Quick Answer
Vaishno Devi darshan plus Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam in 8 days. Katra to Srinagar by Vande Bharat in about 3 hours. Day-by-day plan, real costs, custom quote.
Most travellers who come for Mata Vaishno Devi want to see Kashmir on the same trip, and since June 2025 that has become much easier: the Vande Bharat train links Katra, the base town for the yatra, with Srinagar in about 3 hours, stopping only at Banihal. Before the train, the same journey was a 7 to 8 hour drive over the Banihal stretch.
We plan this trip as a custom package, because yatra dates, group size and the helicopter or trek choice change everything. This page gives a realistic day-by-day plan, what each part actually costs, and how to book it as one itemised quote.
At a glance
Best length: 7 nights / 8 days • Start: Jammu (airport or Jammu Tawi station) • Katra 2 nights, Srinagar 3 to 4 nights, Pahalgam 1 night • Katra to Srinagar: Vande Bharat about 3 hours (₹715 Chair Car at launch) • Yatra registration (RFID card) is required for darshan.
Kashmir with Vaishno Devi: 7 nights / 8 days itinerary
table_chartA realistic plan, not a rushed one
| Day | Plan | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Jammu, drive about 45 km (1.5 hours) to Katra, collect the yatra RFID card | Katra |
| Day 2 | Vaishno Devi darshan: about 12 to 13 km trek from Banganga to Bhawan, or helicopter to Sanjichhat; optional ropeway to Bhairon temple | Katra |
| Day 3 | Vande Bharat from Katra to Srinagar (about 3 hours), evening shikara on Dal Lake | Srinagar |
| Day 4 | Srinagar: Mughal gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, old city | Srinagar |
| Day 5 | Gulmarg day trip: gondola and meadows (or snow in winter) | Srinagar |
| Day 6 | Drive to Pahalgam (about 90 km); Betaab and Aru valleys by local taxi | Pahalgam |
| Day 7 | Return to Srinagar, shopping and a free evening | Srinagar |
| Day 8 | Fly out of Srinagar, or train back to Katra for Jammu | - |
Short of time? A 5 night / 6 day version keeps one night in Katra and drops Pahalgam. Travelling with seniors? Add a rest day after the darshan; the trek and the queue are the hardest part of the trip.
What a Kashmir and Vaishno Devi trip costs (2026-27)
table_chartLive Via Kashmir prices for each part (October 2026)
| Part of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| Jammu to Katra cab, one way | ₹2,400 sedan, ₹3,300 Innova, ₹3,850 Innova Crysta |
| Katra to Srinagar by Vande Bharat | ₹715 Chair Car, ₹1,320 executive per person (launch fares, June 2025) |
| Katra to Srinagar by road instead | See our Katra to Srinagar taxi fares |
| Kashmir portion (5 days, hotels, cab, sightseeing) | From ₹10,887 per person for a group of 4; couples from ₹10,705 |
| Srinagar hotels | From ₹1,259 a night (108 verified hotels) |
Why it is a custom quote
Katra hotels, yatra dates, the trek or helicopter, and whether you take the train or a cab change the total. Send your dates and group size and we price the whole trip in one itemised quote, with the hotels available for your dates.
Vaishno Devi yatra: what to know before you book
- checkRegistration is compulsory: collect the RFID yatra card at Katra (or register online with the Shrine Board) before starting.
- checkThe trek from Banganga to Bhawan is about 12 to 13 km each way on a paved path; ponies, palkis and battery cars cover parts of it.
- checkHelicopter flights run from Katra to Sanjichhat, about 2.5 km from Bhawan; book them as early as possible.
- checkA ropeway connects Bhawan with the Bhairon temple.
- checkCrowds peak during Navratri, summer school holidays and New Year; plan Kashmir days around your darshan date.
Train or road from Katra to Srinagar?
table_chartKatra to Srinagar options
| Vande Bharat train | Private cab | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | About 3 hours | 7 to 8 hours |
| Cost | ₹715 to ₹1,320 per person (launch fares) | Per vehicle, fixed fare |
| Best for | Couples and small groups | Families with luggage, door-to-door |
| Stops | Banihal only | Patnitop or Ramban on request |
Frequently Asked Questions
help_outlineHow many days are needed for a Kashmir trip with Vaishno Devi?expand_more
Seven nights and eight days is the comfortable length: 2 nights in Katra for the darshan, then Srinagar, a Gulmarg day trip and a night in Pahalgam. A 5 night / 6 day version works if you skip Pahalgam.
help_outlineHow do I travel from Katra to Srinagar?expand_more
Take the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar, which has run since June 2025 and takes about 3 hours with one stop at Banihal (launch fares ₹715 Chair Car, ₹1,320 executive). By road it is a 7 to 8 hour drive.
help_outlineWhat is the cost of a Kashmir tour package with Vaishno Devi?expand_more
It depends on group size, Katra hotels and train or cab. As a guide: Jammu to Katra by cab is ₹2,400 (sedan), the train to Srinagar is ₹715 per person, and our 5-day Kashmir package starts at ₹10,887 per person for a group of 4 (October 2026). We send one itemised quote for the full trip.
help_outlineIs registration required for Vaishno Devi?expand_more
Yes. Every pilgrim needs the RFID yatra card, collected at Katra or arranged through online registration with the Shrine Board, before starting the yatra.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.