Explore Heaven on earth: Complete tour guide for kashmir (via Vaishno Devi) 2025
Kashmir tour plan from Kolkata
Koushik Sarkar
A wispier floating in the air
Of deep valley mountain & skies so fair
Where nature sings & flowers blooms
And peace still hide beneath the gloom
Kashmir the “heaven on earth” is the beautiful place in the northern part of the India, surrounded by the snow capped mountain, lush green valleys, breathtaking landscape, crystal- clear mountain rivers, lots of Mughal gardens, history, Kashmir also famous for delicious foods like wazwan, kawa tea, saffron and many more.
How to reach Kashmir:
Buy train: (Kolkata to Jammu)
1. 13151 KOAA JAT EXPRESS
Departure: 11.45 AM from Kolkata Chitpur
Arrived: 8.5 Am Jammu tawai (3rd day)
Run: Daily
Fares: Sleeper (SL): ₹755 3AC: ₹2,005 2AC: ₹2,915
2. 12331 HIMGIRI EXPRESS
Departure: Howrah – 11:55 PM
Arrival: Jammu Tawi – 1:00 PM (3rd day)
Runs: Tuesday,Friday,Saturday
Fares: Sleeper (SL): ₹755 3AC: ₹2,000 2AC: ₹2,900
3. 22317 – Humsafar Expres
Departure: Sealdah – 1:10 PM
Arrival: Jammu Tawi – 11:05 PM (next day)
Runs: Monday
Fares: 3AC (Humsafar): ₹2,300
By Flight (Kolkata to Jammu)
Airlines: IndiGo (main operator), other options may be seasonal
Route: Most flights are connecting, or via Delhi or other cities
Duration: 7 to 8 hours (including layover)
Fares: Lowest: ₹5,599 (early booking) Average: ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 Higher range (last minute or peak season): ₹15,000+
Best time to visit Kashmir?
| Spring (March-April) | Summer (May-Sept) | Autumn (Oct-Nov) | Winter (Dec-Feb) |
| Temp: 15°C-25°C | Temp: 20°C-25°C | Temp: 10°C-22°C | Temp: -2°C-10°C |
|
Tulip gardens Pleasant weather, green beauty |
Peak season Ideal for traveling |
Golden chinar leaves Clam,green scenic beauty |
Snowfall,Skiing Mesmerising snowy landscapes |
8-day itinerary from Jammu to Jammu via Vaishno Devi
Day 1: Jammu – Katra (Vaishno Devi)
Day 2: Return from Vaishno Devi – Katra to Srinagar
Day 3: Srinagar – Local Sightseeing
Day 4: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Srinagar
Day 5: Srinagar – Gulmarg
Day 6: Gulmarg – Pahalgam
Day 7: Pahalgam – Jammu
Day 8: Departure from Jammu
Day 1: Jammu to Katra (Vaishno Devi)
Morning: Arrive in Jammu then drive to Katra (1.5–2 hrs) Check-in at hotel, have breakfast
Bus Fare: ₹100 approx
Evening: Begin trek to Vaishno Devi shrine (13 km) Take breaks, enjoy langars on the way
Night: Darshan at Bhawan after long walk,option to stay overnight at Bhawan or return to Katra late night or early morning
Helicopter Service: Katra ⇄ Sanjichhat
Route: Katra to Sanjichhat approx. 8-10 minute
Distance to Bhawan: From Sanjichhat, it's a 2.5 km walk/pony ride to the Bhawan
Fare Details:
One-Way: ₹2,210/person
Same-Day Return: ₹4,420/person
Next-Day Return: ₹4,420/ Person
Booking: Official Website: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org
Advance Booking: Opens 60 days prior to the journey date
Offline Booking: Available at the Current Heli-Ticket Counter in Katra
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Frequency: Flights every 20 to 25 minutes (depend on weather conditions)
Ropeway Service: Bhawan ⇄ Bhairon Temple
Route Connects Bhawan to Bhairon Nath Temple.
Distance: Approximately 1 km (reduces a steep 45-minute climb to a 3-minute ride.
Fare Details: ₹100/person
Summer (April-September) 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Winter (October-March) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Online Booking: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/causes/bhawan-bhairo-ropeway
Additional Transport Options
Ponies & Palkis: Available from Katra-Bhawan & from Sanjichhat-Bhawn.
Battery Cars: Operate between Ardhkuwari-Bhawan on new routs.
Fare: Ponies: ₹1,000–₹1,500
Palkis: ₹3,500–₹4,500
Battery Cars: ₹300–₹400/ person
Few Hotels:
- Hotel tridev Katra. Booking Detail: https://www.tridevhotels.com/
- Hotel Hari Katra. Booking Detail: https://g.co/kgs/ypn5UZe
- Hotel Sredhar Niwas. Booking Detail: https://g.co/kgs/TWj9nxk
Day 2: Return from Vaishno Devi – Katra to Srinagar
Morning: Return from Bhawan to Katra then Freshen up, quick breakfast like aloo ka paratha or puri sabji
Evening: Drive to Srinagar (7–8 hrs). Enjoy beautiful views en route via Patnitop, Banihal Tunnel
Night: Arrive in Srinagar then check -in at hotel or take a houseboat with shikara ride then dinner and rest.
Few Hotels:
- Sahara Grand Hills. Booking Detail: https://saharagrandhills.com/
- Zostel Srinagar. Booking Details: https://www.zostel.com/zostel/srinagar/srinagar-srnh885/
- Hotel New Green View. hotelnewgreenview2srinagar.bookmystay
Day 3: Srinagar – Local Sightseeing
Morning: Early morning visit Shankaracharya Temple then explore local sightseeing like Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh
Evening: Visit Hazratbal Shrine and stroll at Dal Lake Market
Night: Enjoy a Shikara ride on Dal Lake at sunset (₹300-₹400/person), dinner by the lake,overnight in Srinagar
Restaurants: Shamyana, Kareema, Ahdoos, Lhasa Restaurant
Mast Try food: Wazwan,Kahwa,Dam Aloo,Rista,Rogan josh,Methi maaz, Kasmiri Polao and many more.
Day 4: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Srinagar
Morning: Drive to Sonmarg (2.5–3 hrs) Visit Thajiwas Glacier (pony ride/short trek) experience a breathtaking scenic Mountain View’s.
Evening: Return to Srinagar take kahwa(traditional Kashmiri chai prepared in Manovar a unique tea pot) or tea/snacks on boulevard road near Dal Lake
Night: Relax at hotel or houseboat take a dinner and rest
Houseboat:
- Houseboat Ambassador. Booking Details: https://houseboatambassador.com/
- Wangnoo Houseboat. Booking Details: https://houseboatambassador.com/
- Kolu Group. Booking Details: https://kashmirhouseboats.net/
Approx Tariff: Rs. 3000-18000/ Night
Day 5: Srinagar – Gulmarg
Morning: Drive to Gulmarg (2 hrs) Take Gondola ride to Phase 1 or Phase 2
Fare: Phase 1 ₹850 for Phase 2 ₹1000 Snow activities (winter) / Trekking (summer)
Gondola ride Booking link: https://eticket.webfront.in/jkcc/
Winter Ski Booking LInk: https://www.jammukashmircablecar.com/
Evening: Visit St. Mary’s Church, Maharani Temple & Local walk through meadows or golf course
Night: Overnight stay in Gulmarg early sleep for next day drive
Few hotels at Gulmarg:
- The FrozenFall Resort. Booking Details: https://www.thefrozenfallresort.com/
- The Royal Castel (4 star). Booking Link: https://hotelroyalcastle.net/
- The Gulmarg Getway. Booking Link: https://thegulmarggateway.com/
Day 6: Gulmarg – Pahalgam
Morning: Breakfast and drive to Pahalgam (4–5 hrs) & visit saffron fields and Avantipur ruins on the way
Evening: Check-in to hotel in Pahalgam Walk along Lidder River, visit local market for shopping or local food
Night: Dinner at hotel then rest and enjoy the peaceful vibe.
Few hotels in Pahelgam:
- Zebrina Hotel. Booking Link: www.google.com/
- Pahelgam Hill Resort. Booking link: https://pahalgamhillresort.com/
- Green Top Resort. Booking Link: https://pahalgamhillresort.com/
Day 7: Pahalgam – Jammu
Morning: Optional visit to Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, or Chandanwari and do some breakfast and early checkout
Evening: Drive back to Jammu (approx 9 hrs) experience an outstanding Scenic view in your return journey through the mountains.
Night: Check-in at hotel in Jammu have some dinner relax after long drive
Day 8: Departure from Jammu
Morning: Visit Raghunath Temple or Bahu Fort (if time allows) breakfast & transfer to railway station or airport
Total Budget Plan for Kahmir:
| Category | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Travel ( Train/Flight+Local) | 8,000-15,000 |
| Vaishno Devi Yatra ( Stay+Food+Pony/Helicupter) | 2,500-5,000 |
| Accommodation (8-9 nights) | 10,000-18,000 |
| Local Transport (Taxis,Shared cabs) | 5,000-6,000 |
| Food (Rs. 500-700/day avg) | 3,000-5,500 |
| Sightseeing+ Activities (Gondola,boats) | 2,500-4,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Shopping/tips) | 2,500-4,500 |
| Total Estimated Budget | 33,000-60,000 |
Pro Tips (For Money Saving):
- Travel in off season (July to Sept)
- Travel in local share taxi/bus
- Negotiate Hotel Price
- Book tickets/hotels in advance
FAQ
1. Is Kashmir is safe for travel?
Ans: Yes, Kashmir is safe for travel.
2. What is the best time to visit kashmir?
Ans: Best time to visit kashmir is from March to October (skip july due to rainy season). If you love snow then visit Dec to Feb for best experience.
3. Do I need any permit to visit?
Ans: No, you do not need any permit to visit Kashmir as a tourist.
4. What about mobile network and internet?
Ans: Only Postpaid SIM cards from J&K will work (JIO & BSNL SIM work generally).
5. Are ATM is available?
Ans: Yes, ATMs are available in Kashmir, in major cities like Jammu,Srinagar, but it is advisable to carry cash.
6. Rainy Season in Kashmir?
Ans: The Kashmir have 6 seasons Mid May-Mid July is rainy season.
7. Is Oct is good time to visit in kashmir?
Ans: Yes, Oct is a very good time to visit kashmir. the weather is pleasant, it is also time for apple harvest annd golden chiner trees with breathtaking view.
8. How to plan Kashmir from Delhi?
Ans: You can reach srinagar from delhi via jammu by train,bus or flight.
9. Vaishno Devi registration?
Ans: Vaishno Devi Yatra access card online booking link: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/causes/yatra-registration
10. Is there local train available in Kashmir?
Ans: Yes Local train is available within kashmir, a train service operates between Baramulla and banihal, check route here: https://indiarailinfo.com/route/shortest-rail-route-bahl-to-sina/10150/7026
