How many days do you need in Kashmir, vaishnodevi?

This itinerary covers 8 days in Kashmir, vaishnodevi, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Kashmir, vaishnodevi?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to Kashmir, vaishnodevi. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

8-Day Family-Friendly Kashmir and Vaishno Devi Itinerary: Scenic Wonders and Spiritual Experiences

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Srinagar, Kashmir on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Enjoy a peaceful Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, soaking in the beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains and houseboats. Great for all ages and offers a gentle introduction to Kashmir’s beauty.

INR600 per Shikara, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the historic Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, famed for their Mughal architecture and floral artistry, giving insight into Kashmir's rich cultural heritage.

INR100, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Famous for authentic Kashmiri cuisine, Ahdoos offers delicious meals like Rogan Josh and Gustaba, perfect for experiencing local flavours.

Approx. INR600 per person, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

A serene spiritual site on Dal Lake's northern shore, perfect for a calm afternoon visit.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Enjoy a relaxed dinner serving both Kashmiri and continental options, suitable for the family.

Approx. INR700 per person, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Srinagar

Day 2: Gulmarg Adventure

Gulmarg, Kashmir on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Srinagar

Start the day with a wholesome breakfast featuring traditional and western options to energise for the day ahead.

Included in accommodation, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Gulmarg (approx. 2h)

A scenic drive to the famed hill station nestled in the Himalayas known for its meadows and gondola rides.

Private vehicle cost varies, 2h0m

11:15am

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Board the two-stage gondola – one of Asia's highest cable cars – for panoramic views and access to high-altitude meadows. Suitable for families, with safety protocols in place.

INR700 per adult, INR450 per child, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

Enjoy fine dining with views of Gulmarg's stunning landscapes and a menu featuring global and local dishes.

Approx. INR800 per person, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Gulmarg Meadows

Leisurely family walk through flower-strewn meadows perfect for photographs and gentle exploration.

Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back for overnight stay at Srinagar.

2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Try local delicacies such as kebabs and traditional breads in a family-friendly setting.

Approx. INR600 per person, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Gulmarg

Day 3: Pahalgam Nature

Pahalgam, Kashmir on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Start early with a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Pahalgam (3-hour drive)

Enjoy the panoramic views en route to this tranquil valley known for its lush greenery and river streams.

3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dana Pani, Pahalgam

Offering tasty local and Indian cuisine in a relaxed, kid-friendly ambiance.

Approx. INR500 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Betaab Valley Visit

Stroll in this scenic spot named after a Bollywood movie, perfect for family photography amid striking rocky landscapes and greenery.

INR50 per person, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Aru Village

A peaceful village close by with opportunities for light trekking and horse riding, ideal for the kid and adults alike.

Horse riding approx. INR400 per ride, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Heevan Pahalgam

Dine on local and continental dishes in a cosy setting perfect for families.

Approx. INR700 per person, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Pahalgam

Day 4: Sonamarg Day Trip

Sonamarg, Kashmir on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast before the day trip.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Sonamarg (2-hour drive)

Travel to the ‘Meadow of Gold’, famous for its scenic glaciers and river rafting opportunities.

2h0m

10:30am

River Rafting or Pony Ride

For a family-friendly adventure, opt for gentle river rafting or ponies rides along the Sind River (confirm age suitability for the kid).

Rafting approx. INR600 per adult, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local dhaba

Enjoy simple, rustic food featuring wholesome vegetable and meat dishes typical of the region.

Approx. INR300 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Thajiwas Glacier

A short trek or pony ride takes you to this spectacular glacier offering spectacular views and photo opportunities.

Entry free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back and rest for the evening.

2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Lentil, Cucina Italiana

Experience a change of pace with acclaimed Italian dishes in a family-friendly restaurant.

Approx. INR800 per person, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Sonamarg

Day 5: Travel to Jammu

Jammu, India on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast and prepare for onward travel.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel Srinagar to Jammu by private vehicle (approx. 7 hours)

Relax and enjoy the changing landscapes on this longer drive to Jammu city, the gateway to Vaishno Devi.

Private coach cost varies, 7h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Jammu hotel and rest

Rest and refresh after the long journey with free time in the evening.

2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at KC Diner

Savour popular local and North Indian dishes in a comfortable setting suitable for families.

Approx. INR600 per person, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Jammu

Day 6: Katra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi

Katra, Jammu and Kashmir on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Jammu hotel

Early breakfast to start the spiritual journey at Vaishno Devi.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Katra (1.5 hours)

Drive to Katra town, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.

1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Katra hotel and rest

Settle in and prepare for the trek or helicopter trip to the shrine.

1h0m

11:30am

Light lunch in Katra town

Eat at local eateries offering simple North Indian food to fuel up before the pilgrimage.

Approx. INR300 per person, 1h0m

1:00pm

Vaishno Devi Shrine Visit (Trek or Helicopter)

Start the 12 km trek from Katra to the shrine; families can opt for horses or palanquins for the child and elders. Helicopter services are also available, but require prior booking.

Trek free; Helicopter INR2200-3500 per person one-way, 5h0m (including darshan and return)

7:00pm

Dinner at Katra hotel

Relax with a hearty meal reflecting local North Indian cuisine after a long day of spiritual activities.

Approx. INR600 per person, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Katra

Day 7: Vaishno Devi & Return

Katra, Jammu and Kashmir on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a nutritious meal as needed for any additional pilgrimage or excursions.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional second darshan or local sightseeing

For families interested, take a relaxing walk around Katra town or visit nearby caves related to the shrine’s mythology.

Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Enjoy Punjabi and North Indian cuisine at a popular local spot.

Approx. INR500 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rest at hotel or shopping in Katra market

Leisure time for souvenir shopping or relaxing before the journey back.

3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Finish the day with family dinner featuring local delicacies and comfort food.

Approx. INR600 per person, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Katra

Day 8: Departure

Jammu, India on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Final breakfast in Jammu and prepare for departure.

Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Transfer to Jammu Airport or Railway Station

Convenient transport to catch onward flights or trains for the family’s departure.

Varies depending on travel plans

Find Hotels in Jammu

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Family-Friendly Kashmir and Vaishno Devi Itinerary: Scenic Wonders and Spiritual Experiences

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

9:00am

11:00am

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Gulmarg Adventure

8:00am

9:00am

11:15am

1:30pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

8:30pm

Day 3: Pahalgam Nature

7:30am

8:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Sonamarg Day Trip

7:30am

8:30am

10:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

8:00pm

Day 5: Travel to Jammu

7:30am

8:30am

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 6: Katra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi

7:00am

8:00am

10:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

7:00pm

Day 7: Vaishno Devi & Return

7:30am

8:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

6:00pm

Day 8: Departure

8:00am

9:30am

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