Jammu & Kashmir: The Best Places To Visit [Top 5]

If you haven’t, then join us in this marvellous tour destination in India, known as the heaven of India.

We are talking about the Magnificent hills covered with Ice, The Banks of Rivers, the boat houses that give you much-needed luxury and calm which you need in your vacation, the scent of Apples and Dry Fruits everywhere, and not only that, you may not wish to miss the Tulips Festival during every year on the April — May months.

Today we are going to explore, the best places to visit J&K. Many people wish to travel and enjoy the warmth of J&K at least once in their life. So, fellow travellers, join us for experiencing the stupendous journey.

This will be a tour package consisting of 5 places provided to you by IRCTC. So, let’s dwell on the tour.

Duration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days

Venue: Jammu, Gulmarg, Katra, Srinagar and Sonmarg

Places to Visit:

1) First, one is the Winter Capital of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, namely JAMMU. It is the headquarters and the largest district in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The City of Jammu is lying on the banks of TAWI and is surrounded by the Himalayas in the North and the Northern Plains in the South. Jammu is known for its ancient history and the Hindu temples and shrines with the second most populous district in the union territory. It is the most visited place in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu & Kashmir

2) Srinagar: It is the largest city in the union territory and the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar Lakes. The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like Kashmir Shawls and Dried fruits too. Dal Lake, surrounded by the magnificent Pir Panjal Mountains, is considered the pride of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. It provides some breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains that appear to be frozen in time. Shikaras have become a cultural symbol of Dal Lake and have achieved iconic status. The houseboats on Dal Lake, on the other hand, are made of wood and have artistically carved wood panelling, making for a unique stay.

Dal Lake, Srinagar

3)Gulmarg: It is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in Baramulla district of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated in the Pir Panjal range in the Western Himalayas. Originally called as Gauri Marg meaning “The Path of devi Gauri”, which was later on changed into the name of Gulmarg by Yusuf Shah of Chak Dynasty.

Skiing, Gulmarg

SonMarg (translation: “Meadow of Gold”) is a hill station in the Ganderbal district in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Sonmarg gives rise to the 3 Sisters. In the vicinity lies the great Himalayan glaciers of the Kashmir Valley namely Kolhoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier with some peaks of above 5000 m: Sirbal Peak, Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, and Machoi Peak… It is a popular tourist destination, nestled within the imposing Himalayan Peaks. The drive to SonMarg passes Nallah Sindh, A major tributary of the Jhelum River in the Kashmir Valley. It is upwards of sixty miles long valley and deep rock-grit gorge to open grassy meadow land and village-dotted slopes.

Sonmarg

Katra: Katra or as it is popularly known as Katra Vaishno Devi, is a small town in Reasi district in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is located. It is located 42 km from the city of Jammu.

Chumathang Mountains

Package Details:

Package Name — JAMMU-KATRA-SRINAGAR-GULMARG-SONMARG-PAHALGAM-SRINAGAR
Destination Covered — Srinagar, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Katra
Package Type — Land Tour
Frequency — Daily

The cost per person is reliable to change whenever the IRCTC wants to depend on the necessity or the economic condition of the nation. Updated prices will be available to you when booking the tickets.

Cost Per Person: — Lean Season (16 Nov to 15 Dec, 02 Jan to 31 Mar, 01 Aug to 15 Oct)

Single Occupancy: ₹52810/- (equivalent to $642 USD)
Double Occupancy: ₹26865/- (equivalent to $327 USD)
Triple Occupancy: ₹21865/- (equivalent to $266 USD)
Child with Bed (05 Yrs — 11 Yrs) : ₹13665/- (equivalent to $166 USD)
A child without Bed (05 Yrs — 11 Yrs) : ₹11005/- (equivalent to $134 USD)

Cost Per Person: — Peak Season (16 Dec to 1 Jan, 01 April to 31 July, 16 Oct to 15 Nov)

Single Occupancy: ₹61100/- (equivalent to $743 USD)
Double Occupancy: ₹28100/- (equivalent to $342 USD)
Triple Occupancy: ₹22690/- (equivalent to $276 USD)
A child with Bed (05 Yrs — 11 Yrs): ₹17720/- (equivalent to $216 USD)
A child without Bed (05 Yrs — 11 Yrs): ₹13450/- (equivalent to $164 USD)

** Costs may differ when booking due to economic situations or travel policies in India

** US dollars to Indian Rupee conversion may differ. When writing this article 1 USD = ₹ 82.27

** In case weather conditions are not good and traffic on the national highway connecting Jammu to Srinagar is disturbed/closed then guests shall make flight arrangements on their own and road components for this specific sector will be refundable as per provisions in the policy.

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Itinerary:

Tour Itinerary: — Jammu-Katra-Srinagar-Sonmarg-Pahalgam-Gulmarg-Srinagar

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Day 1: Jammu — Katra

Pickup from Jammu Railway Station/Airport, proceed to Katra. On arrival check into the hotel & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Katra

After breakfast, proceed for Mata Vaishno devi darshan at Katra. At night dinner at hotel & overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3: Srinagar

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Srinagar. On arrival check into the hotel at Srinagar, have dinner at the hotel & overnight stay at the hotel.

Note: In case weather conditions are not good and traffic on the national highway connecting Jammu to Srinagar is disturbed/closed then guests shall make flight arrangements on their own and the road components for this specific sector will be refundable as per provisions in the policy.

Day 4: Gulmarg

After breakfast, a day trip to Gulmarg. “Meadow of flowers and Highest Golf course”, enjoy horse riding or cable car ride on your own. Dinner at the hotel and overnight at Srinagar.

Day 5: Sonmarg:

After breakfast, drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg. “Meadows of Gold”. Enjoy horse riding or visit Thajwas Glacier on your own. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel in Sonmarg.

Day 6: Sonmarg — Srinagar

After breakfast, proceed to Srinagar, Visit the famous Mughal gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashme shahi or Chama I shahi) & Shankaracharya Temple. Dinner and night stay in M/s Zaffer houseboat at Nigeen lake.

Day 7: Pahalgam

After breakfast, a day trip to Pahalgam, on the way visit the famous saffron fields & Awantipura ruins. Dinner at hotel & overnight stay at hotel in Srinagar. Horse Riding is famous here.

Day 8: Srinagar

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel, and proceed to Srinagar to get your flight/train. The tour ends with sweet memories.

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The above itinerary is only indicative, IRCTC and handling agent reserve to change in view of operation problems / local circumstances. Note: In case weather conditions are not good and traffic on the national highway connecting Jammu to Srinagar is disturbed/closed then guests shall make flight arrangements on their own and the road components for this specific sector will be refundable as per provisions in the policy.

Inclusions:

Transfers by Non-AC vehicle on SIC basis as per Itinerary.
Sightseeing as per the itinerary by a non-AC vehicle on sharing basis.
Accommodation in base category rooms in standard hotels.
07 Breakfast & 07 Dinner at hotel.
Travel Insurance

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Price does not include: –

Any Still / Video Camera fees, entrance fees for monuments, and any activities suggested in the itinerary are chargeable direct.
Any portage at hotels, tips, mineral water, telephone charges, laundry, and all items of personal nature.
Any additional meals / en-route meals, sightseeing, and activities other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
Light and Sound Show ticket.
Any service not specified in inclusions.

Tour Dates: Daily

Accommodation: –

Katra — 02 Nights — Jai Maa Inn, Katra

Srinagar — 03 Nights — m/s Akbar, Srinagar

Srinagar — 01 Night — M/s Zaffer Houseboat at Nigeen Lake

Sonmarg — 01 Night — M/s Akbar, Sonmarg

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Cancellation Policy:

For cancellation of your ticket, please log in to your account, select the Tour Confirmation Number of the ticket you wish to cancel, and cancel your ticket from your booked history online. Cancellation of your Ticket is possible only on the website www.irctctourism.com and is not possible on PRS Counters. If the user wishes to cancel his ticket, cancellation rules for Land (Holiday) and Rail Tour Packages are as under:

Total Deductions:

Up to 15 days (excluding departure date): — Rs. 250 /- per passenger
Up to 8–14 days (excluding departure date): — 25% of the package cost
Up to 4–7 days (excluding departure date): — 50% of the package cost
Less than 4 days: — 100% of the package cost

Tip : So, If you wish to cancel your ticket, for free cancellation, Do cancel before 16 days or above

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Terms and Conditions: –

Note: In case weather conditions are not good and traffic on the national highway connecting Jammu to Srinagar is disturbed/closed then guests shall make flight arrangements on their own and the road component for this specific sector will be refundable as per provisions in the policy.
In case of partial cancellation please note that occupancy conversion charges will be applicable.
In case of cancellation of Counter bookings, a copy of the pan card of the guest in whose name the refund is claimed shall be required.

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Things to do: —

Shikara Riding on Dal Lake:

It is Riding in a Shikara on Dal Lake which is one of the most calming and pleasurable activities to partake in while on vacation in Jammu & Kashmir. Engulfed by the magnificent views of the Zabarwan Range and the pristine nature of the lake, it is a lovely experience that will entice you.

Skiing in Gulmarg:

If you plan a trip to Jammu & Kashmir in the winter season, then skiing is one of the most exciting things to indulge in on your trip. Embrace the chill, glide through the snow, and get your heart beating.

River Rafting in Pahalgam:

River rafting in Kashmir is popular on the Lidder River, which runs for about 12 km from Langabal to Ganeshpora and has river grades ranging from Grade I to IV. Because trained guides escort the participants, there is no need to be concerned about their safety. August and September are best for River Rafting in Kashmir.

Horse Riding:

In Kashmir, horseback riding is a unique way to see the natural hills and landscape. Pahalgam and Gulmarg are popular horseback riding destinations.

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