trip to Pahalgam.
INR 300-500, 0h30m

7:30AM

Drive to Pahalgam

Travel approximately 3-4 hours to Pahalgam, a picturesque valley destination known for lush green meadows and riverside walks.
INR 2500-4000, 4h0m

11:30AM

Visit Betaab Valley & Aru Valley

Explore these beautiful valleys famous for their scenic beauty and film shoots, ideal for photography and peaceful nature walks.
Vehicle entry fees approx INR 50, 3h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at Pahalgam Hotel New Pine Palace

Enjoy traditional Kashmiri meals or simple North Indian dishes amid pleasant surroundings at this hotel restaurant.
INR 600-1000, 1h0m

3:30PM

Visit Lidder River and Mall Road

Stroll along the scenic Lidder River and visit Mall Road for some shopping of local handicrafts and dry fruits.
Free to browse, 2h0m

5:30PM

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar, arriving by evening to your houseboat.
Included in taxi fare, 3h0m

8:00PM

Dinner at Houseboat

Relax and enjoy a cozy dinner served on your houseboat featuring mild Kashmiri flavors.
INR 400-700, 1h0m

Day 6: Srinagar Leisure & Culture

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast while enjoying lake views.
INR 300-500, 0h30m

9:00AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Take a traditional Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake to see floating gardens, local markets, and enjoy serene landscapes; rides operate from early morning to sunset.
INR 500-1000 per ride, 2h0m

11:30AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the historic Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, open from 7 AM to 6 PM, famous for their stunning terraced lawns and fountains.
INR 20, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Stream Restaurant

Enjoy Indian and continental dishes at this well-rated restaurant along the Dal Lake waterfront.
INR 500-900, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Ascend the hill to visit this 9th-century temple offering majestic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:00PM

Explore Local Markets

Visit Lal Chowk and local bazaars for Kashmiri handicrafts, pashmina shawls, and spices.
Shopping optional, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Finish your day with flavorful vegetarian North Indian and Kashmiri dishes at this popular dhaba.
INR 300-600, 1h0m

Day 7: Return Journey

Srinagar to Delhi, India on April 24, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy an early breakfast and prepare for departure.
INR 300-500, 0h30m

7:00AM

Check-out and Transfer to Srinagar Airport

Head to the airport for your flight back to Delhi; Srinagar airport is about 30 minutes from the city center.
Taxi INR 500-800, 0h30m

9:00AM

Flight Srinagar to Delhi

Take a morning flight back to Delhi, approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 2500-4000, 1h30m

11:30AM

Arrival in Delhi

Complete your memorable 7-day spiritual and scenic journey with arrival in Delhi. Optionally, head to a local restaurant such as Karim’s for a final treat of Mughlai cuisine.
Optional meal INR 400-700, N/A