AMARNATH - VAISHNODEVI

DAY 01: ARRIVE SRINAGAR TO SONMARG (87 KMS - 2 to 3 Hrs One Way)
Upon arrival at Srinagar Sheikh Ul Alam Int’l Airport ( This must be one of the Most Scenic Flights in the World, Srinagar is popularly known as the “City of Reshi’s & Sufi’s” and it is also the Summer capital of state Jammu & Kashmir ) you will be me t by our representative and transfer to Sonmarg. Sonmarg called as “Meadow of gold” has its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the Sonmarg valley abounds with trout & Mahaseer. On Arrival at Sonmarg we check in to our pre – arranged hotel. Later in the afternoon, Ponies / vehicles (direct payment basis) can be hired for the trip up to Thajwas Glacier, Which is a major local attraction during the summer. Return back in the evening for dinner & overnight st ay at Hotel.

DAY 02: IN SONMARG (AMARNATH JI DARSHAN)
After early morning wakeup call, you will be transferred to Helipad at ( Neelgrath) to take a helicopter ride to Panjtarni. From Panjtarni to holy cave distance of approximately 6 Kms would be covered either by Ponies / Palkies ( Own Arrangement). After darshan & Pooja return back to Panjtarni Helipad to fly back to Neelgrath by Helicopter. From Neelgrath you will be transferred to Hotel for Dinner & overnight Stay.

DAY 03: SONMARG TO SRINAGAR (87 Kms – 2 to 3 Hrs One Way)
After an early breakfast, check out from Hotel & transfer to Srinagar. On arrival at Srinagar, we start our Sightseeing tour by visit of Shankaracharya Temple, It is believed that it was the place where the great philosopher and saint Shankaracharya stayed when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanathan Dharma. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof is not more than a century old. In the afternoon, we take a visit to Mughal Gardens, Nishat Garden known as ‘Garden of pleasure’ built in 16th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan. Then visit to Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built in 16th century (1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan or (Mehr -un-Nissa & Chashmashahi (The Royal Spring). The Chashmashahi Mughal garden in Srinagar had been loved by emperors and picnickers alike. In the evening you take a shikara ride on world famous Dal Lake, where you visit the floating vegetable gardens & Open Dal Lake. While riding the Shikara’s there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching with plentiful species including Kingfisher, Little Bittern, Common Pariah Kites, Grebe etc. Dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 04: IN SRINAGAR (DAY EXCURSION TO GULMARG - 55 Kms – 1 & Half Hrs. One Way
After an early breakfast, drive towards Gulmarg for a full day excursion via Srinagar Bye-Pass. Gulmarg, called as “Meadow of Flowers”. Gulmarg is 52 Kms from Srinagar at an altitude of 8700 – ft. Gulmarg also referred as Meadow of Flowers is a famous Ski Resort & the world’s highest 18 hole Golf Course. The place was prominent during the British time. Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter. 
One Can go for the Gondola Ride up to 1st or 2nd Phase. The Gulmarg Gondola is a tourist attraction in itself. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Affarwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). There are also countless off-piste possibilities through the beautiful Khilanmarg meadows on the foot of Mount Affarwat, which offer a scenic view of Nanga Parbat. The Affarwat ridge at 3850+ metres offers an avalanche controlled ski area 
that offers a wide field of snow to descend 800 m in approximately 3 km of skiing, and is for advanced skiers only. Due to Gulmarg's steep terrain, the region is popular amongst advanced and extreme skiers from around the world and has been visited by a number of ski professionals and featured in a number of ski films also. Return back to Srinagar in the evening for dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 05: SRINAGAR TO KATRA (265 Kms – 6 to 7 Hrs one way )
After an early breakfast, check out from Hotel and transfer to Katra. Katra is the base point to visit renowned Vaishnodevi Pilgrimage, One of the most revered and visited temples in India. On arrival, check in to the pre-arranged Hotel followed by welcome drink. Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 06: IN KATRA (MATA VAISHNODEVI DARSHAN)
After an early breakfast in the morning, we proceed further to visit the Holy temple of Vaishnodevi (Total 13 kms walk to the temple that takes about 4-5 hours). Enroute 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 beging 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 for Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 07: DEPART JAMMU (FLY OUT)
Tour concludes. Mountain Trails Kashmir thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination.