🕌 DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN AMRITSAR – SPIRITUAL BEGINNINGSArrival & Sacred Welcome: Your 9-day Amritsar Katra Kashmir tour begins as you land at Amritsar Airport or arrive at the railway station, where your Shamrock Journeys representative greets you. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, embark on your spiritual discovery in the holy city of Amritsar. You’ll visit the magnificent Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) to witness its serene beauty and learn about the world’s largest free community kitchen (langar). Later, pay your respects at the historic Jallianwala Bagh. The evening offers the chance to experience the electric patriotism of the Wagah Border ceremony (subject to timing). 💡 Shamrock’s India Travel Tips: For the most profound experience, we recommend visiting the Golden Temple both during the day and again at night when it is breathtakingly illuminated.🚗 DAY 02: AMRITSAR TO KATRA – JOURNEY TO THE FOOTHILLSPilgrimage Prologue: After breakfast and check-out, you’ll have time for a final glimpse of Amritsar’s heritage, perhaps visiting sites like the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. Afterwards, begin the scenic drive (approx. 5-6 hours, 250+ km) south-east to Katra, the gateway to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The evening is at leisure; you can rest, acclimatize, or explore the local markets to prepare for tomorrow’s spiritual trek. ⛰️ DAY 03: KATRA – SRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI DARSHANSacred Ascent & Divine Blessings: Rise early for a light breakfast before commencing your pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. The traditional trek to the holy shrine is about 13 km uphill from Katra. Devotees can undertake this journey on foot or make use of facilities like ponies, palanquins (palkis), or battery-operated cars for convenience. After seeking the blessings of the Mother Goddess at the sanctum sanctorum, you will descend back to Katra. Return to your hotel in the evening for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay.🌄 DAY 04: KATRA TO PAHALGAM – ENTERING THE VALLEY OF SHEPHERDSFrom Foothills to Alpine Meadows: After breakfast, bid farewell to Katra and embark on a longer scenic drive northwards (approx. 6-7 hours, 250+ km) to the mesmerizing Pahalgam, the ‘Valley of Shepherds’. As you enter the Kashmir Valley, watch the landscape transform. Upon arrival in Pahalgam, check into your hotel/resort, nestled amidst pristine nature. Spend your first evening soaking in the tranquil mountain air and the gentle sounds of the Lidder River.🌲 DAY 05: PAHALGAM LOCAL SIGHTSEEING – ALPINE SPLENDOURExploring Nature’s Masterpiece: Today is dedicated to exploring the stunning vistas around Pahalgam. Visit the famous Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood film, and the serene Aru Valley, known as a base for treks. You may also choose to visit Chandanwari, the starting point of the annual Amarnath Yatra. Enjoy leisurely walks, pony rides along the river, or simply relax amidst the panoramic views of lush meadows and pine forests.🚤 DAY 06: PAHALGAM TO SRINAGAR – HOUSEBOATS & MUGHAL GARDENSTo the Summer Capital: After a relaxed breakfast, drive from Pahalgam to Srinagar (approx. 3 hours scenic drive, 100 km). En route, you might stop at a saffron field in Pampore. Upon arrival, experience the unique charm of Kashmir by checking into a traditional Houseboat on Dal Lake. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the beautiful Mughal Gardens, which may include Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. The day culminates with a serene Shikara ride on Dal Lake as the sun sets.🌸🌄 DAY 07: SRINAGAR – MORNING SHIKARA & GULMARG EXCURSIONAlpine Wonder & Lake Serenity: Begin your day with a quintessential Kashmiri experience—a peaceful Morning Shikara ride on the tranquil Dal or Nigeen Lake. Glide past floating gardens and vibrant markets, soaking in the serene atmosphere. After breakfast, embark on a day trip to the world-famous Gulmarg (approx. 2-hour scenic drive, 52 km). Renowned as a premier skiing destination, Gulmarg’s beauty is year-round. The highlight is the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. Take the ride to Kongdoori or Apharwat Peak for breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal range and possibly Nanga Parbat. Enjoy the lush meadows, and in winter, you can indulge in activities like skiing or sledging. Return to your houseboat in Srinagar for the night.🕌 DAY 08: SRINAGAR LOCAL SIGHTSEEING & LEISURECultural Immersion & Peaceful Exploration: Enjoy a more relaxed day exploring Srinagar’s spiritual and cultural landmarks. You may visit the ancient Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic city views, the revered Hazratbal Shrine. The afternoon is free for personal exploration—you can shop for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts like pashmina shawls and papier-mâché items at Lal Chowk or relax by the lake. This is your final evening in paradise.👋 DAY 09: DEPARTURE FROM SRINAGAR – FAREWELL TO PARADISEFond Farewells: After breakfast, check out from your hotel/resort/houseboat. Depending on your flight schedule from Srinagar International Airport, you may have some leisure time. You will be assisted with a timely transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of spiritual devotion and Kashmir’s heavenly beauty.Embark on Shamrock Journeys’ exclusive Amritsar, Katra & Kashmir 9 Days Tour, a flagship offering among our spiritual India tour packages. This seamless journey connects iconic destinations, from the devotional plains of Punjab to the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir. Discover why this is one of our most sought-after North India tours, perfect for seekers and scenery lovers alike. Seek blessings at Amritsar’s Golden Temple and undertake the sacred Vaishno Devi Yatra. Then, immerse yourself in the alpine magic of destination India—stay on a Dal Lake houseboat, ride the Gulmarg Gondola, and explore the lush valleys of Pahalgam. This all-inclusive experience also makes for a unique cultural & spiritual honeymoon tour, combining profound pilgrimage with the unmatched serenity of the Himalayas.
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