Fine Kashmir with Vaishno Devi - Standard

• On arrival at Jammu Airport / Railway Station, you will meet our representative & proceed for Jammu sightseeing covering Raghunath Temple, Bagh-e-Bahu, Bahu Fort & Mahamaya Temple.
• Raghunath Temple is not only a symbol of devotion of Hindu religion but also the identity of Jammu city. This temple is the biggest temple in north India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple was built during 1835-1860 by Maharaja Ranveer Singh and his father Maharaja Gulab Singh. There are seven historical religious premises in this temple. The walls of the temple are decorated with gold from three sides inside the temple. From the outside, the temple appears in the form of 5 kalash which are arranged in sequence. The idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana can be found inside the Garba-graha. There are also the idols of various characters of Ramayana and Mahabharata in the various rooms around the Garba-graha in this temple. The celebration of Ramanavami festival attracts a number of devotees from around the world.
• Bagh-e-Bahu is one of the popular sightseeing attractions of Jammu. The beautiful garden is laid identical to Mughal Garden. Bagh-e-Bahu is a garden that was constructed as a part of the popular Bahu Fort. Bagh e Bahu is located on the bank of Tawi River in the lap of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Jammu City. People from all walks of life find it a beautiful place to spend some time with the nature.This extensive garden has a variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs growing in it. The garden acts as an ideal picnic spot for visitors. An aquarium and an awareness centre were established in the Bagh-e-Bahu. With a length of over 220 meters, this newly added aquarium is now the largest underground aquarium in India.
• Bahu Fort stands on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi. Perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city, it was constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. The existing fort was more recently improved upon and extended by the Dogra rulers. Inside, there is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. The Bahu Fort is a fortress representing the lavishness of the Dogra kings and the royal family that resided to rule the region.
• Mahamaya Temple is dedicated to a local female freedom fighter, Mahamaya, belonging to the Dogra community. According to historians, about 14 centuries ago, Mahamaya sacrificed her life to save the region from the clutches of foreign invaders. This site is situated on the banks of the Tawi River, where from, tourists can easily sight the Bahu Fort.
• Later, transfer to Katra & check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Katra hotel.
• Please note: Entry tickets for the monuments & all activity charges are on direct payment basis by the customer.

• After breakfast this morning, get ready to trek to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine (13 kms). Do take the helicopter or ponies for the shrine if required (at extra charges to be paid directly). Return to Katra late in the evening/night. Overnight stay at Katra.
• Mata Vaishno Devi temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti and is the second most visited religious shrine in India after Tirupati Balaji Temple. Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. Travellers are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.
• Please note: no vehicle will be provided for the day.
• Please note: Entry tickets for the monuments & all activity charges are on direct payment basis by the customer.

After breakfast today, check out from your hotel and get ready to proceed to Pahalgam via the 2.5 km long Jawahar tunnel which connects the Jammu & Kashmir regions. Drive through the green pine forest and along Lidder river. Upon reaching Pahalgam, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

• After breakfast today, your day is at leisure to soak in the ambience of this charming valley town. You can hire a local taxi (at direct payment basis) to take several optional excursions in and around Pahalgam valley, such as an excursion to Chandanwari (3288 metres above sea level), Aru Valley and Betab Valley. Drive back to the hotel for your overnight stay.
• Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. The trip takes about four-five hours on a semi-road that has the Lidder river meandering on the one side, and lofty, snow-capped mountains on the other. "Snow fights" is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Chandanwari is also known for its natural attractions. It has some of the best picnic spots and is reachable by road. The weather can be very unpredictable at the place so do carry some warm clothes and rain coats as well.
• Aru Valley is a pristine scenic village situated in the region of Trans-Himalaya. Clear blue canopy over the head, misty surroundings, whispers of the native pines and conifer forests and beautiful meadows create a captivating diorama for travelers thronging the place. Though the village is the smallest hill station in the state, but still its breathtaking beauty and interesting activities like trekking, hiking and horse riding make it one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam. Apart from the trekkers, the village also caters to the skiing desires of tourists who love to visit the place during winters. Aru Valley is located at a distance of about 12 km from Pahalgam.
• Betaab Valley is a perfect gateway to enjoy the heavenly pleasure of Mother Nature. Earlier known as Hagan Valley or Hagoon, Betaab Valley got its present name after the blockbuster Bollywood movie 'Betaab' was shot there in 1983. The experience is even more heightened by the musical whispers of several birds. Being a precious jewel of Jammu and Kashmir tourism, Betaab Valley is among a handful of Pahalgam tourist places to visit that should not be missed. Situated at a walking distance from the main center of Pahalgam, the valley is also an excellent camping site for trekkers and explorers.
• Please note: Entry tickets for the monuments & all activity charges are on direct payment basis by the customer.
• Union cabs need to be hired at your own cost to go for sightseeing in Pahalgam.

• After breakfast in the morning, check out from your hotel and proceed towards Gulmarg. En route, you get to see the beautiful Tangmarg town and drive ahead on a scenic drive of 14 kilometres to Gulmarg. Check in to your hotel and proceed for sightseeing covering Maharani Temple, St. Mary's Church and Gondola ride (cable car).
• Maharani Temple is known to be built in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh - the last Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is here that the Rajesh Khanna – Mumtaz starrer Aap ki Kasam was shot. You can enjoy pony rides to Maharani Temple (at extra cost).
• St. Mary's church was built during british rule. The 110-year-old St. Mary's Church in Gulmarg was given a new look in 2003 with a renovated façade and the first Christmas mass was held in 14 years. Saint Mary's Church was constructed in early 20th century, it is made of grey stone walls looks most scintillating during the winters especially when surrounded by snow. The green tiled roof, wooden decorated walls and the overall size indicates it could be more like a countryside chapel.
• The two-stage gondola lift ferries to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a height of 3,747 m (12,293 ft) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The timing of the Gondola ride is from 10 AM to 5 PM (subject to change without prior notice, gondola operations are highly dependent upon the weather at both stages).
• Later, return to your hotel for an overnight stay at Gulmarg Hotel.
• Please note: Entry tickets for the monuments & all activity charges are on direct payment basis by the customer.
• Gondola ride operations are highly dependent upon the weather at both stages.

• After breakfast in the morning, check out from Gulmarg hotel and get ready to proceed to Sonamarg. Sonamarg, also called 'Meadow of Gold', is located at a height of 2690 meters. It is the place where one finds the closest and most spectacular Himalayan views found at any destination in India. The moment you enter Sonmarg, the first thing that you will notice will be the snow-covered mountain that forms the backdrop of the town. Covered with alpine trees from all sides, Sonmarg has the loveliest flower collection in Jammu and Kashmir. Check in to your hotel and get ready for a local sightseeing tour of Sonamarg.
• You can visit the Thajwas Glacier which is 3 kms from town by walk or pony ride where snow remains round the year. Thajiwas Glacier is among the most adventurous treks from Sonmarg. The trek passes through lush greenery and a frozen lake. From the glaciers, a path leads up the Shakhdar Hill. Tourists can enjoy delightful views of the glacier and its surroundings from the hill.Tourists can enjoy a sledge ride in the area even during the summer season. During the peak season, sledges can be hired from the Gujars who offer rides across the glacier. The area surrounding the glacier is excellent for camping. The trek to the glacier is one of the most amazing treks that you can experience. You can also take a pony ride to the glacier (at your own cost). The trek can be strenuous as it is uphill and on the way tourists can see beautiful waterfalls and streams. Tourists can walk across the glacier, which is a unique and thrilling experience. The walk can be slippery because of the snow but is worth a try.
• One can also enjoy a goegeous view of high mountain pass Zojila which is at an altitude of 3528 m above sea level. A little outside Sonmarg is a sparkling blue lake surrounded by lush green meadow. You can also go for long rafting expedition (at extra cost).
• Later, return to your hotel for overnight stay.
• Please note: Entry tickets for the monuments & all activity charges are on direct payment basis by the customer.

• After breakfast, check out from your hotel & drive towards Srinagar. On reaching Srinagar, check in to your hotel & proceed for a local sightseeing tour. Visit the famous Mughal Gardens, along with a visit to Shankaracharya Temple & Hazaratbal Shrine. All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. The distance from Srinagar to the gardens is about 12 to 15 kms respectively. Enroute, visit the carpet-weaving factory and old Srinagar city.
• Nishat Bagh is one of the most beautiful terraced Mughal gardens located at the side of the famous Dal Lake near Srinagar. The Garden of Gladness or Nishat Bagh is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley located on the bank of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains at the back and offers a magnificent view Pir Panjal mountain range.
• Shalimar Bagh is the largest mughal garden in India located at northeast of Dal Lake near Srinagar city along with other famous lake garden Nishat Bagh. The Bagh has Dal Lake in the background and considered to be very beautiful during the autumn and spring seasons.
• The Chashme Shahi is one of the beautiful mughal garden built around a spring in the Zabarwan Range. A fresh water spring, terraces, water pool and a large fountain makes it the most charming of the gardens near Srinagar along the banks of the Dal lake.
• Spread over an area of about 12 hectares, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia's largest tulip garden (only operational in April). Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is situated at the foothills of Zabarwan Range. Overlooking the iconic Dal Lake, the garden is opened in 2007. Adorned by 70 varieties of tulips, the garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar. To add more magnetism to the garden, several rose beds are also cultivated.
• Shankaracharya Temple is an ancient temple that finds its origin in the 4th century. Located on Gopadari Hill in the south-east of Srinagar, Shankaracharya Temple lies at a height of 1100 feet above surface level of the city. In 371 BC, the temple is said to have been built by Raja Gopadatya. At that time, the temple was named as 'Gopadari', after the name of the King. It is believed that Shankracharya, the great philosopher, lived here during his trip to Kashmir. The legend left the place centuries ago, ever since, the temple came to be known as Shankaracharya Temple. The main shrine is in the shape of a circular chamber and provides a breathtaking view of the valley. The first work of renovation is considered to have taken place during the reign of Lalitaditya. When the temple got damaged in an earthquake, the second repairs were done by Zain-ul-Abideen, under the rule of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din. The stone steps that lead to the main shrine, are known to be built by Maharaja Gulab Singh.
• The Hazratbal Shrine is set on the left bank of the Dal Lake. The Hazratbal Shrine takes its name from Kashmiri language where the word 'Hazrat' stands for holy and 'bal' stands for place. The shrine is considered extremely sacred among the Muslims.
• Later, return to your hotel for overnight stay.
• Please note: Entry tickets for the monuments & all activity charges are on direct payment basis by the customer.
• Tulip garden is operational only in the April month. Please confirm the exact operational dates before visiting.

After breakfast check out & transfer for Srinagar Airport to board the scheduled Flight for onward destination.