Overview
Embark on a spiritually enriching pilgrimage to the sacred land of Jammu & Kashmir, covering the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, the scenic hill station of Patnitop, and the holy cave temple of Shivkhodi. Experience divine blessings, breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, peaceful mountain valleys, and spiritual tranquility throughout the journey. This tour is ideal for devotees seeking a blend of religious significance, natural beauty, and memorable travel experiences.
Highlights
- Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan
- Patnitop Hill Station Excursion
- Sacred Shivkhodi Cave Temple Visit
- Scenic Himalayan Mountain Views
- Spiritual Journey through Jammu Region
Itinerary
After arriving in Katra, all tourists will have to reach our hotel. Since entry inside the railway station is not possible, you will have to reach the hotel at your own expense. The hotel is just 10 minutes from the Katra Railway Station. If there are more than 10 passengers, a complimentary pick-up will be provided from Jammu Railway Station after train no. 19223 arrives at 7:30 pm. The pick-up departs from opposite Annapurna Bhojnalaya. Please note that for private transport options from Jammu airport, an Innova will cost Rs. 2200 and a tempo traveller will cost Rs. 4000 to reach the Katra hotel.
Tourists arriving by air will have to pay Rs 2600 at the time of booking for Innova or equivalent vehicle for pick up from Jammu airport and transfer to hotel in Katra.
After breakfast at 6:00 am, travellers will depart for Vaishnao Devi darshan from Katra at their own expense. Each traveller must visit the Yatra Slip Counter to obtain a Yatra slip after reaching Banganga, about 12 km from Katra. The return journey can be made on foot, by horse, or doli at the traveller’s expense. For those opting for a helicopter darshan, bookings must be made online 60 days in advance at www.maavaishnodevi.org.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel at 8:00 am, we will depart by bus for Patnitop, located 85 km away, a scenic 3-hour drive. Patnitop offers a unique and unforgettable experience with its snowstorms and breath-taking natural beauty. (Nattha Top will have to go voluntarily and at his own expense.)
After breakfast at the hotel at 7:00 am, we will depart by bus for Shivkhodi, located 85 km away, a 3-hour journey. Upon arrival at Ransu parking, the village of Shivkhodi is about 2 km away, with the Shiva Cave situated approximately 4 km further from the village. Travelers can reach these sites by foot, horse, dolly, or a mini bus, all at their own expense. After witnessing the magnificent Shiva Linga in the cave, we will enjoy a satisfying lunch before departing for Katra.
After check out from the hotel at 7:00 am, the tour comes to an end. Travelers will depart for Ahmedabad. If more than 15 passengers are heading to Ahmedabad, a bus will be provided from Katra to Jammu Railway Station at 4:30 am.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Hotel accomodation
- sightseeing
- meals as per itiernary
The Cost Excludes
- Note: The Rates do not include
- Train ticket
- Air ticket
- Agent service charge WeatherFor detailed Information about weather kindly visit www.accuweather.com
- Documents Required for Travel
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
