🗓️ Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Kolkata to Amritsar

 *Train: Board the **12357 Durgiana Express* from *Howrah Junction (HWH)* to *Amritsar Junction (ASR)*.
– *Departure*: 11:25 AM from Howrah
– *Arrival*: 4:40 PM the next day (Day 2)

Day 2: Arrival in Amritsar

– Check-in to your hotel in Amritsar.
– Evening visit to the *Golden Temple* to witness its beauty under lights.
– Explore *Amritsar Market* for local shopping.

Day 3: Amritsar Sightseeing

– Visit:
– *Jallianwala Bagh*
– *Partition Museum*
– *Durgiana Temple*
– *Wagah Border* (for the Beating Retreat Ceremony in the evening)
– Overnight in Amritsar.

Day 4: Amritsar to Katra

– *Travel*:Amritsar to Katra.
(Approx. 6-8 hours).
– Check-in to your hotel in Katra.
– Prepare for Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.

Day 5: Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra

– Early morning trek or take a pony/helicopter to *Vaishno Devi Shrine*.
– Return by evening and rest.

Day 6: Katra to Srinagar

– *Travel*: Srinagar (Approx. 7-8 hours).
– Check-in to a hotel on *Dal Lake*.
– Evening: Shikara ride on Dal Lake.

Day 7: Srinagar Sightseeing

– Visit:
– *Mughal Gardens* (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi)
– *Shankaracharya Temple*
– Local markets for Kashmiri handicrafts.

Day 8: Srinagar to Gulmarg (Day Trip)

– *Travel: Drive to **Gulmarg* (Approx. 2 hours).
– Activities:
– Ride the *Gondola Cable Car*.
– Explore snow activities (if applicable).
– Return to Srinagar for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Srinagar to Sonamarg (Day Trip)

– *Travel: Drive to **Sonamarg* (Approx. 2.5 hours).
– Activities:
– Explore *Thajiwas Glacier* and other scenic spots.
– Return to Srinagar for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Srinagar to Pahalgam

– *Travel: Drive to **Pahalgam* (Approx. 4 hours).
– Visit:
– *Betaab Valley*
– *Aru Valley*
– *Lidder River*
– Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Day 11: Pahalgam to Patnitop

– *Travel: Drive to **Patnitop* (Approx. 6-7 hours).
– Visit:
– *Nathatop*
– *Sanasar Lake*
– Overnight stay in Patnitop.

Day 12: Patnitop to Jammu

– *Travel: Drive to **Jammu* (Approx. 2-3 hours).
– Board train to Kolkata.

### *Return Journey (Jammu to Kolkata)*
– *Train: Board **13152 Sealdah Express* or any available train to Kolkata.
– Approximate travel time: 40 hours.

Key Notes

•  Book train tickets (especially for Durgiana Express and return train) well in advance.
• Check weather conditions in Kashmir, as some routes might require planning based on snowfall.
• For Vaishno Devi, pre-book helicopter rides if preferred.
•  Carry warm clothing for Kashmir and Patnitop, especially in March.