The Himalayas have always drawn travelers, adventurers, and pilgrims with their stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Now, reaching these mountains is easier than ever with the Vande Bharat Express. This modern train provides a smooth and comfortable ride, offering a unique travel experience, particularly for those traveling to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
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Imagine planning your journey to the majestic Himalayas. As you envision the breathtaking scenery, you might find yourself pondering the best routes, comparing travel options, and seeking a blend of speed and comfort. This guide becomes your dedicated companion, offering details about how the Vande Bharat Express can transform your travel by connecting major cities with these mountainous regions. You’ll find everything you need to make your itinerary seamless and enjoyable if you’re planning a trip on this train.
The Vande Bharat Express: A Modern Marvel
The Vande Bharat Express is a fast, modern train developed by Indian Railways. It’s renowned for its comfort and efficiency, offering features such as modern amenities, eco-friendly technology, and a stylish design. This train sets a new standard for travel, whether you’re a commuter, pilgrim, or tourist.
The Vande Bharat Express stands out from regular trains due to its premium features, including air-conditioned seating and Wi-Fi. Passengers can sink into comfortable seats while the gentle hum of the train’s movement creates an atmosphere of tranquility. Advanced management systems ensure a smooth journey, and as you relax, the subtle aromas from the catering services prepare you for a culinary delight. The train’s modern restrooms maintain a pristine environment. Through the large windows, the majestic mountain light bathes the cabin, casting a serene glow on travelers and offering uninterrupted views of the breathtaking landscapes, making it an exceptional choice for trips through the Himalayas.
Vande Bharat Express in the Himalayan States
Several Vande Bharat services have been introduced to connect key destinations in the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. As the fastest way to reach the peaks, these trains offer a speed and comfort advantage compared to other travel modes. They provide essential connectivity to pilgrims, tourists, and daily commuters, making the journey not just quicker but also more enjoyable. With Vande Bharat, the Himalayas have never been closer.
1. New Delhi – Amb Andaura Vande Bharat Express (Himachal Pradesh)
The New Delhi–Amb Andaura Vande Bharat Express is a prime example of how the Vande Bharat Express is transforming travel in the Himalayan states.
- Train Numbers: 22447/22448
- Distance: ~437 km
- Journey Time: ~5 hours 15–25 minutes
- Frequency: 6 days a week (does not run on Tuesdays)
This service connects the capital city, New Delhi, with Amb Andaura in Himachal Pradesh, passing through major stations such as Ambala Cantt, Chandigarh, and Una Himachal. Historically, traversing these mountain routes via older trains used to consume nearly double the time, highlighting the quantum leap in efficiency that the Vande Bharat Express represents. The express offers a quicker alternative to traditional trains, providing premium amenities for a luxurious journey.
Route & Halts:
- 22447: New Delhi → Ambala Cantt → Chandigarh → Anandpur Sahib → Una Himachal → Amb Andaura
- 22448: Amb Andaura → Una Himachal → Anandpur Sahib → Chandigarh → Ambala Cantt → New Delhi
This route is ideal for those visiting Himachal Pradesh for leisure or pilgrimage purposes. Whether you’re traveling for the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train experience or are booking via IRCTC Bharat Darshan Train services, this Vande Bharat Train offers convenience and comfort.
Onboard Amenities:
- Catering services are available.
- Vande Bharat booking can be done via the IRCTC website or mobile app.
- Tickets can also be booked through a railway ticket agent near me.
2. Dehradun–Anand Vihar Terminal Vande Bharat Express (Uttarakhand)
The Dehradun–Anand Vihar Terminal Vande Bharat Express is another important train, connecting Uttarakhand’s hills with the national capital.
- Train Numbers: 22457 / 22458
- Distance: ~302 km
- Journey Time: ~4 hours 45 minutes
- Frequency: 6 days a week (does not run on Wednesday)
This is the first Vande Bharat service in Uttarakhand, making it a special occasion for the region. The train connects Dehradun with Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, stopping at stations such as Haridwar, Roorkee, and Saharanpur. It offers faster travel and modern facilities for business, leisure, or pilgrimage.
Pilgrim Perks: This service is particularly beneficial for pilgrims visiting Haridwar, offering significant time savings and added comfort during their sacred journeys.
Business Day Trip: For business travelers, reaching key destinations like Saharanpur efficiently makes it a practical choice for day trips with modern conveniences. Enjoy uninterrupted Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
Route & Halts:
- Dehradun → Haridwar → Roorkee → Saharanpur → Muzaffarnagar → Meerut City → Anand Vihar Terminal
Onboard Amenities:
- Modern facilities such as air-conditioned coaches, comfortable seating, and clean restrooms
- Vande Bharat booking is available on the IRCTC platform.
- It’s a viable option if you want premium travel and are looking for train discounts.
3. Lucknow–Dehradun Vande Bharat Express (Uttarakhand)
The Lucknow–Dehradun Vande Bharat Express is another important train, offering fast and comfortable travel between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- Train Numbers: 22545 / 22546
- Distance: ~545 km
- Journey Time: ~8 hours 20 minutes
The train passes through cities such as Bareilly, Moradabad, and Najibabad on its way to Dehradun. It offers the same modern amenities and premium experience as other Vande Bharat trains, making it a top choice for travelers heading to the Himalayas.
4. Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express (Jammu & Kashmir)
The Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express provides quick, direct, and comfortable travel between Jammu and Srinagar, passing through beautiful areas of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Train Numbers: 26401 / 26402
- Distance: ~272 km
- Journey Time: ~4 hours 40 minutes
- Frequency: 6 days a week (does not run on Tuesday)
This train is perfect for pilgrims going to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, as it connects Jammu to the shrine. It also stops at Banihal, another important place in Jammu & Kashmir.
Route & Halts:
- Jammu → Banihal → Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra → Srinagar
Onboard Amenities:
- Premium onboard facilities like AC coaches and catering services
5. Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express (Jammu & Kashmir)
The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is another important train in Jammu & Kashmir, offering a shorter but just as comfortable trip between these cities.
- Train Numbers: 26403 / 26404
- Distance: ~191 km
- Journey Time: ~3 hours
- Frequency: 6 days a week (does not run on Tuesday)
This train is convenient for pilgrims traveling from Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi, to Srinagar.
Route & Halts:
- Katra → Banihal → Srinagar
6. New Delhi–Srinagar Sleeper Vande Bharat Express (Jammu & Kashmir)
If you are traveling between New Delhi and Srinagar, the sleeper Vande Bharat Train is a convenient and affordable choice.
- Distance: ~800 km
- Journey Time: ~13 hours
- Frequency: 6 days a week (does not run on Tuesday)
This sleeper train offers AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and AC First Class options, making it a suitable choice for budget travelers and pilgrims.
Route & Key Halts:
- New Delhi → Ambala Cantt → Ludhiana → Kathua → Jammu Tawi → Katra → Sangaldan → Banihal → Srinagar
Fare (Approximate):
- AC 3-Tier: ₹2,000
- AC 2-Tier: ₹2,500
- AC First Class: ₹3,000+
Booking and Travel Tips
- You can book Vande Bharat tickets on the IRCTC website or mobile app. These platforms also provide train timetables and chart preparation times to help you plan your trip.
- Tatkal ticket booking opens one day before the journey at 10:00 AM. Booking early helps you get a seat.
- If you want train ticket offers or discounts, look for promotions on IRCTC or ask your local railway ticket agent.
- Festival Round Trip Scheme – Indian Railways has introduced a special round trip scheme that offers 20% discount on return fares for passengers booking festival journeys. This scheme makes traveling to the Himalayas during festive seasons more affordable while enjoying the premium comfort of Vande Bharat Express.
- The UTS app helps you manage train bookings and tickets on the go. It’s especially useful if you’re planning a longer trip to the Himalayas with tour packages.
- If you encounter any issues during your trip, you can contact the railway helpline for assistance.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Vande Bharat Express in the Himalayan states has revolutionized train travel, offering passengers increased speed, comfort, and luxury. Whether you want to take a Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train or just explore the mountains, this train offers a memorable journey. Easy booking, modern features, and quick travel times make it a top choice for visiting the Himalayas.
The Vande Bharat Express has truly changed the Himalaya Yatra, making travel faster, more comfortable, and easier than ever. As dawn breaks, imagine the train gliding gently into a serene mountain station, the first rays of sunlight casting a golden hue over snow-dusted ridges. This captivating imagery not only underscores the promise of revolutionized travel but also provides an indelible reminder of the tranquil splendor and seamless journey awaiting passengers.