Description

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar – Hotel Transfer & Briefing

• Welcome to Srinagar:
  Upon arrival at Srinagar Airport, please proceed to the arrival gate where our representative will meet you. They will perform a quick KYC verification, provide your RFID Card, and escort you in a comfortable air‑conditioned vehicle to your Srinagar hotel.
• Hotel Check-In & Relaxation:
  Settle into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.
• Evening Briefing:
  Attend an informative briefing session to discuss your upcoming Yatra details and verify your documentation.
• Dinner & Overnight:
  Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel and rest up for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Srinagar to Neelgrath Helipad – Helicopter Journey to Panchtarni

• Morning Preparation:
  • Double-check that you have your helicopter tickets, original medical certificate, and valid ID cards.
  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (or grab a packaged option for the journey).
• Transfer to Neelgrath:
  Board our A/C vehicle for a scenic 2–3‑hour drive to Neelgrath Helipad.
• At Neelgrath Helipad:
  • Complete any pending KYC verification and collect your RFID Card if needed.
  • Meet our representative for guidance through the helipad security checks and procedures.
  • Get your helicopter ticket stamped, have your luggage weighed, and collect your boarding pass.
• Helicopter Flight to Panchtarni:
  Board your helicopter for a breathtaking flight to Panchtarni.
• At Panchtarni:
  • Arrive at the pre‑arranged campsite, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the helipad.
  • The trek to the Holy Cave (approximately 6 km, via foot or pony) will follow after darshan arrangements.
• Important Notes:
  • Weather Delays: Should your flight be canceled due to weather, ensure you get your ticket stamped for a refund.
  • Alternative Transport: Pony or palki services (arranged via Ponypalki.com at an extra cost) may be used if necessary.
  • Time Restrictions: Travel after 2–3 PM (as per current regulations) is not permitted between these helipads and the Holy Cave.
  • Helicopter Ticket Slots: Typical flight times are 9 AM–6 PM for outbound and 6 AM–12 PM for return, subject to availability.
• Overnight Stay:
  Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in well‑equipped, waterproof tents at Panchtarni.

Day 3: Panchtarni to Neelgrath/Baltal by Helicopter – Return to Srinagar & Optional Sightseeing

• Early Morning Departure:
  Rise early, check out from your campsite, and prepare for your helicopter ride back from Panchtarni to Neelgrath or Baltal.
• Transfer to Srinagar:
  Upon landing, meet our representative and board an A/C vehicle for your transfer back to Srinagar.
• Optional Srinagar Sightseeing:
  Time permitting, explore some of Srinagar’s iconic attractions:
  • Mughal Gardens: Visit Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashma Shahi.
  • Pari Mahal: Enjoy panoramic views from this historic monument.
  • Shankaracharya Temple & Dal Lake: Enjoy a temple visit and a serene shikara ride.
    (Please note that most gardens close around 4–5 PM.)
• Evening:
  Return to your hotel in Srinagar for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Srinagar – Gulmarg Day Excursion

• Morning:
  After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, depart for an exciting day trip to Gulmarg—a true winter wonderland in the Himalayas.
• Gulmarg Highlights:
  • Snow-Filled Adventures: Enjoy playing in the snow or building a snowman in the serene white surroundings.
  • Optional Gondola Ride: For panoramic Himalayan views, opt for Asia’s longest and highest cable car ride (advance booking is recommended; this service is at your own cost).
  • Scenic Beauty: Take in the stunning vistas of meadows, forests, and snow-capped peaks.
• Evening Return:
  Return to Srinagar for a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight hotel stay.

Day 5: Srinagar – Pahalgam Day Excursion

• Morning Departure:
  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic drive to Pahalgam, known as the “Valley of Shepherds.”
• Pahalgam Highlights:
  • Lush Meadows: Explore the verdant landscapes of Baisaran and Aru Valley.
  • Lidder River: Stroll along the riverbanks enjoying soothing sounds and beautiful scenery.
  • Betaab Valley: Marvel at the picturesque valley famed from Bollywood films.
  • Chandanwari (Optional): If time permits, visit Chandanwari—the starting point of the Amarnath trek. (Note: Local union vehicles are required at an additional cost for Baisaran, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari.)
• Evening:
  Return to Srinagar for dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 6: Transition to Maa Vaishno Devi – From Srinagar to Katra

• Morning Departure:
  After breakfast, check out from your Srinagar hotel.
• Transfer Options:
  • Flight Option (At Your Expense): Board a flight from Srinagar to Jammu, then meet our representative in Jammu to transfer you to Katra.
  • Road Option: Alternatively, enjoy a scenic 265‑km road journey (approximately 10 hours), with opportunities to see sites such as Titanic Point and possibly Patnitop.
• Arrival in Katra:
  Upon arrival in Katra, check into your comfortable hotel near the Maa Vaishno Devi base camp. Enjoy dinner and relax in preparation for your pilgrimage.

Day 7: Maa Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage – Helicopter Journey & Trek

• Early Morning:
  After breakfast in Katra, proceed to the Katra Helipad where transportation will be arranged for you.
• Helicopter Transfer:
  Board a helicopter for a scenic flight from Katra to Sanjhichat.
• Trek to the Shrine:
  From Sanjhichat, undertake a moderate 2‑km trek (approximately 2 hours) to the sacred Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine.
• Darshan & Return:
  Spend time in prayer and reflection at the shrine before returning to Sanjhichat.
• Important Notes:
  • If helicopter service is disrupted by weather, you may opt to hire a pony at an additional cost. Ensure you get your helicopter ticket stamped at the helipad for any potential refund.
• Evening:
  Return to Katra, relax at your hotel, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8: Departure from Katra – Farewell to Jammu/Kashmir

• Morning Check-Out:
  After breakfast in Katra, check out (please note hotel check-out is at 12 noon).
• Transfer to Departure Point:
  Our representative will escort you to your designated drop-off point in Jammu (Airport or Railway Station), approximately 50 km away.
• Farewell:
  Conclude your combined Amarnath and Maa Vaishno Devi pilgrimage with cherished memories of your spiritual journey through Jammu and Kashmir. Safe travels and may the divine grace of Amarnathji and Maa Vaishno Devi guide you always!

Package Inclusions

1. Accommodations:
   • Srinagar: 4‑star hotel for 4 nights with modern amenities and proximity to key locations.
   • Katra: 2 nights in a comfortable hotel near the Maa Vaishno Devi base camp.
   • Panchtarni: 1 night of camping in well‑equipped, waterproof tents set amidst the Himalayan landscape.
   • User Value: If you prefer a same‑day return from Panchtarni, please note additional hotel charges may apply due to weather risks.
2. Priority Yatra Pass:
   • Assistance in securing your mandatory Yatra Pass for both the Amarnath and Maa Vaishno Devi pilgrimages.
3. Helicopter Transfers:
   • Amarnath Yatra: Round‑trip helicopter tickets between Neelgrath/Baltal and Panchtarni.
   • Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra: Helicopter transfer from Katra to Sanjhichat and back
4. A/C Transportation:
   • Comfortable A/C transfers from Srinagar (City/Airport) to Neelgrath/Baltal and back, as well as from Jammu to Katra and return.
5. RFID Card & Mandatory Registration Assistance:
   • Help with obtaining your RFID Card, completing online registration, and securing your compulsory medical certificate (CHC) for the pilgrimage.
6. Cultural Sightseeing:
   • Optional sightseeing tours in Srinagar (Mughal Gardens, Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Temple, Dal Lake) on Day 3, and excursions to Gulmarg and Pahalgam on Days 4 and 5.
7. Meals:
   • Hotel Meals:
     • Dinner provided on Nights 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
     • Breakfast served on Mornings 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
   • Langar Meals:
     • Nutritious buffet-style meals at the Panchtarni campsite during your camping stay.
8. Camping Experience:
   • A memorable Himalayan night at Panchtarni with well-appointed tents and available hot water (nominal charge per bucket).
9. Professional Services:
   • Assistance by a knowledgeable, courteous driver (no tipping required) and on-ground support throughout your journey.
10. Inclusive Pricing:
    • All applicable taxes, parking charges, and toll taxes are included—no hidden costs.
11. Optional Package Upgrades:
    • Flexibility to extend your package duration or add extra services at a nominal charge.

Package Exclusions

• Trekking Assistance Charges:
  • Pony, dolly, or mule charges for trekking (these services can be arranged independently via Ponypalki.com).
• Additional Taxes:
  • GST at 5% on the total package cost.
• Travel & Entry Expenses:
  • Costs for train tickets, air tickets, monument/entry fees, shikara rides, etc.
• Personal Expenses:
  • Tips, laundry, phone calls, and other personal expenses.
• Extra Costs Due to Unforeseen Circumstances:
  • Expenses arising from weather issues, helicopter cancellations, landslides, or any force majeure.
• Any Expenses Not Listed in the Inclusions.

User Values & Customization Options

• Special Dietary Requirements:
  Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Sightseeing Preferences:
  Let us know if there are specific attractions or landmarks you wish to explore during your time in Srinagar, Gulmarg, or Pahalgam.
• Optional Services:
  Decide if you would like to opt for additional services such as pony/palki hire for the trek or helicopter transfers for Maa Vaishno Devi (available at extra cost).
• Package Upgrades:
  If you wish to extend your stay or add extra activities, we offer flexible upgrade options to suit your needs.
• Comfort & Safety:
  Our services are designed to ensure your comfort and safety throughout your pilgrimage. We offer professional, knowledgeable guides and drivers to enrich your experience and provide valuable insights into the region’s culture and history.

We trust this detailed itinerary—with its clear inclusions, exclusions, and customization options—will help you plan a fulfilling and spiritually enriching pilgrimage. For any questions or further adjustments, please do not hesitate to contact us. May the blessings of Amarnathji and Maa Vaishno Devi guide you always!