This is an itinerary that combines two most visited destinations of Kashmir i.e. Srinagar (Lakes, Houseboats) and Pahalgam (Riverside Himalayan beauty) along with pilgrimage of Vaishnodevi along with a day visit to Gulmarg.
3 night(s) in Srinagar
2 night(s) in Pahalgam
2 night(s) in Katra
Day 1: Arrival At Srinagar
Arrival at Srinagar. Visit Dal Lake and enjoy the Shikara ride in the evening. Time permitting visit local markets.
Day 2: Sightseeing In Srinagar
Day sightseeing in Srinagar visiting Mughal Gardens (Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar), Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, Hari Parbat etc.
Day 3: Gulmarg Gondola Visit Possible Excursion To Khilanmarg
Go for famous Gondola Ride (Cable Car. Online booking in advance is recommended), Asia's highest and longest cable car. Its a two-stage rope-way. The first stage transfers from Gulmarg to Kongdoori Station. The second stage takes skiers to a height of 3,747 m (12,293 ft). The timing of the Gondola is 10 AM to 5 PM (It's highly dependent upon the weather at both stages). Return in the afternoon to enjoy Pony ride and walking around the area or visit Khilanmarg (a picnic spot nearby) a fragrant valley, full of color and charm).
Day 4: Srinagar - Pahalgam Via Martrand
Proceed to Pahalgam (100 kms - 4 hrs - 7000+ ft asl). En-route visit Matrand Sun Temple. On arrival time permitting walk around the area to local markets.
Day 5: Pahalgam Sightseeing
Undertake sightseeing around Pahalgam to spots like Baisaran, Tulian Lake, Chandanwari (16 kms - 8000+ ft asl - close range views) where you can find snow even in summer, Betaab Valley and Aru Valley etc.
Day 6: Pahalgam - Katra
Proceed to Katra (254 kms - 9 hrs), a base point to visit renowned Vaishnodevi Pilgrimage, one of the most revered and visited temples in India.
Day 7: Vaishnodevi Darshan
Early morning start for Vaishnodevi climb (Total 13 kms walk to the temple that takes about 4-5 hours). En-route stops at Adhkwari Temple and darshan at Baba Bhaironath Temple is recommended). During Summer and peak travel season it may be advisable to start the climb previous evening. Once queue tickets are purchased the wait period could be half an hour to 3 hours depending on the rush. During season Yatra Parchi (entry tickets required to begin the uphill walk), it is recommended to purchase in advance to avoid delays. Guests looking for Helidarshan (Helicopter ride, darshan and back), morning flights are recommended for best weather and least uncertainty. Return by late evening.
Day 8: Departure
Depart for the onward journey.