IRCTC Tour Packages

IRCTC Tour Packages – Complete Guide 2025

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has become one of the most trusted names in travel planning. Through IRCTC tour packages, travelers can book all-inclusive trips that combine train or flight tickets, hotel accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and even travel insurance. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a religious pilgrimage, or an international holiday, IRCTC offers curated packages for every need.

In 2025, IRCTC continues to expand its network with Bharat Gaurav tourist trains, rail–land combos, LTC packages, and international tours, making it easier than ever to travel hassle-free.

What Are IRCTC Tour Packages?

IRCTC tour packages are pre-planned itineraries where transportation, lodging, and meals are bundled into a single booking. The idea is simple—travellers don’t need to arrange different components separately. Instead, IRCTC takes care of the logistics, permits, food, guides, and transfers so you can focus on enjoying the trip. Key benefits include:

All-inclusive costs (with clear inclusions/exclusions).
Safe and reliable travel under government guidelines.
Escorted group tours with professional tour managers.
Affordable pricing with part-payment and LTC options.

Types of IRCTC Tour Packages

IRCTC has diversified its portfolio over the years. Here are the main types:

Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains – Special theme-based trains covering pilgrimage circuits and heritage destinations. These trains offer Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC classes, with onboard pantry cars, infotainment, and CCTV surveillance.
Deluxe AC Bharat Gaurav Trains – A luxury variant with AC I/II/III coaches, shower cubicles, rail restaurants, modern kitchen cars, and plush interiors for comfort.
Rail–Land Packages – Travelers reach the origin city by themselves, after which IRCTC handles local transport, hotels, sightseeing, and transfers.
Air Packages (Domestic & International) – Curated flight-based itineraries for popular Indian cities and international destinations like Nepal, Thailand, Europe, Japan, and Vietnam.
LTC Packages for Central Government Employees – Designed to comply with Leave Travel Concession (LTC) rules, with part-payment facilities and eligibility for LTC reimbursement.

Spotlight 2025: Trending IRCTC Pilgrimage Circuits

In 2025, pilgrimage tourism continues to dominate IRCTC’s offerings. Popular examples include:

7 Jyotirlinga Yatra (11N/12D) – Covering Somnath, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar, and Kashi Vishwanath.
- Ramayana Yatra – A themed journey retracing the life of Lord Rama, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Rameshwaram, and Janakpur (Nepal).*
Vaishno Devi & Amritsar Tours – Short-duration packages ideal for North India pilgrims.

These packages usually include train travel, onboard meals, hotel accommodation, local transfers, and sightseeing. Pricing varies by class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC) and season.

Domestic vs International IRCTC Tour Packages

IRCTC offers both domestic and international experiences:

Domestic Packages: Cover regions like North India (Golden Triangle, Himachal, Uttarakhand), South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh), North East (Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim), and coastal destinations like Goa and Konkan.
International Packages: Popular circuits include Nepal pilgrimage tours, Thailand beach holidays, Sri Lanka Ramayana circuits, and Europe/Japan cultural tours. IRCTC provides flight bookings, hotel stays, transfers, and guides, but travelers must check visa and entry requirements separately.

How to Choose the Right IRCTC Tour Package

With so many options, selecting the right package requires planning. Use this checklist:

- Origin city – Choose packages starting from your nearest city.*
- Travel class – Sleeper, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, or AC Deluxe.*
Hotel category – Budget, standard, or deluxe.
Meal plan – Vegetarian, Jain meals, or special requests.
Sightseeing list – Confirm inclusions/exclusions.
Fitness level – Some pilgrim circuits require walking/trekking.
Budget & payment flexibility – Look for part-payment options.
Cancellation terms – Understand refund policies in advance.

Step-by-Step: How to Book IRCTC Tour Packages Online

Booking IRCTC packages online is simple:

Visit irctctourism.com.
Select Domestic Tours or International Tours.
Filter by origin, theme (pilgrimage, leisure), duration, or transport type.
Open a package page → review itinerary, inclusions, hotels, and terms.
Select travel date, class, room occupancy.
Make payment (part-payment available for some packages).
Receive e-voucher and keep helpline/reporting details handy.You can also track your train booking updates anytime using IRCTC PNR Status before departure.

Fares, Inclusions & Exclusions

Typical inclusions:

Train or flight tickets
Hotel stay
Meals (as per itinerary)
Local transfers & sightseeing
Escort/guide services
Insurance

Common exclusions:

Monument entry fees
Boat rides or cable cars
Camera/video charges
Porterage & personal expenses
Tips to guides/drivers

Example: A 7 Jyotirlinga tour may cost ₹15,000–₹30,000 per person depending on class and hotel type.

Payments, Part-Payment & LTC Rules

IRCTC allows part-payment for select packages:

- 30% upfront for air packages and balance 70% later.*
25% upfront for rail/land packages, balance before departure.
Must book at least 35 days before travel to avail part-payment.

For Central Government employees, IRCTC offers LTC-compliant packages, ensuring eligibility for reimbursement.

Cancellations, Refunds & Changes

Cancellation policies depend on the package:

Early cancellations (30+ days before departure) get higher refunds.
Name changes or ticket reissues may attract charges.
For air packages, airline fare rules also apply.
Always read the Cancellation & Refund section before booking.

Safety, Comfort & Sustainability Tips

Carry multiple copies of ID proof and booking voucher.
Confirm reporting point & contact person before departure.
For international trips, check visa, vaccination, and currency rules.
Choose sustainable travel options (avoid littering, respect local customs).
Follow Ministry of Tourism guidelines for safe travel.

2025 Package Ideas & Sample Itineraries

Some exciting IRCTC ideas for 2025 include:

Ramayana Yatra Deluxe AC Train – Luxury pilgrimage journey.
Kashi–Prayagraj–Ayodhya tour – Spiritual short trip.
Northeast India Fly & Stay – Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim circuits.
Goa & Konkan Coastal Tours – Beach and heritage combos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are IRCTC Bharat Gaurav tourist trains?
These are theme-based trains covering heritage and religious circuits with Sleeper/AC coaches, pantry cars, CCTV, and infotainment. A Deluxe AC variant offers luxury facilities.

Q2. Are meals and hotels included in IRCTC tour packages?
Yes, meals and hotels are included, but always check the inclusions list on the package page.

Q3. How do I book IRCTC tour packages online?
Visit irctctourism.com, filter packages, review itinerary, select dates/class, pay, and download your e-voucher.

Q4. Can Central Government employees use LTC with IRCTC?
Yes, IRCTC provides LTC-compliant tour packages and even IRCTC Air LTC bookings.

Q5. What are popular IRCTC pilgrimage packages in 2025?
The 7 Jyotirlinga Yatra, Ramayana Yatra, and Vaishno Devi tours are among the most popular.

Q6. Do IRCTC packages show hotel details?
Most packages list hotel categories/names or equivalent standards. Always confirm before booking.

Q7. Are there international IRCTC packages?
Yes, IRCTC offers tours to Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, and Japan.

Final Tips to Maximize Value

Book early to secure preferred class/hotels.
Always read exclusions and cancellation rules.
For international packages, check visa requirements.
Use only the official IRCTC Tourism website to avoid fraud.
Compare Bharat Gaurav vs Deluxe AC trains for comfort and budget.