Devotion & Mountains Expedition 08 Night / 09 Days

Upon arrival at Katra Railway Station or Katra Bus Stand, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted with a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Nestled at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra serves as the base for the sacred Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and offers a serene and picturesque environment perfect for relaxation after your journey. Check in to your hotel and take some time to refresh and unwind. In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town, soaking in the peaceful ambience, local culture, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight stay at the hotel, preparing for the spiritual and adventurous journey ahead.;

After breakfast, embark on the sacred Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. The revered shrine, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites, is nestled at a height of 5,300 ft in a cave on the folds of Trikuta Bhagwati Hill. Located 61 km from Jammu, the last 13 km of the journey is undertaken on foot by devotees, known as yatris. The path leading to the cave passes through lush mountain scenery and includes a narrow tunnel where the cold stream Charan Ganga flows, adding a spiritual and refreshing touch to the journey. Inside the cave, the sanctum sanctorum houses the triple deity idols of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati, offering devotees a profound experience of faith and devotion. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.;

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Katra and proceed for a scenic transfer to Dharamshala, a serene city in Himachal Pradesh nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Dharamshala, surrounded by lush cedar forests, is renowned as the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Visitors can explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region, including the Thekchen Chöling Temple Complex, a vibrant center for Tibetan Buddhism, and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which houses thousands of invaluable manuscripts and texts. Overnight stay at the hotel, preparing for the next day’s exploration.;

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Dharamshala and proceed for a scenic drive to Manali, the charming hill station of northern India. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind, enjoying the fresh mountain air and serene surroundings. Manali, renowned for its cool climate, offers a perfect escape from the heat of the plains. The town is not only a hub for sightseeing, with its lush valleys and picturesque landscapes, but also a center for adventure activities. Tourists can indulge in skiing, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking, making it ideal for both relaxation and thrill-seekers. Overnight stay at the hotel in Manali.;

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of local sightseeing in Manali. Begin with the Hadimba Temple, built in 1553, renowned for its four-tiered pagoda roof and exquisitely carved doorway, reflecting the region’s rich architectural heritage. Next, visit the Manali Club House, offering a variety of recreational facilities including a roller skating rink, auditorium, billiards rooms, library, bar, and restaurant, perfect for a relaxing outing. Continue to explore the Tibetan Monastery, a spiritual center showcasing Tibetan culture, and Van Vihar, a beautifully maintained park ideal for nature lovers. Conclude the day at Vashisht, famous for its hot springs and ancient temples dedicated to sage Vashisth and Lord Rama, offering a serene and spiritual experience. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.;

After a lavish breakfast, embark on an exciting day sightseeing tour around Manali. Head to the picturesque Solang Valley, whose name comes from the combination of “Solang” (a nearby village) and “Nullah” (water stream). Nestled at the top of the Kullu Valley, 14 km northwest of Manali, Solang Valley is surrounded by breathtaking views of glaciers and verdant landscapes. The valley is a hub for summer and winter sports, offering activities such as parachuting, paragliding, skating, and zorbing (available at your own expense), making it perfect for adventure enthusiasts. After an exhilarating day, return to the hotel to relax, enjoy a delectable dinner, and spend a comfortable overnight stay amidst the serene beauty of Manali.;

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Manali and begin the scenic drive to Shimla. En route, enjoy picturesque views of the Himalayan landscapes, charming valleys, rivers, and terraced fields, making for perfect photo opportunities. You will have the chance to visit popular stops along the way, including local villages and viewpoints, where you can soak in the serene beauty of Himachal Pradesh and experience its vibrant culture. The journey is filled with breathtaking panoramas, refreshing mountain air, and occasional stops for refreshments or photography. Upon arrival in Shimla, check in to your hotel and relax. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay, preparing for the next day’s exploration of the hill station;

After breakfast, embark on an exciting sightseeing tour of Shimla and its surroundings. Begin with a visit to Kufri, a picturesque hill station perched at an altitude of 2,622 meters. Renowned as a perfect holiday paradise, Kufri offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, along with a variety of adventure and sports activities, making it a favorite destination for tourists. In the evening, enjoy leisure time strolling along The Mall and The Ridge, Shimla’s vibrant shopping and cultural hubs. Admire the town’s colonial architecture, including the neo-Gothic Christ Church and the neo-Tudor library building, which reflect Shimla’s rich heritage. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, soaking in the cool mountain air and serene ambiance of one of North India’s most beloved hill resorts.;