Most travellers treat Jammu as a railway station on the way to Srinagar. A proper Jammu and Kashmir itinerary gives the Jammu region two or three days of its own: temples, a pilgrimage, a pine-forest hill station, and only then the lakes and meadows of the valley. Here is the ten-day plan we use most for families and pilgrims.
- Ten days lets you see the Jammu region properly instead of rushing through it.
- Do the Vaishno Devi yatra before the valley, then rest a day.
- Break the drive to Srinagar at Patnitop, or take the train where services run.
- Fly out of Srinagar to avoid repeating the long road back.
Day-by-day plan
- Day 1, Jammu: arrive by train or flight. Visit Raghunath Temple and Bahu Fort in the evening. Overnight in Jammu.
- Day 2, Katra: drive about two hours to Katra, register for the yatra and rest.
- Day 3, Vaishno Devi: the yatra to the Bhawan and back (about 13 km each way on foot; ponies, palkis and helicopters are alternatives, subject to booking and weather).
- Day 4, Patnitop: a short, easy drive up to Patnitop for a recovery day among the pines.
- Day 5, Srinagar: continue through the Chenani–Nashri and Banihal tunnels to Srinagar (5–6 hours). Evening Shikara ride.
- Day 6, Sonamarg: day trip to Thajiwas Glacier.
- Day 7, Gulmarg: drive to Gulmarg, ride the Gondola and stay the night.
- Day 8, Pahalgam: drive via Pampore to Pahalgam.
- Day 9, Pahalgam: Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari by union taxi.
- Day 10: back to Srinagar and fly home.
Shorter versions
Seven days? Drop Patnitop and Sonamarg. Eight days? Keep Patnitop and drop Sonamarg; the hill station makes the long road far more comfortable for elders. Our Kashmir with Vaishno Devi package and the Jammu, Patnitop and Srinagar 4-star tour are built on this plan.
Road or train?
Where train services between Katra and Srinagar are running, they cut the journey considerably and avoid road closures on the highway. Seats sell out quickly in season, so book early on IRCTC. By road, plan for seven to nine hours from Jammu.
Tips for this route
- Carry ID for every traveller; checkpoints are routine.
- Check the yatra rules and registration on the Shrine Board website.
- Keep a rest day after the yatra; tired legs and mountain roads don't mix.
Compare all our Jammu Kashmir tour packages or read the shorter Kashmir itinerary guide.
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About the author: Written and checked by the Travel Wiki planning team, who arrange Kashmir and Ladakh trips every week from Srinagar and Bijbihara.
