Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 5-Day Kashmir Exploration designed specifically for group travelers and adventure seekers. Departing directly via the Vande Bharat Express from Katra, this curated journey takes you through the most breathtaking destinations of Kashmir, including Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.
Experience the charm of Dal Lake with a traditional Shikara ride, ride the world’s second-highest cable car in Gulmarg, visit the majestic Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Pahalgam’s Betaab and Aru Valleys. With cozy group ice-breaker sessions, seamless railway transfers, and guided local explorations, this trip turns fellow travelers into lifelong friends.
Join us on a 5-day adventure through the heart of Kashmir, starting and ending with a scenic Vande Bharat Express ride from Katra. From navigating the tranquil waters of Dal Lake to ascending the snowy heights of Gulmarg and exploring the lush valleys of Pahalgam and Sonamarg, this day-by-day itinerary is crafted for continuous discovery and group bonding.
Begin Your Kashmir Adventure
Meet the Advith Yatra team and fellow travellers at Bangalore Railway Station.
Board the train from Bangalore towards Katra and begin your journey to the beautiful Kashmir Valley.
Settle into your seats or berths and enjoy the beginning of your long-distance adventure.
This is where your Strangers-to-Friends Kashmir Journey begins.
During the Journey:
- Meet your fellow travellers
- Introduction and group interaction
- Travel games and activities
- Enjoy the changing landscapes
- Relax and enjoy the train journey
Overnight: Train Journey
Continue your train journey towards Katra.
Spend the day travelling through different landscapes of India while getting to know your fellow travellers.
Group Experience:
- Ice-breaker games
- Group conversations
- Travel games
- Music and entertainment
- Getting to know fellow travellers
- Relax and enjoy the journey
The journey itself becomes part of your Kashmir experience.
Overnight: Train Journey
Continue the onward journey towards Katra.
Spend another day travelling together as a group.
Enjoy the changing scenery as you move towards North India and get closer to the Himalayas.
Group Activities:
- Group bonding
- Games and activities
- Photography
- Conversations with fellow travellers
- Relax and enjoy the train journey
Prepare for your arrival in Katra and the next chapter of the journey — Kashmir.
Overnight: Train Journey
Himalayan Railway Journey
Arrive at Katra.
After completing the necessary transfer arrangements, board the Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar.
Enjoy one of the most scenic railway journeys in India as the train travels through the Himalayan landscape.
Along the route, experience spectacular valleys, tunnels, bridges and mountain scenery, including views of the Chenab Railway Bridge.
Evening — Arrival in Srinagar
Arrive in Srinagar in the evening.
Transfer to the hotel and complete check-in.
Evening Local Exploration
After freshening up, head out to explore the local Srinagar market.
Enjoy:
- Local market exploration
- Kashmiri products
- Shopping
- Street atmosphere
- Local food experience at your own expense
- Group interaction
Return to the hotel after the evening exploration.
Overnight: Srinagar
Snow, Mountains & Gondola
After breakfast, depart from Srinagar towards Gulmarg.
Enjoy the scenic drive through the Kashmir Valley.
Drung Frozen Waterfall
Visit Drung Frozen Waterfall, near Tangmarg.
During winter, the waterfall can transform into a spectacular frozen landscape.
Enjoy photography and explore the surrounding area.
Tangmarg → Gulmarg
Continue towards Gulmarg using local/union transport as applicable.
Gulmarg Snow Experience
Arrive in Gulmarg and enjoy the snow-covered Himalayan landscape.
Spend time experiencing the snow and capturing photographs.
Gulmarg Gondola
Experience the famous Gulmarg Gondola.
Explore:
- Phase 1 – Gulmarg to Kongdoori
- Phase 2 – Kongdoori to Apharwat
Gondola access is subject to weather, operational conditions and ticket availability.
Gulmarg Golf Course
Visit the beautiful Gulmarg Golf Course and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
Optional Snow Activities (at additional cost):
- Skiing
- Sledging
- Snow biking
- Other snow activities
Later, begin the return journey to Srinagar.
Overnight: Srinagar
Meadow of Gold, Glacier & Snow
After breakfast, depart from Srinagar towards Sonamarg – The Meadow of Gold.
Enjoy the beautiful Himalayan drive towards Sonamarg.
Thajiwas Glacier
Explore the Thajiwas Glacier area.
Depending on weather and local access conditions, enjoy:
- Snow experience
- Glacier views
- Mountain photography
- Scenic surroundings
- Free time for exploration
Sindh River
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Sindh River and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
Kashmiri Shopping
Get some time for local shopping.
Explore and shop for:
- Kashmiri dry fruits
- Saffron
- Local products
- Handicrafts
Later, drive back to Srinagar.
Overnight: Srinagar
Valleys, Lidder River & Himalayan Landscapes
After breakfast, depart from Srinagar towards Pahalgam.
Enjoy the scenic drive through Kashmiri villages and beautiful mountain landscapes.
Lidder River
Enjoy the scenic views along the Lidder River.
Aru Valley
Explore Aru Valley, surrounded by beautiful mountains, meadows and forests.
Spend time enjoying the scenery and capturing photographs.
Betaab Valley
Visit the beautiful Betaab Valley.
Enjoy:
- Mountain views
- Valley exploration
- Photography
- Free time
- Scenic surroundings
Later, begin the return journey to Srinagar.
Arrive at the hotel and relax.
Overnight: Srinagar
Dal Lake, Shikara & Srinagar Highlights
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your final Kashmir sightseeing.
Dargah Hazratbal
Visit Dargah Hazratbal, located beside Dal Lake.
Enjoy the beautiful setting and explore this important Srinagar landmark.
Dal Lake
Explore the iconic Dal Lake.
Experience the beautiful lake surroundings, houseboats and traditional Kashmiri lifestyle.
Complimentary Shikara Ride
Enjoy your complimentary Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Experience:
- Floating gardens
- Houseboats
- Floating shops
- Traditional lake life
- Scenic Himalayan surroundings
Floating Post Office
Visit the famous Floating Post Office area.
Local Market
Spend some final time exploring Srinagar's local market and shopping for Kashmiri souvenirs.
Afternoon — Srinagar → Katra
After completing the Srinagar sightseeing, proceed to Srinagar Railway Station.
Board the Vande Bharat Express from Srinagar to Katra.
Enjoy the final views of the Kashmir Valley during the return railway journey.
Evening — Katra
Arrive in Katra in the evening.
Proceed to the railway station for your onward train journey towards Bangalore.
Board the train and begin the return journey.
Overnight: Train Journey
KATRA → BANGALORE
Spend the entire day on the train as you continue your journey towards Bangalore.
The Kashmir exploration may be over, but the Strangers-to-Friends journey continues.
Group Experience:
- Travel games
- Conversations
- Music & entertainment
- Sharing photographs and memories
- Group bonding
- Relax and enjoy the journey
Overnight: Train Journey
ONWARD JOURNEY TO BANGALORE
Continue your long-distance train journey towards Bangalore.
Spend the day travelling together and reliving the highlights of the Kashmir trip.
Journey Memories: Talk about your favourite experiences:
- Gulmarg snow
- Sonamarg
- Pahalgam
- Dal Lake
- Shikara ride
- Himalayan train journey
- New friendships
Enjoy the final full day of your journey together.
Overnight: Train Journey
Welcome Back Home
Continue the final stretch of your train journey towards Bangalore.
Arrive at Bangalore Railway Station and conclude your Advith Yatra Kashmir Strangers Trip.
Say goodbye to the people who started the journey as strangers and return home with new friendships, memories and experiences.